StarDestroyer.Net BBS

So, a couple days ago I had a hard drive failure and needed to do the usual crap associated with it, including reinstalling Windows. Now, I get the thing reinstalled and find that I need to snag Service Pack 2, but it won't let me get it without downloading the mandatory (apparently) Windows Genuine Advantage Phone-Home Shit™.

So. I know at one time I was able to refuse to install this junk but get SP2 anyway. What happened? Am I doomed to downloading it? Aid would be greatly appreciated.

I think you can do it through setting automatic updates and then installing SP2 but not WGA.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Yeah, you'll just have to make sure you turn off automatic updates because otherwise it will install WGA without you knowing.

Right, you turn on the "download, but let me choose when to install" option.

Or you could do what I did and get microsoft to send you a (free) cd with the SP2 install on it. It takes a couple of weeks to get it, but makes future reinstalls a lot less painful.

Braedley wrote:Or you could do what I did and get microsoft to send you a (free) cd with the SP2 install on it. It takes a couple of weeks to get it, but makes future reinstalls a lot less painful.

Or if you have a CD burner, just create your own customised WinXP installs with nLite.