How do I get SP2 for Windows XP Pro 32-bit?

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Level 2

154 points

How do I get SP2 for Windows XP Pro 32-bit?

I have Windows XP Pro 32-Bit... But as far as I know it does not have Service Pack 2 (SP2)... The Boot Camp instructions say you need at least SP2 to install boot camp and you can't install XP and then update to SP2... Is there a way around this?

Dual 2.8 Quad 12GB RAM 22xSuperDrive M-Audio iControl Korg nanoKontrol/nanoPad, Mac OS X (10.6.2), 20" Cinema Display, HK Sound Sticks, Logic, Edirol Keyboard Controller, Reason 4

Posted on Jan 7, 2010 12:03 AM

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Answer 1

Ron Ross1

Level 1

112 points

Jan 7, 2010 3:36 AM in response to James Bearde

Not really, unless someone knows a trick. You have to get a Windows XP disk with SP2 on it.

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Answer 2

Fortuny

Level 7

21,455 points

Jan 7, 2010 5:28 AM in response to James Bearde

Hi James,

easiest way to verify that your XP CD has SP2 incorporated is to look at the root directory of the CD for a file named 'win51ip.sp2'.
If there, then it is SP2. If not, well...

And there is a way to make yourself a XP CD with SP2 out of your pre-SP2 XP CD by following these instructions http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxpsp2slipstream.asp

But you have to do it on a Windows PC.

It might be possible (I haven't tried) to use something like VirtualBox http://www.virtualbox.org/ (or Parallels or VMWare Fusion) and install the pre-SP2 XP.
Then update that installed XP with the standalone SP2-updater and do the slipstream-process.

But as said, no guarantee it will work.

Hope it helps

Stefan

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Answer 3

James Bearde Author

Level 2

154 points

Jan 7, 2010 5:50 PM in response to Fortuny

I'll check out the ideas you provided... I'm not certain about my version being SP2... But I have a bad feeling it's not... I do have access to a Wintel Laptop of mine (which unfortunately has Vista on it) and could possibly try the link you gave me... I think If I could build a SP2 version of XP it would be the best way to go...

Also, I do have Parallels 5.0 which seems to run almost all operating systems (including linux) but even Parallels 5.0 requires XP w/ SP2.

You gave me some good advice and I appreciate it... I will check out the cd-rom first and see if it is SP2 or not... If it isn't I'll try the link. If you think of any other good ideas I be glad to hear them.

Thanks,
-J

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Answer 4

James Bearde Author

Level 2

154 points

Jan 7, 2010 6:01 PM in response to Fortuny

I checked the CD and there is a file called 'win51ip' but it doesn't carry the '.sp2' extension. Actually there is no extension at all. I'll look into the link you provided about making it a SP2 version. As far as I know you can't install a non-SP2 version and then download the updates with both bootcamp and parallels 5.0. So, I'll use my Vista laptop and make it a SP2 disc (if possible).

I'll keep you posted... Thanks again!

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Answer 5

Fortuny

Level 7

21,455 points

Jan 8, 2010 4:30 AM in response to James Bearde

Hi James,

a XP SP2 CD features three such files with similar names:
WIN51
WIN51IP
WIN51IP.SP2

The last one is (of course) the hint that the CD is at SP2 level.

The Vista laptop should do quite fine to make the SP2 CD.

That Parallels 5 needs XP with SP2 is new to me. Thanks for the info.

If problems arise, please feel free to ask.

Goor Luck

Stefan

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Answer 6

James Bearde Author

Level 2

154 points

Jan 8, 2010 9:11 AM in response to Fortuny

Stefan... My CD has the first two files:
WIN51
WIN51IP

But not the last file. I'm trying to decide if I want to make the SP2 CD or just dual boot the laptop... It's been a while since I've repartitioned and dual booted a Wintel system but I found some really good straight forward instructions on dual booting Vista and XP.

Unfortunately for me, the Instruction manual for Parallels 5.0 states very clearly Win XP w/ SP2. I was up late last night toying around w/ Vista... Now I know why so many people are still using XP.

The link you provided for making an SP2 CD seems rather straightforward too and I might give it a shot... I'm still back and forth with what I should do.

Thanks for the guidance thus far... I'll be sure to keep you updated as to my status.

-J

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