Windows Update Bsod

ok, i have automatic update on. I am running windows Xp pro, SP2 beta. Now, this is the problem;

A few hours ago my computer was running fine. windows updated automatically, and it asked me to restart. I kept ignoring that message. I then noticed windows started acting funny. Whenever i clicked on the icons on my desktop, they didnt open, it kept saying "windows has encountered an error, send error message, do not send" box. i couldnt click on any of the icons on my start menu, or on my desktop.
SO, i decided to restart my computer. But, before i did that, i had an feeling that it was Windows Update that had caused this problem. but i restarted it anyway.
The windows loading screen came up, but i noticed that something was different. where it had "professional" written on it had gone. All it said was Windows XP, no professional. and then, when the loading had finished, a blue screen quickly flashes 4 like a fraction of a second, and then windows restarts itself. This process wouldnt stop unless i switched my PC off.
Safe mode and things didnt work. nothing worked. the only choice I had was 2 format my C:/ drive, and reinstall everything, LOL

Now, what i wanna know is, was it Windows update that did this? Why did the "professional" bit of the writing go away from the loading screen?

 

It's possible that it was the Windows Update but I would be more inclined to think you had a bug of some kind.

It may also be the Beta SP2.

 

one side of me wants to get the full SP2, but the other half of me is scared that it might mess everything up LOL

 

I run SP1 and SP2 on different machines along with 2000 SP 4 and a couple of versions of Linux. I prefer Linux though it has limitations so I use my Laptop most of the time with XP SP2 and it runs pretty good overall. I am kind of a nut about running anti-virus and spyware software and I think that helps keep my system clean along with the ZoneAlarm Firewall.

 

Since you have a fresh installation, now is the best time to install SP2. The problems with SP2 are normally caused by outside applications. Make sure any programs you install are up to date and install older programs one at a time and set a restore point afterwards so if it has compatibility problems, it will be easier to single out the culprit and fix the problem.

 

There's no point of a restore point, because if it does go wrong, i wont be able 2 start windows

 

so, is there anything else i can do?

 

Unless I have misunderstood you have just reformatted and reinstalled Windows. Before you install any programs is the best time to update to SP2 and make sure your antivirus is deactivated when you actually install it. SP2 is not the problem, it is usually a confict caused by another application. Millions of people have updated without problems. As far as the boot screen, everyone's changed. Mine used to say 'Windows XP Home Edition' until I updated. After that, it was the same as yours. As far as system restore I meant: After your reinstallation, install the SP2 update and reboot. Then reinstall your programs one at a time and set a restore point. If the program works without problems then install another one following the same procedure.

 

When you install SP2, it won't say Professional anymore, just Windows XP.

That's just how it is and happens to everyone.

 

But i have quite a lot of programmes installed now, except 4 games, so its not really fresh