XP Pro SP2 "freezing" problem

OK, I'm a newbie to this site, so if this has been addressed, please forgive me. I have just upgraded (again) my Windows XP Pro to SP2. I cannot get access to several of my Windows components now. Control Panel, Windows Explorer and others in that vein. The computer acts as if it is going to start, sets for about 30 seconds and then refreshes the screen but never opens the programs. I have installed SP2 two other times over the past few months and when I have had this problem I have just un-installed it and went on. Can anyone help me here, or should I just permanently un-install SP2 and be done with it?

 

you need to download and install all critical and important updates from windows update before you install sp2.....install all your latest drivers and important software before you install sp2..reboot your computer and let windows load completly beofre you install..after install wait a few minutes then reboot...should be stable after that..if not there may be some wierd registry,service or start-up program action going on...if i helped you..can you read my post about award bios?=)

 

Thanks for the info. I have ordered the disc from Microsoft. We'll see how that goes after it gets here.