IS IT COMPULSORY TO INSTALL SP2 IN SAFE MODE OR CAN IT BE DONE IN NORMAL MODE.
xp sp2 can be installed in normal mode
besides instead of installing sp2, u can even install a slip streamed version of XP with sp2 by default
search the forum for "XP slipstreaming"
It can be done in Normal Mode too .. Who told you to run in Safe mode ..?