Removing Service Pack 2

Hello there. I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 running Windows XP. I am trying to reformat my hard drive, and when I insert my windows xp cd and select "Install Windows XP", it tells me that it cannot install because the version of windows on the cd is older than the one on my computer. I have had this problem before, and the fix was to remove Service Pack 2 (through Add/Remove Programs). However, when I try to do so this time, after going through various steps (inspecting current config., checking necessary space, stopping services, restoring catalogs, running processes before uninstall) it ends up saying that the system cannot find the file specified and that Service Pack 2 was not uninstalled.

Many thanks in advance

Erik

 

You are trying to initiate the installation process from within Windows, which won't work for you for apparent reasons. Just simply boot your computer with the XP CD in the tray & your computer should boot from it and begin the installation process. If it doesn't seem to want to boot from the CD, check your BIOS and change the boot order to put the CD drive ahead of the Hard Drive & try it again.

 

Remember to disconnect from the Internet while installing Windows.
Remember after the install to activate the XP Firewall before connecting to the Windows Update for installing SP2 again.

 

Worked like a charm! Thanks!!