Windows XP Service Pack 2, offering many security and performance upgrades for your operating system, can be conveniently downloaded in several ways. Before you follow this tip, however, be sure to read the other Windows XP and Service Pack 2 tips in MalekTips. These provide more information about computer maintenance you should perform before applying the update to help make it go more smoothly.

A) Visit Windows Update using Internet Explorer. Just choose "Tools" then "Windows Update". Follow the on-screen prompts to download the product.

- OR -

B) Turn on the Automatic Update feature. Do this, and Windows XP will automatically download Service Pack 2 for you in the background while you are online.

1) Click "Start", choosing "Control Panel".

2) Click "Performance and Maintenance" (if that is not visible, ignore this step).

3) Choose "System".

4) When the "System" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, click the "Automatic Updates" tab.

5) Choose to be notified about updates, download updates in the background and be notified when they are ready to download, or automatically download the updates and install them at a specified time. If you choose option 1, you will have to respond to a prompt to download Service Pack 2. Choose option 2, and you will have to respond to a prompt to install the update. Choose option 3, and your computer must be on whenever you schedule installations or they will not automatically occur.

6) Click "OK" to close the dialog box.

Print This Tip

Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online

Return to the Windows XP Service Pack 2 page.