What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2

Note: Windows XP SP2 is a very large file, and could take a significant amount of time to download, depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

If you are unfamiliar with installing software, it is important to know what to expect and what steps you can take to prevent difficulties or solve them later. This information can help you successfully download and install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) on a single computer.

Note: If you plan to install the service pack from the Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 product CD, read the installation instructions available on the CD. To install SP2 on more than one computer or over a network, see Windows XP Service Pack 2 Resources for IT Professionals.

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