johnhook

Rocetmal.

Did your Dell come pre-loaded with Windows XP SP2? If not, what version of Windows and Service Pack were originally installed on your PC when you purchased or aquired it? Most consumer Dell models come pre-installed with XP Home Edition unless your special order them with XP Pro.

The inability to install your XP updates might have something to do with the answers to these questions about. If you got an XP Pro (SP1 or SP2) retail or OEM install disk from someone else - to upgrade to XP Pro or XP Pro SP2, there may be a conflict between the versions you're trying to upgrade to. If you're having issues with the "Genuine Advantage" features - you might be dealing with a pirated or unproperly licesensed copy of XP. If this is what's going on - we really can't help you as it violates rules of this site.

Please let me know what version of Windows came orginally installed on your Dell PC - and what, if any subsequent version of XP you might have attempted to install or upgrade to after the fact.

- John