I've just had to reinstall Windows (XP, SP1 for now), and I'm havoing trouble getting back to SP3. Normally I'm pretty good at this, but this I'm having so much trouble with… Any help?
Have you heard of Slipstreaming? It's this technique that Microsoft accounts for and provides functionality to do when creating Service Packs.
Basically, it creates a new Windows XP disc that derives from your original Windows XP disc, but it has SP3 inbuilt. It is perfectly legal, and as I have stated, Microsoft helps us (because the function to do it is a documented inbuilt feature of the SP file).
I have done this because I hate having to install XP, and then install the service pack — it is almost like installing XP twice. I also do it because it saves memory (there is no "temporary location" for the Service Pack install files).
I have found a good tutorial for this, using the free (and very handy) nLite application (which requires .Net Framework 2.0). I used this application, by the way.
Do this, and then do a clean installation of Windows XP from your newly burnt disc. I guarantee, NO problems with installing SP3 using this method.
Kanjo, you're a lifesaver. I thank thee so much.
Curious, what was the outcome? Have you done it yet?
Yeah, it all worked. I just need to get MWS working right again. :(
As for my other apps on the computer, I was mostly using them on my desktop, so I haven't bothered putting them back on, and I probably won't until I need them. Not tht anybody cares.
Ahh, good. I get worried when I guarantee something, and the person doesn't get back to me to say it all worked. MWS?
Magic Workstation. Just a program I use a lot. And most of where I frequent knows the abbreviation, so I forget it isn't used here.
I know what you mean. I meant to post, but you beat me to asking.