problems with XP SP2 and SP3

[looqas]

After having used a computer for ages installing this late the SP2 is, and it seems it was, a gable that didn't pay off in your case.

Usually the safest way is to install SPs right after setting up the system.

Service Packs SHOULDN'T destroy Windows regardless of their installation time, but the sad thing is that those things are very complex and you'll never know the end result. In 99% of the cases are honkey-dorey, but once in a while there are problems. Might be your drivers, might be something else. Who knows.

If you got a chance do a fresh install. I know it's a minimum 2 day job (more likely a week) to set things how they were, but in the end it's worth it.

Those SPs are a bit of pain since most likely uninstalling them afterwards will not get you back to square one with a big "phew!" escaping your lips.

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Flying under radar.