WinXP SP2 - Install refuses to complete

[stargazer777]

I hate sounding like a broken record, as I have begun many initial posts by saying this, but . . . I did a forum search for my problem and just couldn't quite find the 'same thing'.

My problem involves SP2 for WinXP Pro . . . but the threads I found pretty much dealt with software apps clashing with SP2 after it had been installed.

In my case, I cannot get the installation to complete. I clicked on the .EXE file I downloaded from the M$ site, it launched fine, opened the CAB files etc., then started a scan of my system configuration (as the install window said).

That sequence finished, and then it said it was beginning actual installation. The installation progress bar got *approximately* halfway done, and then hung. I let things sit for a long time (20+ mins.) just in case it needed extra time . . . but it was then apparent that it was indeed hung.

I could do nothing to get out of the install mode, and a normal-style Shutdown refused to work -- all I could do was a hard power-off.

When I restarted the PC, a message told me that the WinXP SP2 install failed to complete because my system was in an 'unstable condition' (or similar words to that effect).

Please read my following notes before replying:
1.) Regarding the previous paragraph, I had hitherto never gotten *any* messages about an unstable system. I had had no serious problems aside from a spyware/hijacker infestation, which I verified several times over that it had been successfully eradicated.

2.) Enlarging on my last statement, I did a series of exhaustive spyware and virus scans to be sure the system was clean, before attempting to install SP2.

3.) I don't suspect a bad download -- I have a very fast cable connection and the download finished very quickly.

4.) I noticed some posts in which those offering help suggested a test of the RAM memory. I just can't see it being a RAM problem, as I have had **no other anomalies** pointing to that, previous to this SP2 problem.

One thing I just thought of:
I previously (just a few months ago) did a new install of Win XP Pro, without removing the previous installation, so now I have a WINDOWS folder and a WINDOWS2 folder. This prompts several questions:
1.) Could having two installations of WinXP Pro be confusing the SP2 install wizard ? (And is this causing the message about my system being 'unstable' ?)
2.) Must I/should I get rid of the earlier install of WinXP Pro ?
3.) If "YES" to #2, then can I do just that, or must I wipe the C: partition completely clean and start all over ? (bleah )

Some of this may sound ignorant, but I've had a week or so of nights with 2-3 hours of sleep :P .... heh. So, I may be overlooking something obvious ....

Thanks in advance,
Dave in Virginia