Removing Windows XP SP2

I got a new laptop recently, but I found out that many of the programs
will not work with SP2. Unfortunately, SP2 is already
pre-installed on the machine.

When I tried to remove it, I realized that it doesn't appear in the
list of Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel. I read
through the MS Knowledge Base, but their suggestions are useless.

If any of you have some idea of how to get rid of SP2, please let me know. Thanks in advance.

That's wierd. It is showing up in the software list here.

If you're unlucky, they used some kind of cd with SP2 files already
integrated (streamed) into WinXP. I don't think you can remove it then.

Which programs won't work? Have you tried getting new versions, or searching their websites/message boards for fixes and workarounds?

I think it's less to do with SP2 making it not work, and more likely that something else is the problem... SP2 doesn't change much apart from some internet security and networking stuff, both of which can be turned off anyway.

If it came pre installed the only way to get rid of it is to nuke and pave.

Also, sp2 has made me change the cardinal rule i give to all users i support.

"If you dont know what it means click on NO."

The first thing they hit is the internet. The fire wall gives them something they dont read because, well, lets face it, they are starfish. They dont understand and they click on NO. Then they call me and neep about not being able to get on the internet.

UGH!!

I think it's less to do with SP2 making it not work, and more
likely that something else is the problem... SP2 doesn't change much
apart from some internet security and networking stuff, both of which
can be turned off anyway.

SP2 breaks all sorts of stuff. The MS site for SP2 has the complete list, you should see it :razz:

It's actually a Java tool called Versata. I need it for my fiance
because she uses this computer from time to time, and she's a Java
developer.

Wiping the hard drive clean has come to mind, and I might have to do it.

Control pannel----> add/remove programs------> Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Although I recomend fixing any problems before removing this.....

personally, i do not think you can un-install something that you never installed in the first place.

i mean, for most of us SP-2 is something we go and get from MS, but since it came with the laptop, it seems to me that someone used an updated version of the winXP installer, that included the pack as part of its original installation process.

if it means that much to you, you can always reformat the machine and put your own version of the opsys in without the SP-2.

i can taboo for you. "WinXP Pro Corp"

Control pannel----> add/remove programs------> Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Wouldn't that be easy? But as I said in the original post:

When I tried to remove it, I realized that it doesn't appear in the
list of Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel.

If it's that simple, I wouldn't be posting this in the forum. SP2
isn't listed in the choices, and I suspect it's because it was never
installed "separately". It was probably an integrated part of the
one-time factory install.

I am pretty certain the only way is to reformat and re-install a
version of Win XP without the SP2 already infiltrated into the setup.

why did you say the exact same thing i said in the post above you, as if it were the first time it was written? :rolleyes:

Because apparently some people need repetition to really have the idea sink in.

well then.. :biggrin:

i'll have you know however, i have been trying to do that ever since i arrived here, and the really thick skulls are determined to remain dense.

you are in for a long haul my friend.

Removing any version of Windows that comes with your computer is virtually impossible. Do a full reformat of your hard disc and reinstall everything. It worked for me.