Is it possible to rollback to SP0 using others' backup files?

[billybong001]

Hi all,

Long story short, I would like to uninstall Service Pack 1 but unfortunately this can't be done because the backups have been removed.

Is it possible for me to roll back to SP0 by borrowing this backup image from someone else or another computer?

 

[Berton]

Probably not, too many possible differences between the computers. If it's an OEM/Brandname computer there usually is a Factory Restore option but not all brands do it the same way. Or there's the prompt to create the DVDs, usually comes during setup but also a small program to do it, check your documentation or the brands site with the model name and number.

 

[billybong001]

Aw man, was hoping there was this miniscule chance that the image contained generic restore information that could "undo" SP1. Well thanks anyway, that's that then I guess, since all other options have been explored.

 

[DavidE]

Did you look in Installed Updates to see if it can be uninstalled there ?

 

[billybong001]

Thanks David, I did but it wasn't listed. What happened was I installed SP1 via Windows Update. After this was done, I had some problems with Task Scheduler, so I tried to do a repair (upgrade) install using an SP1 image from here. Turns out this was the digital equivalent of burning my only bridge back to SP0.

There is a ton of software, including one that has accumulated a 300GB database and would take an entire day just to install and validate. The OS itself has been running fine for over 3 years with good maintenance. Especially with quite a lot of work these days I'd just hate to wipe the disk.

I was fiddling around with the registry entries under HKLM/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/WindowsNT/CurrentVersion trying to allow my original (SP0) disc to proceed with install instead of throwing a "OS version is newer" error but to no luck. Are there any other unconventional ways to roll back?

 

[DavidE]

OK, sorry to hear that doesn't work.
I cleaned up SP1 updates, and Windows Updates, but I see I can still (try to) uninstall the SP1 update.

Your situation is different than mine...
I don't know of any other unconventional way to roll back, but if I find anything I'll post back.

 

[billybong001]

Thanks David, I appreciate it.

A more specific question; does anyone know what registry value(s) Windows Setup checks before determining your current build/service pack level?

So far, the following don't work:
BuildLab
BuildLabEx
CSDBuildNumber
CSDVersion
CurrentBuild
CurrentBuildNumber
CurrentVersion

 

[DavidE]

NoelDP is the top guru with Windows Updates.
You might send him a VM/PM and ask him to look at this thread.
He may have some tricks up his sleeve to help...

 

[billybong001]

Hi all,

I am happy to say that my problems have been solved. I finally decided to sit down and fight these errors one by one, turns out they are just a bunch of corrupted tasks and some problem with Catalyst. Deleting these files and rolling back to an earlier driver fixed them all. While I was at it I also ironed out some harmless Event Viewer warnings.

The computer now runs as good as ever and a reformat is out of the question. I guess in this case what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Thanks guys.

 

[DavidE]

Glad to hear you got everything working.
Good job fixing the issues