I've downloaded SP2, but before I install it, I want to be sure I can go back in case it screws everything up.

I'm ashamed to admit...I don't know how to do a back up...

Depends on how much trouble you want to go to.

The easiest way, if you keep all your documents in the my documents folder, is to just drag that to a CD. Something goes wrong, you have to reinstall your software from disk (you DO have the original disks, right?) and then you can get your personal files back from the CD you just made.

If you'd rather do something a little longer, that will put all your settings back the way you had them if something goes wrong, go to the help files and look up "system restore"

Backing up in its simplest form is taking data from one area, making a copy and storing it somewhere in case the data on the computer gets corrupted, deleted or whatever.

There are different forms of backups. I'll just focus on file backup, files & settings backup & full system backup and what would need to be done in case of system failure.

File backup is taking information like your documents & pictures, making a copy of it and storing it somewhere else. It is recommended that backups are stored on an external source, like on CD, DVD, tape, a different hard drive, a different computer, etc. In case of system failure you would need to reinstall Windows, reinstall all your software & reconfigure all your setiings, but your data will be safe and you would just need to copy (restore) from the backup.

Windows XP has a feature called the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard which not only backs up your data, but also backs up your settings, like your IE favorites, backgrounds, themes, network drives, email settings, etc. This is very useful when transfering files and settings from an old computer to a new computer. In case of system failure you would need to reinstall Windows and all your software, but your files and settings will be restored from the file created by the wizard.

A full system backup, for this discussion, is making an image of your drive with a program like Ghost or DriveImage. This creates a mirror image of your hard drive. In case of total system failure all you would do is reimage the drive from the file made by Ghost or DriveImage and you would be back in business.

Personally I like doing a Full System backup, but what should you do? In your case I would first create a restore point using System Restore as wmspringer suggested, then use the Files & Settings Transfer Wizard. But, make sure you 1) can store the file that will be created on a storage medium other than on the computer itself 2) have your Windows CD & license key in case you need to reinstall Windows and 3) have all your software & license keys handy.

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. <----No Joke!

Thanks, I printed this out and will give it a try tonight.

Wish me luck!

Take it one step at a time, don't rush things and if you have questions just ask.

Well I went down to the computer, and my little icon in the system tray said I had one download to install (the sp2). So, I first did the restore point and Files & Settings transfer. Then, I decided to reboot before installing the SP2, since it had been a while since rebooting. After it rebooted, I was told I had 4 security updates to download, which I did, and installed them. But I never installed SP2!

But it's not telling me I have anymore updates to install. How do I know if it was installed?

one way is if you have a section in the start menu that says "set program access and defaults"

Click on your "Start" button, and then "Control Panel". Double click on the "Add or Remove Programs" icon, and check the box at the top that says "Show Updates" (may not need to do this, but doesn't hurt). Scroll down and see if you see Windows XP Service Pack 2 in the list.

Thanks guys! It had not been installed, but I got it installed just a bit ago.

Seems fine so far!

recommend you grab this great li'l tool, install and run it. Among other things it'll list all your installed patches & SPs and more accurately report if they installed *correctly* than microsoft's Windows Update (WU) site will. It's free, it's fast, and you'lll love it.

http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

No, I have that in SP1, it was an update to SP1 that put it there.

Right click on My Computer > Properties. It will tell you on the screen that pops up