It was not meant to be offensive by any means...
A lot of people work in IT.
Windows XP if doing a Repair install detects what level SP is installed...
If the SP does not match the CD being used it will not continue.
Simple as that.
You are free to delete your account if you feel that's neccessary...me personally i don't think it is but it's entirely up to you.
We aren't on the same page. I'll explain my procedure.
1. Insert a Windows XP SP2 disk into a Windows XP SP3 machine.
2. Boot the computer to the CD drive.
3. First option asks if you want to set up Windows XP, enter recovery console, or exit. Press "Enter" to proceed with setting up Windows XP.
4. F8 at the license agreement.
5. Now I believe this is the point where it searches for previously installed versions of Windows XP. It should find the Windows XP SP3 install on the hard drive.
6. It then asks if you want to run a repair install on this installation or continue to install a fresh copy of Windows XP.
7. Select the option for running the repair install.
8. The repair install begins. You'll see down at the bottom right it says deleting files then it will say copying files.
9. It will then restart and finish off its repair. About 30-40 minutes.
10. Eventually you'll get back to the desktop. If you right click "My Computer" and select "Properties" you'll see that it should say "Windows XP SP2."
11. Go to update Windows and it will request you install SP3.
If you don't believe me just try it yourself. This isn't something I just looked up online or heard from somebody. My very hands inserted the disk, my very fingers clicked the mouse, and my very eyes saw an XP SP3 machine revert to an XP SP2 machine by doing a repair install.
Back on topic. There are several anti-malware programs you can run for free. Some I've used are.
SUPER AntiSpyware
Malwarebytes
SDFix
A-Squared
Spybot - S&D
Dr. Web
F-Secure Online Virus Scanner
I know some of these have already been mentioned. Now that I actually have the time to write a detailed response. I'll explain what I would do in this situation.
First thing is to disable System Restore to wipe out any infected restore points. Once that is taken care of, delete all the temp files you can find. Some viruses like to hide in the "Temporary Internet Files" and "Temp" folders located under "Local Settings" in every user profile. Next, is to run Ccleaner. Both the file and registry cleanup. Hit the machine with SUPER AntiSpyware or Malwarebytes. Then SDFix in Safe Mode.
You can try some of the others I listed above too. Follow this with the Windows repair install if you still have problems that would appear to be fixed by the repair. From this point, without really knowing what will happen in the end, I can't really give any further advice.
The Windows complete reinstall may be the only way. Don't try spending days to fix when you can reinstall Windows in about an hour or so. If you do reinstall, take precautions to make sure you don't get infected again. Why reinstall Windows only to have it get infected a month later. It doesn't make any sense.
My recommendations for malware prevention are:
1. Create your own "Admin" account and your "User" account. Leaving the "User" account with limited rights.
2. Add strong passwords to the "Admin" as well as the built in "Administrator" account.
3. Install Spybot and Spywareblaster and use there immunize features.
4. Use Firefox as your primary browser. If you don't want to, at least set IE to delete temp files when browser is closed and to block third party cookies.
5. Stay up to date with all Windows updates and other software updates.
6. Install your favorite friendly anti-virus program.
Do all that and use the limited user account for daily tasks and I dare you to get a virus that will warrant a Windows reinstall.
