ARCHIVED: How do I remove Windows XP SP2?

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Note: You cannot remove Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) from a computer on which Windows was installed from a CD that also included SP2. SP2 is a permanent part of Windows in that case; the removal program rolls back to the prior Windows installation, which in this case would include Windows XP SP2.

For security reasons, if you are running Windows XP, UITS recommends that you install Windows XP SP2. However, your computer can be up to date on patches without having Windows XP SP2, although updates in service packs have gone through more testing than the original updates, and may include important changes that aren't available in the original updates. This includes having auto-update enabled and turning on the Windows personal firewall. Windows XP SP2 does this all automatically, so if you choose not to install Windows XP SP2, you must be more diligent about taking the proper security measures on your computer.

Note: You'll have to have Windows XP SP2 to install Windows XP security fixes, and to connect to the Indiana University network from campus housing.

If you've installed Windows XP SP2 and are having problems, first try to troubleshoot with the documents below:

After troubleshooting, if you decide to remove Windows XP SP2, you can find removal instructions at the Microsoft Help and Support web site; search for article 875350.

Note: This Microsoft Help and Support article contains instructions for editing the registry, which can potentially cause Windows to fail or be unable to boot. Microsoft recommends that you uninstall Windows XP SP2 via the Add or Remove Programs tool, for which the article also has instructions. If you decide to use the instructions that edit the registry, back it up before making any changes. For instructions, see ARCHIVED: In Windows, how do I back up the registry?

This is document aprx in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2018-01-18 14:34:00.