Downgrading from XP SP3 to SP2?

[Super Warrior]

My computer's XP installation is SP3, and i'd like to get rid of it and install SP2 in its place. I downloaded SP2 from microsoft.com, but when i go to install it gives me a message basically saying it refuses the installation because its older than the current pack.

How do i get around this?

I want to go back to SP2, because SP3 has USB issues such as recognizing USB devices like MP3 players properly.

Any help would be much appreciated!

[Wile_E]

There is no downgrading. You would have to reformat the hard disk, and reinstall windows. Then install SP2. This is the first time I've heard of USB problems. What actually happens when you plug in your MP3 player? Does it give any kind of message?

[poisondeathray]

You can remove it from the control panel, add/remove programs

I did the same thing on one of my PC's that was "acting up"

[bendixG15]

About a month ago, I removed SP3 using the add/remove program without any problems. Just takes a quick minute.

[Super Warrior]

There is no downgrading. You would have to reformat the hard disk, and reinstall windows. Then install SP2. This is the first time I've heard of USB problems. What actually happens when you plug in your MP3 player? Does it give any kind of message?

Nothing. It shows that it detects a USB device connected, but thats it. Even when switching usb modes on the player, same thing.

And my USB dvd-rw will only function as a dvd-rom, cannot burn anything.

About a month ago, I removed SP3 using the add/remove program without any problems. Just takes a quick minute.

This is not a computer with SP2 that was upgraded to SP3, this is the installation the comp came with when i bought it.

While there are "windows updates" shown in add/remove, after removing them nothing happens.

[Number Six]

Since it came preinstalled with SP3, there is no way to remove it. You will have to do a complete format and reinstall a Windows version that does not include SP3.

[Super Warrior]

Darn.... and it turns out my USB dvd-rw, won't burn dvds, but it will burn CD-Rs fine. Strange.

[redwudz]

The CD laser and the DVD laser are separate. Maybe your DVD laser died or is weak. Try the drive on a different computer to see if the drive is the problem. I don't think SP3 is your problem, but search around the internet for some USB errors caused by SP3.

You might also check the power supply for the external unit. A weak power supply could cause burning problems.

[alborn98]

THIS IS POSSIBLE TO DO. Do not listen to people that just tell you "it's not possible" without backing it up with hard facts. I have tested this and it works.

I recently ran into this problem myself considering the company I work for has some proprietary software that does not play nice with SP3. After testing this for myself, here's the options you have.

1. If you had SP2 installed and upgraded to SP3, then it will just be in the Add/Remove programs as an available update that you can simply uninstall.

2. If you purchased a computer that had SP3 slipstreamed/pre-installed, then it's a little more involved, but not difficult. You will need to have an XP Disc with SP2 on it. It does not have to be your disc because you will use your current Windows Key that came with your system. Borrow it from a friend, or there are other "various" ways of getting your hands on a disc. Just boot your system up with the SP2 Disc and perform a "Repair" install of windows. It will go through and re-install a number of system files and such, and you will be required to reinput your Windows Key. Once back up, you will notice that SP3 is no longer installed and SP2 will be in its place. Also note that this did not affect any files, applications, etc that you had on the system. In effect, it left everything how it was and just downgraded SP3 to SP2. VOILA!

NOTE: I did not do extensive testing on how this would affect any drivers, applications, devices, etc. that might be installed prior to performing the "downgrade". Do this at your own risk.

Hope this helps!

[MOVIEGEEK]

Super[/url] Warrior]Darn.... and it turns out my USB dvd-rw, won't burn dvds, but it will burn CD-Rs fine. Strange.

I agree with redwudz,this isn't a SP3 problem but a drive problem.
When you plug a device to a USB port go to Device Manager to see if there's an error(yellow exclamation point).

[victoriabears]

Removing all usb controllers in the system menu and re booting might help.

Also run a thorough virus/malaware scan, I had to re-boot and scan 7 times to get rid of a usb bug.

[ozymango]

Super[/url] Warrior]

This is not a computer with SP2 that was upgraded to SP3, this is the installation the comp came with when i bought it.

Maybe I'm not reading you correctly, but are you saying that you bought a computer pre-loaded with XP/SP3, and the USB ports were working, and now they're not? If so, it doesn't sound like it's necessarily an SP3 issue, but a hardware/software issue (perhaps a driver update is needed, if you're lucky). Otherwise, if you bought a new computer with SP3 pre-installed and you're having problems with it right away, I'd take it back to the dealer.