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Resolved Question

can't install xp SP2 - asking for .NET Framework 2 SP 2

Jun 5, 2012 8:41AM PDT

I had to reformat my laptop (blue screens) and now I cannot update service packs.

SP 2 gives error that it needs .NET Framework 2 SP 2, but when I try to install that one, it says it needs Windows xp service pack 2 to install .NET Framework 3.5.
But I am trying to install .NET 2 SP 2, not .NET 3.5.

I did initially try to install 3.5 by mistake and now nothing helps. I tried to remove .NET frameworks 1.1 but this does not help.
I am stuck because without xp SP 2, most things dont work.
Please Help!!

Discussion is locked

lilon22 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
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Clarification Request
(NT) sorry, forgot to say its xp pro
Jun 5, 2012 8:42AM PDT

Best Answer

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I am a bit confused by what ...
Jun 5, 2012 10:52AM PDT

you have said as XP SP2 does not require any version of ,Net to be installed.

You haven't mentioned whether you installed XP with SP1 or just XP Pro with no Service Pack - that is important info to know when asking about SP installations.

- SP1/1a only requires Windows XP RTM (Released to Manufacturing - no Service Packs.)
- SP2 only requires Windows XP RTM (Released to Manufacturing - no Service Packs.)
- SP3 requires at least SP1(a) or above already be installed *unless* you integrate it into the Windows XP installation media - slipstream

If your installation did include SP1a then skip SP2 and download and install SP3 from this link (yes, it says network installation for developers and pros but use it anyway):
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24

If you do need SP2 first get it from this link:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=28

Now, BEFORE installing any Service Pack make use of this utility to REMOVE all of the .Net frameworks you have installed so you can install what you need later.
http://majorgeeks.com/Microsoft_.NET_Framework_Cleanup_Tool_d6179.html

AFTER the .Net components are all uninstalled you should have no problem updating all the way to SP3 after which you can install any or all of the .Net you may need.

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no joy
Jun 6, 2012 12:37AM PDT

Hi,
Thanks so much for your help.

My oem xp included sp1, so I ran the remover of the .NET Framework. First and only success.

I could not download xp3 in your link. The download stops straight away. Not sure if this is the reason, but I keep getting the following error message with just about anything I try:

"the procedure entry point decodepointer could not be located in the dynamic link library kernel32.dll"

.Google says its because my sp is outdated, so here we go with the circular catch 22 again.

Anyway, I downloaded another xp sp3, but it is iso file, so I downloaded two different unzip utilities, one was installed but doesn't want to work, and the other one does not want to install.

So I am stuck again.

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You do not unzip ...
Jun 12, 2012 10:48AM PDT

an ISO file - you burn it to a CD because it is an image file.

Your CD burning software should allow you to burn an ISO image to CD (just how depends on the burning software) but another simple way to get the ISO burnt to CD is to downloaqd and use Magic ISO (it can be used for free during a trial period) - http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-burniso.htm

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Problem solved
Jun 12, 2012 7:27PM PDT

Thanks so much for your answers.

I finally managed to update my xp. I've used another computer to download an exe file to a memory stick. Then I found that the memory stick doesn't work so I updated the USB drivers in control panel > system. Then I was able finally to run the sp3 and everyone is happy. My new Belkin modem router still doesn't like the installation in the wireless mode, but that's another story.

Thanks