Unable to Uninstall SP3

[dberg35]

I have a pc that a user deleted the uninstall folders to clean up their HD now SP3 has slowed down the pc. What can I do to remove SP3?

 

[linney]

Do you have an earlier XP CD (preferably one that is at the SP2 level)?

Repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates (including SP3) but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249#appliesto

Perhaps the $NtServicePackUninstall$ folder or SP2 filers were backed up somewhere, or could be imported from a similar machine?

 

[LilBob]

Check Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel. You may find it still listed there. Also, check M$ $upport @

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249

LilBob

 

[BadBigBen]

dberg, that a SP3 is slowing down a PC is highly unlikely, there are other things at work here... but if you are sure that it is SP3 that is slowing down the PC, then follow the link that Linney provided (In-Place Upgrade), it WILL reset the OS to SP2 without any hotfixes/updates (these have to be reinstalled thereafter)...

it is also advisable to use Belarc Advisor to gain access to the XP key installed (if it is different than the one attached to the PC), as that will be needed when you do a REPAIR install as per above link...



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."