SP2 install problem

Hey everybody,

This is a problem I had a while back, finally getting around to posting about it.

I install WinXP SP2. I can no longer drag&drop or cut&paste (among other problems). Have to reinstall windows.

The reason I'm finally bringing it up, is that I recently installed Windows XP and service pack 2 on my sister's computer, and it worked flawlessly. I used the same copy of Windows XP, the same CD key etc. I did it in the same sequence (went straight to WindowsUpdate after installing network drivers). The only difference between the two situations, one where it worked properly and one where it didnt, is the hardware.

How can hardware mess up SP2?

Anywho, if I'm wrong somehow, and there is no way SP2 installation should fail on one comp and succeed on another, tell me how I messed up.

If not, then could it actually be a hardware issue? The thing is, I had this problem long ago, and again now. The only thing that has remained constant is my motherboard, an Asus A7V8X-X, and my sound card, an SB audigy gamer. Everything else has been replaced by me at some point (I go with sort of a frankenstein approach to my desktop). Could my old, never-updated MB bios be causing the problem? I checked Asus' support site, and they dont mention it, but I have no idea.

Does anybody know the solution to my dilemna?

Edit- Apparently I used a bad word. I guess nobody is allowed to mention those things that you use to hold your case on your computer. Or at least, use them as a verb.

 

You are using the same WinXP key on both computers? If so that is your problem. You are only allowed to legally install WinXP on one computer per key. SP2 will not install on the illegal installation.

 

Alrighty, that's new. I remember the good old days when your family could share Windows legally. Or at least, I thought you could... maybe they just didn't enforce it.

So, the question is, would it install, but horribly mess up my computer in the process, if I used the same CD key? Because doing that without warning you seems sort of mean... =)

 

As far as understand, SP2 would install on any Windows XP with valid key - regardless of whether you have installed it on one computer or hundreds. It would NOT activate on more than one computer. Correct me if I am wrong.

 

After looking a bit more in-depth into it, it seems like hotfix 890047 was a possible culprit. However, this only affects drag & drop (the people who mentioned the problem specifically said they could still cut & paste), and it doesn't cause any of my other problems (windows installer no longer works, for one, so I can't uninstall SP2), and I don't even have hotfix 890047 on my list.

Spyware and malware aren't the problem, since this is on a fresh install. I will just have to try bios and firmware updates next time I feel like taking a risk and trying to install SP2.