Windows XP SP 2 is stupid

[freemonkey]

A new computer comes with Windows XP with Service Pack 2 already loaded on it. Some of the owner's device drivers won't install properly with SP2. In fact, some manufacturer's state specifically "WARNING: DON'T INSTALL SP 2!!!" Is there a way to remove the SP2 components without reinstalling the OS?

[Ymir's blood]

Windows XP SP 2 is stupid
Tell me about it. Since installing SP2, my CD-RW+DVD drive can't read DVDs anymore. :hb:

[Dingfod]

Windows XP SP 2 is stupid
Tell me about it. Since installing SP2, my CD-RW+DVD drive can't read DVDs anymore. :hb:Mine either. I've just not cared enough to find out why it's happened or what software I need to load to make it work again.

[Ymir's blood]

Windows XP SP 2 is stupid
Tell me about it. Since installing SP2, my CD-RW+DVD drive can't read DVDs anymore. :hb:Mine either. I've just not cared enough to find out why it's happened or what software I need to load to make it work again.
It bugs me because my stand alone DVD player doesn't want to play certain DVDs and also because of a desire to get screen captures.

[Ymir's blood]

A new computer comes with Windows XP with Service Pack 2 already loaded on it. Some of the owner's device drivers won't install properly with SP2. In fact, some manufacturer's state specifically "WARNING: DON'T INSTALL SP 2!!!" Is there a way to remove the SP2 components without reinstalling the OS?
I tried uninstalling it, hoping that would fix programs that it screwed up but it didn't cause them to start working again. Uninstalling it doesn't seem to restore the registry or reinstall stuff that it removed. :(

[freemonkey]

crap.

[Ari]

Don't you love quality made products?

Considering all the things that an update installs or changes I would say completely reinstalling the OS (on any system) is probably the best way to prevent unexpected problems.

[Stormlight]

A new computer comes with Windows XP with Service Pack 2 already loaded on it. Some of the owner's device drivers won't install properly with SP2. In fact, some manufacturer's state specifically "WARNING: DON'T INSTALL SP 2!!!" Is there a way to remove the SP2 components without reinstalling the OS?

If it came pre-installed, most likely not, I'm afraid. There's an easy way to check: Open Control Panel --> Add/Remove Programs. If Service Pack 2 is in the list you can uninstall, otherwise you need to reinstall the OS.

Just to make sure: You did check for new drivers on the hardware manufacturer's websites, right?

[freemonkey]

If it came pre-installed, most likely not, I'm afraid. There's an easy way to check: Open Control Panel --> Add/Remove Programs. If Service Pack 2 is in the list you can uninstall, otherwise you need to reinstall the OS.
I don't think its listed there. Fortunately, we have the XP disc, and hopefully we have the option to not install SP2? That's a question.

Just to make sure: You did check for new drivers on the hardware manufacturer's websites, right?
Yes, we downloaded and installed them and they did not work. Some sites specify their drivers are not compatible with SP2. :fuming:

[JoeP]

Just for the record, I held off installing SP2 for ages, backed everything up and Ghosted ... and had no (new) problems at all. All my hardware is fine with it. (Plenty of pre-existing problems like my internal CD drive being slow and error-prone.)

[ceptimus]

I've been lucky with SP2. I've installed it on loads of PCs without any problems. I don't even bother to do the backup thing now before installing it. :eek:

[JoeP]

So, fm & yb, what hardware are you finding problems with?

[Zehava]

I don't think its listed there. Fortunately, we have the XP disc, and hopefully we have the option to not install SP2? That's a question.

If it is the cd that came with the computer it is likely just their "recovery cd" which returnes the computer to the state it was when you took it out of the box. All the software you installed since then will be gone. It will have SP2 integrated already.

If it is trully a Windows XP cd it should ays on it (IIRC) if it incorporates SP2.

I still have not updated my computer at home to SP2, and I have no plans on doing so.

[freemonkey]

So, fm & yb, what hardware are you finding problems with?
Its a little usb device (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackUSB-main.html), you plug it into the computer and can record guitar tracks through it.

If it is trully a Windows XP cd it should ays on it (IIRC) if it incorporates SP2.
It is, and it does say that. The question is, can SP2 not be installed if we reinstall XP?

[ceptimus]

I don't think so. You need an older XP install disk - one from before SP2 was invented.

I've not come across any drivers myself that worked with XP but won't work with SP2. Normally you can install NT or Win2000 drivers and just ignore the warning message about the drivers not being certified by MicroSloth.

Failing that, I would bow to the intevitable and throw the old gadget away (or sell it on eBay) and buy a newer model that works with SP2.

[JoeP]

Just short of cep's tough love approach, I'd bug the manufacturer for an updated driver. That's standard practice. (Assuming you have already tried to install it and it didn't work? Because it could be fine.)

[Ymir's blood]

I've tried updating the driver for the DVD player as well as some other thing whose name eludes me. Someone in chat tried to walk me through it and finally decided that the drive needed to be cleaned out with compressed air. That didn't work either.

[Stormlight]

I've tried updating the driver for the DVD player as well as some other thing whose name eludes me. Someone in chat tried to walk me through it and finally decided that the drive needed to be cleaned out with compressed air. That didn't work either.

Weird. What DVD player is it?

[freemonkey]

So look at this:
2 support request(s) submitted online or by a phone call are included at no charge. Unlimited installation support is available by phone at no charge.
All additional support requests are $35.00 US per request or use an existing Software Assurance Agreement or contract. Some support issues may not be covered under the listed charge.

They sell you shit and then charge you $35 per request for help in untangling the mess?

I'll ask here, in case I use up my 2 requests before getting Microsucks to give me an answer. Anyone know if its possible to buy Win XP without SP2?

[Skep]

So look at this:
2 support request(s) submitted online or by a phone call are included at no charge. Unlimited installation support is available by phone at no charge.
All additional support requests are $35.00 US per request or use an existing Software Assurance Agreement or contract. Some support issues may not be covered under the listed charge.

They sell you shit and then charge you $35 per request for help in untangling the mess?

I'll ask here, in case I use up my 2 requests before getting Microsucks to give me an answer. Anyone know if its possible to buy Win XP without SP2?
If your new computer came with WinXP SP2 preinstalled, you've got an OEM version that should be supported under warranty by the computer manufacturer. That said, the problem remains that you have a device whose manufacturer has so far refused to provide a driver that is compatible with a year old service pack to a mainstream operating system. Your gripe should be with with the device manufacturer.

[freemonkey]

If your new computer came with WinXP SP2 preinstalled, you've got an OEM version that should be supported under warranty by the computer manufacturer.
The computer was custom built. They installed the OS but sent us the original disk, which says right on it INCLUDES SERVICE PACK 2. My issue is that it appears we're not given the choice whether we want it or not.

That said, the problem remains that you have a device whose manufacturer has so far refused to provide a driver that is compatible with a year old service pack to a mainstream operating system. Your gripe should be with with the device manufacturer.
You make a good point. We've tried to get them to respond with further help and they haven't yet (I'll try again). I can't say for sure, but I think my husband has checked around and found that many brands of these USB sound devices are not supported either.

[JoeP]

I had a brief look on Microsoft's site but wasn't able to narrow it down to relevant answers. I think don't bother asking M$ directly - ask a computer shop/dealer in your area. I'm sure XP SP1 is available somewhere.

[Ymir's blood]

I've tried updating the driver for the DVD player as well as some other thing whose name eludes me. Someone in chat tried to walk me through it and finally decided that the drive needed to be cleaned out with compressed air. That didn't work either.

Weird. What DVD player is it?
Samsung CDRW/DVD SM-352F

[Stormlight]

I've tried updating the driver for the DVD player as well as some other thing whose name eludes me. Someone in chat tried to walk me through it and finally decided that the drive needed to be cleaned out with compressed air. That didn't work either.

Weird. What DVD player is it?
Samsung CDRW/DVD SM-352F

Here's something you might try:

Start --> Run --> Regedit

Locate the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Class \
{4D36E96A-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318}

Here you will most likely find the following keys:

0000 (IDE controller)
0001 (Primary IDE channel)
0002 (Secondary IDE channel)

For each of those sub-keys you will notice a value "DriverDesc". Double-click on the subkey of the channel on which your drive is located:

- If the drive is the master, delete the "MasterIdDataChecksum" value
- If the drive is the slave, delete the "SlaveIdDataChecksum" value

Reboot. The OS SHOULD redetect the device DMA capabilities after reboot.

[freemonkey]

I had a brief look on Microsoft's site but wasn't able to narrow it down to relevant answers. I think don't bother asking M$ directly - ask a computer shop/dealer in your area. I'm sure XP SP1 is available somewhere.
Yeah, I was thinking someone had to a have some leftover stock somewhere. I'll check ebay and some local & online shops. BTW, I just got an email from the company that makes the USB device offering another solution (or 2). I'll have a closer look at it later.

[freemonkey]

OK, if anyone cares....... I got the drivers and software to install and got the device working, finally. The maker of the device sent an email directing me to another source recommending some tweaks to the system.

I took most of their advice, and made most of the tweaks. I also turned off the firewall and antivirus. It works! :woohoo: After a couple more tiny tweaks I set the moment as a restore point, just in case it quits again.

[Ymir's blood]

Cool. :thumbup:

I still haven't tried the suggested fix for my DVD drive.

[freemonkey]

I still haven't tried the suggested fix for my DVD drive.
Go for it! Here are the suggested tweaks (http://www.musicxp.net/tuning_tips.php). Maybe they will help you? The only one I didn't do was #9, and I modified #10 to once per day.