The /n switch to not backup files - No Uninstall

[Chris]

If you ever installed Windows XP Service Pack 1 [ONE] you might have noticed that you had the option to either:

Backup Files

Or

Do not backup files.

[Archiving I think it was called]

The reason for this was to allow for the uninstallation of SP1 [if you choose to backup files].

Or...

To just install SP1 without the option of uninstalling the service pack [do not backup files].

Now in Windows XP Service Pack 2, backups will be made and then the install will take place. You are not given the option of:

Do not backup files

Like you were given with SP1.

Now if you want to install XP SP2 without backing up files, so you will not have the option to uninstall. You have to send a switch to the service pack exectuable to "tell it" not to backup files.

The switch is: /n

If you downloaded the exectuable from microsoft the file will probably be called:

WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe

Right click on this file [on your computer] and choose Create Shortcut. Now right click on the shortcut and choose properties.

Next to Target make sure you have the following:

"C:\Documents and Settings\[username]\Desktop\XPSP2.EXE" /n

So in other words just add /n to the end and there is a space afer .EXE"

Double click the shortcut and the Installation Wizard will run but will not backup files.

You can also do this from the command prompt or from Run on the start menu.

So...

Backing up the files - Will allow you to uninstall SP2.

Not backing up the files [/n] - Will not allow you to remove SP2.

In both cases you will see Windows XP Service Pack 2 in ADD/REMOVE but depending on the above you may or may not see the Remove option.

You'll have your own reasons for not backing up files but there you go ;-))