WOW,  Could be complicated question/answer...

Normally, if the installation came integrated with SP2 preinstalled
from a slipstreamed CD (or in the case of Dell, a slipstreamed
factory Image) I would hazard a guess that it could NOT be un-installed.
BUT, they might have not done it that way... (as slipstreamed.)

If Dell "ONLY" patched up an old SP1 factory install Image by installing
(adding) SP2 to it as an "installation", AND they saved the backup
files to allow an un-install, THEN I would say they are correct and it
"would" be able to un-install...
At first, I was thinking that would be a "bad" idea since it would take up
lots of un-necessary hard drive space that lots of people might never notice
or clean properly. (MS and Dell never worry about taking up lots of your
hard drive space so I quickly did a 180* on that concern.)
Upon giving it more thought, I figured it could be a "sales trick" to allow
people to do exactly what you want and/or need to do... It would also
have been easier (cheaper) for them to do it that way when SP2 came out.

Summary: When ordering the new machine make CRYSTAL CLEAR
this is the way the machine (SP2 added) MUST be installed and get it in writing!!
Also get in writing that if SP2 is NOT un-installable, that the machine is
100% returnable at absolutely NO cost (or penalty) -- as sort of a "breach
of contract" settlement at ZERO cost to the customer. (NOT EVEN SHIPPING!)

Make them put it in writing, and make sure there are no weasel clauses they
can get out of it with...  Make sure the definitions I am using above are the
correct definitions that THEY (and MS) use to describe this. When speaking
to Dell, you are always forced to use the exact definitions/terms they want to use,
even if a perfectly equivalent term is available...

                                                            Rick Glazier

From: "Will Stephenson" > 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...)

            Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to
                    Digest mode - visit our web site:
                   http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml