WinXP SP2 install

I have just done a complete restore of my pc using the Restore CD that came with it since it would not boot up - may have been caused by a virus or malware, but could not attempt to clean it. Now I am trying to update my 'restored' pc with Windows Update. I have succeeded with a few updates, but it keeps prompting me to Express Install Windows Service Pack 2. I am getting nowhere with this download/install. Nothing happens. Of course, my pc in its original factory state did not have SP 1 installed - but before I 'restored' it I had upgraded to SP2. I am aware that MS is no longer supporting SP1 or SP2 - so then why is it suggesting that I install SP2 when it won't allow me to do so? Is it necessary to have SP1 in order to install SP2? and since neither is being supported by MS - how then can I have SP2 or even SP3 installed? Answers and suggestions are much appreciated.

 

SP1...... http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=0136e5f8-1684-4202-b2d0-c6a43430f12a

SP2...... http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a

SP3..... http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4

iain.t :major

 

Thanks for ur reply. However, it really does not seem to answer my concerns...that is, does SP1 have to be installed before installing SP2, ...and should SP2 be previously installed before SP3?
Also, the links you provided for d/l of SP 2 seem to be only available for professional IT and not single home users. Any further insights re my original question and concerns?

 

Hey chukeej,

According to (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/cc164204.aspx), it is recommended that you at least install SP1 before you install SP3, however SP2 is not required.

Both that site and (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389/) provide much needed information and links to the various service packs.

More direct links:

Service Pack 3 for Windows XP (32Bit) - http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

So install SP1 from the links above, then reboot and install SP3.

Simon

 

Greetings, chukeej.

The links provided by iain.t are valid - they are for stand-alone downloads that you can save and install at your leisure, as opposed to online updates.

Don't worry: they work just fine for 'single home users'.