Should I uninstall SP2

Since installing SP2 I have had quite a few problems.
Takes 5 to 6 minutes at start up
Computer freezes while browsing
A lot of times will not load a page, I only get the heading and then it stops.
It has become very slow.
Is it absolutely necessary to keep SP2 or is it safe to uninstall it, I had no problems like this until I installed it.

I would be grateful for your advice

 

Hello biddie,

By the way you present the problems, the answer is yes, uninstall SP2.

Questions for you:

How old is the System? Do you have up-to-date drivers, especially for video - keyboard - mouse?

One thing to try before uninstalling - toggle DEP: right click My Computer > advanced tab performance area > settings > Data Execution Prevention tab: two options, for essential Windows processes and for all programs. If the "all programs" is ticked - untick. If the "essential Windows processes" is ticked - untick.

Regards - Charles

 

If you decide to uninstall SP2, I guess you know you do it from Control Panel|Add/Remove Programs.
You could then try a reinstall, but note MS recommends you do several things before you install SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;windowsxpsp2
Actually, biddie, the problems you describe are quite typical of a PC that has spyware on it. Have you scanned with
AdAware
http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/ or
SpybotS&D
http://www.safer-networking.org/
??

 

I am betting that SP2 is not the real cause of the problems.

Did you by any stretch of the imagination install SP2 to FIX any problems that may have existed ? If any did exist SP2 would not do much more than further complicate matters.

I would suggest getting into the proper places ( TaskManager is one I believe ) and see what is loading that is not needed.

Services.msc is another good place to shutdown un-needed stuff. And there is a LOT of it too. Especially if Windows and other software are left to default install settings.

Another thing. If you have made any restore points since installing SP2 get rid of them as soon as you in-install SP2. Infact the install of SP2 SHOULD HAVE made a Restore point before the install started. You may be able to use that.

BillyBob

 

should I remove sp2

Hi Charles

Thank you for your reply. My computer is 15 months old.
I am not really computer wise and not aware I had to update drivers. Can you tell me how to do this please.
I will try what you said about unticking all windows

Thanks again Biddie

 

should i unstall sp2

Hi Jim
Thank you for your reply. I run Spybot as soon as I come offline and remove all spyware

Thanks again Biddie

 

Hi Billybob
Thank you also for your reply.
I only installed sp2 because it was highly recommended to do so.
I am not sure of what is safe to remove from taskmaster, as I still have a lot to learn about computers!
What exactly is a restore point?
Thanks again Biddie

 

You are welcome.

Who recommeded the install of SP2 ? Did they also inform you that the system needs to as error free as hummanly possible before installing SP2 ?

As to TaskManager. If you are not familiar with it, LEAVE IT ALONE.

Restore Point is a form of backup of the system. ( or parts of it any way )

I know how to use it but will let someone else explain it. ( they will probably do better )

BillyBob

 

Hello biddie,

To begin, take Jim's advice and scan for malware, pending that, more to do.

Information on System Restore and Drivers can be had this way:

Start > click on Help and Support. Type in System Restore into the search box, will tell you what it is and where it is. DO NOT do anything with System Restore for the time being, may need it to "rollback" SP2.

Type in drivers. Will give you examples on for instance printer drivers and info on updating drivers in general.

Regards - Charles