Unable to install sp2 and other updates!

I installed a fresh copy of windows xp home on a compaq laptop due to spyware and other system problems. Now, I try to install sp2 and the installation stops close to the end of the process. I am using LAN internet. The system does not freezes, but the installer does not complete. After 2 or 3 hours I cancel the instalation and restart the system. Once it boots up, the start bar does not come up, none of the icons come up and there is a message box saying the sp2 installation was not completed, and instructs removal and re instalation wchich ofcourse I cannot do. Before cleaning out the system for the first time, I intalled a tool to check for the instalation of sp2, however, it said that I had to reinstal it, whcih I could not do. Now the problem is that I cannot install any software throught the internet, I tried to download Windows anti-spyware and the the download runs, however, installation never occurs.
I would like to know what can I do in this case and will appreciate any help
thank you.
teck

 

teck--I wonder if you have the Catroot2 problem. See this reference
http://mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsXP/SP2/common.php#crypt
(You have to scroll a bit upward to get the full suggestion.)

 

First thing that comes to mind (so is probably wrong ) is the original cleaning left something on the hdd (e.g in the mbr) or in the bios. would repeat cleaning, reinstall xp, and check it for a while, at least a few hours (running antivirus progs, etc.), to make sure everything is ok before attempting sp2.

 

Also, didn't MS end update support for non - SP1 or SP2 patched systems? Could be you'll need to order a free SP2 CD from MS.