Hello Will,

I find it hard to believe that the makers of a program of such magnitude,
not to mention cost, are not updating it for SP2. I would pursue this with
them to the maximum. One thing that could be tried is to install the program
and attempt to run it in compatibility mode for Win2K or Win9x (program
Properties \ Compatibility tab).

Another option is to perform a clean install of XP using a retail or OEM
version of XP without SP2. You would have to boot from the CD as setup will
see SP2 as a newer version of Windows.

If all else fails and a similar program is not acceptable, SP2 can be
uninstalled using the Recovery Console. I have not used this procedure and
can't say if it works where SP2 is preinstalled. Considering the updates and
added security provided in SP2, I would only use this as a last resort.

USING THE RECOVERY CONSOLE TO UNINSTALL SP2:
http://www.compphix.com/userecoveryconsolesp2.html

How-to-Remove-Windows-XP-Service-Pack-2:
http://tinyurl.com/cdtvd

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Problem Solver:
http://www.michna.com/kb/WxSP2.htm

List of fixes included in Windows XP Service Pack 2:
http://tinyurl.com/3txhn

Sven Swanson, Sr.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Will Stephenson" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 5:37 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] SP2


Hello all!

This must be my month for questions. Thank you all for taking the time to
help.

I have a client who is buying a new computer (wants a Dell laptop). Alas, a
very important business program for him (Guest Tracker) will not work under
Windows XP SP2. The folk who make Guest Tracker are not releasing any
updates to the program.

The question: If you get a new computer with SP2 originally installed, can
one remove the SP2 like if you installed the service pack yourself? Or is
SP2 a seamless product when purchased new. (Surprise, the Dell sales folk
say you can...)

Thanks again for everything!

Will Stephenson
Acadia Technologies Inc.
mailto:[log in to unmask]

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