Before You Download Service Pack 2

  1. Print this page.
    Print this page so you will have it for reference as you download and install SP2.

  2. Start your computer and log on as an administrator.
    Administrators have complete and unrestricted access to the operating system and its settings. You can either log on with the user name Administrator, or use another account that is set up as a member of the Administrator group. To determine which permissions you have, in Control Panel, open User Accounts. The listings in the Group area tell you what kind of access you have to your computer's settings.

  3. If you use Fast User Switching, make sure all other users are logged off.
    For more information, go to the Help and Support Center on your computer and read the topic Fast User Switching.

  4. Perform a full backup of all your files.
    Note: Backing up your files is different from archiving the files used by the service pack, which is an option that you will see during the installation process. The option to archive files enables you to remove the service pack later if necessary. Use the Backup or Restore Wizard to make a copy of your personal files, such as your documents, pictures, or digital music. To open the wizard, from the Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Backup.

  5. Create an Automated System Recovery (ASR).
    This helps repair your setup if for any reason the installation fails.

    Note: If your computer is running Windows XP Home Edition, skip this step. ASR is not available for Windows XP Home Edition. For detailed instructions about system recovery:

    • In the Help and Support Center on your computer, read the topics To create an Automated System Recovery set using Backup and To recover from a system failure using Automated System Recovery.
    • In the Microsoft Knowledge Base online, read Microsoft Knowledge Base article 818903, Automated System Recovery Overview in Windows XP.

  6. Close all open programs.