Argh, stupid me managed to delete some system files on my own accord the other day, so had to do a repair install (couldnt be arsed to faff with recov console).

Only disk I had was for XP SP1... which thought all the SP2 stuff was illegitimate, and deleted it all, then replaced most of the system files with SP1 stuff.

Now windows update says im SP1, but when I try and install SP2, it says its already installed.

Windizupdate appears not to give me SP2 but 77 updates it says I dont have. (Currently in the middle of this).

Anyone else had this rather unique problem??

Try running sfc and check the add/remover for sp2.

tbh you should start fresh.

download the redistributable from microsoft downloads.  It will allow you to reapply SP2.  I would recommend reinstalling pretty soon though, the reapair works ok usually, but sometimes it screws things up.

yea, ive done the same. gets a bit annoying.. I just left it as it was in the end.

Yeah think a full cleanout and reinstall will be needed.

My computer has been grinding lately mind so probably do it some good. Grrr. Means I have to do the gay "copy crap to safe places" stuff. Grrr....