Problem with installing SP2

Hi all,
Not sure if this is the right place for this thread, but anyway here goes.
I've been trying to install SP2 through windows updates, the process gets to halfway and stops. It gets stuck on "Running processes before installation". I have left my laptop on over night and the progress bar hasn't moved! How long should installing SP2 take? Looking in add/remove programs I have a lot of windows xp hotfixes installed, not sure what these are.
My spec's are:
XP home
P4 3ghz
60gb hdd
512mb ddr
Acer aspire laptop
Any ideas? Looking in add/remove programs I have a lot of windows xp hotfixes installed, not sure what these are.

 

it shouldn't take that long. i'd kill it, reboot, and try again.

 

I cancelled the installation and then when I rebooted my computer I was told it was in an unstable state and I should uninstall SP2 from add/remove programs. Don't know why it does this when I cancel installation?!
I tried installation again and had the same problem. I didn't want to try again until I know what the problem is because when I uninstall sp2 I have to reinstall hardware and network connections.

 

This post in MG may be helpful.

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=553837#post553837

 

Okay, I have ordered a CD and I will do the things in the link and I'll post if I have any problems.
Thanks Marjorie & Strogg!