Windows XP Service Pack 2 Express Installation

This installation may take quite some time to complete. The total time varies depending on a number of variables, such as the number of Hotfixes currently installed on the computer and the Internet connection speed. The Express Installation is typically a 100 megabyte (MB) download. To install Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 2 using the express installation method, follow these steps.

Note: You need to be logged on as an administrator or a member of the administrator's group in order to perform these tasks.

Note: You may need approximately 2GB of available hard disk space prior to installing Service Pack 2.

  1. Connect to the Internet.

  2. From the Start menu, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Update.

    Note: The first time the Windows Update Web site is used, you are prompted to install required software or controls. Click Yes for each of these.

  3. In Windows Update, click Install Now for updated software.

  4. Click Express Install (Recommended).

  5. Click Download and Install Now to install the latest version of Windows Update.
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  6. Windows Update downloads and installs the Background Intelligent Transfer Service 2.0 (BITS 2.0) component.
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  7. In the Installing Updates dialog box, click Restart Now. The computer restarts.
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  8. Connect to the Internet.

  9. From the Start menu, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Update.

  10. In Windows Update, click Express Install (Recommended).

  11. Single Installation: Windows XP Service Pack 2 should be listed. Click Install to install the updates.
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  12. In the Installing Updates dialog box, click I Accept.
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  13. Windows XP Service Pack 2 downloads.
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  14. In the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup Wizard dialog box, click Next.
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  15. Setup inspects the current configuration.
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  16. Setup checks for necessary disk space, backs up files, creates a restore point, and then installs necessary files.
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  17. In the Installing Updates dialog box, click Restart Now. The computer restarts.
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  18. Once the computer restarts, select the appropriate option on the Help protect your PC screen.
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Note: For information on how to use the Automatic Recovery feature to recover your computer if the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup program is not completed successfully, refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base article 875355.