Warning!      This update may take up to 75 minutes to complete!       Make sure to clear a block of time convenient for you to      not have access to your computer, for instance over lunch time.       Note: It is okay to cancel the install until you have time to do it.

To download & install the Windows XP Service Pack 2 update from the Boston College software site:

1. Microsoft recommends that you back-up all your documents before installing SP2. Learn about the  options you have to store your documents and files at Boston College.
2. Close all applications before beginning this process.
3. Open your Web browser and go to:
    www.bc.edu/software/updates
   Then, under Windows XP Service Pack 2, click the Windows icon:
   - OR -
   Download Windows XP Service Pack 2 now (File size: 266 MB).
   
   
4. When prompted, enter your BC username and password.
5. If you are prompted to open or save the file, click Save.
6. Save the file (called microsoft_windows_xp_sp2.exe) to your desktop.
7. Locate the microsoft_windows_xp_sp2.exe icon on your desktop and double-click it to extract the files (refer to Figure 1):
   
   Figure 1.
   
   
8. On the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup Wizard window, click Next (refer to Figure 2):
   
   Figure 2.
   
   
9. Read the License Agreement, click I Agree and then click Next (refer to Figure 3):
   
   Figure 3.
   
   
10. Click Next (refer to Figure 4):
    
    Figure 4.
    
    
11. The Updating Your System window appears as the installation begins (refer to Figure 5). The installation will take at least 30 minutes.
    
    Figure 5.
    
    
12. Once the installation is finished, the following window appears (refer to Figure 6):
    
    Figure 6.
    
    
13. Click Finish to automatically restart your computer.
    Your computer will take longer than usual to restart, then the Help Protect Your PC window appears (refer to Figure 7):
    
    Figure 7.
    
    
14. Click Help protect my PC by turning on Automatic Updates now.
    You have completed the Windows XP SP2 installation.
15. You can now delete the file on your desktop called microsoft_windows_xp_sp2.exe.
16. Learn about:
    • Changes you need to make after installing SP2
    • Some of the new features of SP2