SP 2 questions

[>Joe Anderson-Davis]

My computer is completely virus free, ad-ware free, spyware free, cookies,
temp folders and recycle deleted/emptied. It's just been defragged and the
disk is only using 16Gb on a 60Gb drive. A printer and a wireless adapter
are all the hardware that is installed and both are on the xp approved
products list - drivers up to date. I have all the sp1 updates installed.

If I install the XP Service pack 2 will it:

1 - Change the View - Layout setting in OE
2 - Change any of the OE Tools - Options settings
3 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in OE
4 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in IE
5 - Change any Cookies and/or Custom Level Security settings in IE
6 - Add any items to my Links folder in IE
7 - Add any Items to my Favorites folder in IE
8 - Add any Toolbar items in IE
9 - Change my Home Page in IE
10- Enable/Install Windows Messenger and/or MSN messenger and/or Windows
Messenger Service
11- Add any items to my start sequence (Startup folder and/or Msconfig Start
Tab items
12- Add any icons to my task and/or system tray(s)
13- Make any changes to my Folder Options - General, View or File Types
settings
14- Enable the firewall
15- Add Sample Music and/or Pictures to my folders
16- Enable Automatic Updates
17- Effect my wireless network in any way
18- Effect my Internet connection in any way
19- Have any effect on the way my AV functions
20- Require constant attention to system checks and notices

I have a dozen more - but that's enough.



--

 

[Rock]

My computer is completely virus free, ad-ware free, spyware free, cookies,
temp folders and recycle deleted/emptied. It's just been defragged and the
disk is only using 16Gb on a 60Gb drive. A printer and a wireless adapter
are all the hardware that is installed and both are on the xp approved
products list - drivers up to date. I have all the sp1 updates installed.

If I install the XP Service pack 2 will it:

1 - Change the View - Layout setting in OE
2 - Change any of the OE Tools - Options settings
3 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in OE
4 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in IE
5 - Change any Cookies and/or Custom Level Security settings in IE
6 - Add any items to my Links folder in IE
7 - Add any Items to my Favorites folder in IE
8 - Add any Toolbar items in IE
9 - Change my Home Page in IE
10- Enable/Install Windows Messenger and/or MSN messenger and/or Windows
Messenger Service
11- Add any items to my start sequence (Startup folder and/or Msconfig Start
Tab items
12- Add any icons to my task and/or system tray(s)
13- Make any changes to my Folder Options - General, View or File Types
settings
14- Enable the firewall
15- Add Sample Music and/or Pictures to my folders
16- Enable Automatic Updates
17- Effect my wireless network in any way
18- Effect my Internet connection in any way
19- Have any effect on the way my AV functions
20- Require constant attention to system checks and notices

I have a dozen more - but that's enough.

Using programs and hardware with Service Pack 2 (SP2)
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2swhw

Programs that may behave differently in Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=884130

Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2chngs.mspx

Windows XP Service Pack 2: What's New for Internet Explorer and Outlook
Express
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/ieoeoverview.mspx

Browsing Security Enhancements
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2brows.mspx

Troubleshooting Windows Firewall settings in Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=875357

Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
Network Protection
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2netwk.mspx

Detailed description of the data execution prevention feature in Windows
XP SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=875352

Windows XP Service Pack 2: What's New for Internet Explorer and Outlook
Express
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/ieoeoverview.mspx

Use the Internet Explorer Information Bar
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/web/sp2_infobar.mspx

Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
Part 5: Enhanced Browsing Security
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2brows.mspx#XSLTsection137121120120

 

[>Joe Anderson-Davis]

What a waste of space! I've read them all - and many more. Thus - the
reason(s) for my questions.

Generalized sales pitches do NOT answer my specific questions.

--

 

[luminos]

What a waste of space! I've read them all - and many more. Thus - the
reason(s) for my questions.

Hire a consultant.

 

[>Joe Anderson-Davis]

I can assume, then, that at least you have no answers to the questions!

--

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

What a waste of your post if you already know the answer.
If you are already diligent about maintaining your computer, you may
not need SP-2...today, tomorrow may be different.
However if you have to ask the question, you probably need SP-2.

 

[Rock]

What a waste of space! I've read them all - and many more. Thus - the
reason(s) for my questions.

Generalized sales pitches do NOT answer my specific questions.

Suit yourself. You can do you're own work.

 

[Rock]

What a waste of space! I've read them all - and many more. Thus - the
reason(s) for my questions.

Generalized sales pitches do NOT answer my specific questions.

Suit yourself. You can do you're own work.

 

[>Joe Anderson-Davis]

So ? You don't have the answers either!

--

What a waste of your post if you already know the answer.
If you are already diligent about maintaining your computer, you may
not need SP-2...today, tomorrow may be different.
However if you have to ask the question, you probably need SP-2.

 

[>Joe Anderson-Davis]

Another one that doesn't know!


--

Suit yourself. You can do you're own work.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Read the links given.
Also read appropriate links on those links.
You will get the specifics on all points.
You already have your answer.
Do you have any point of asking a question already answered?

 

[Shenan Stanley]

My computer is completely virus free, ad-ware free, spyware free,

cookies, temp folders and recycle deleted/emptied. It's just been
defragged and the disk is only using 16Gb on a 60Gb drive. A printer
and a wireless adapter are all the hardware that is installed and
both are on the xp approved products list - drivers up to date. I
have all the sp1 updates installed.

If I install the XP Service pack 2 will it:

1 - Change the View - Layout setting in OE
No

2 - Change any of the OE Tools - Options settings

One obvious change I saw was in SP1 there was (under the Maintenance tab) an
option to "compact messages in the background" and that is missing after SP2
was applied.
Also under the Security tab, there is a new section once SP2 is installed
for "download images" where you can "Block images and other external content
in HTML e-mail".

3 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in OE

Who knows? Didn't seem to.

4 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in IE

May add an option..

5 - Change any Cookies and/or Custom Level Security settings in IE

Well, yeah. Since they added more security and a popup blocker.

6 - Add any items to my Links folder in IE

Another update did this - yes - and I believe it is done in SP2 as well.

7 - Add any Items to my Favorites folder in IE

Actually, other than under the links subfolder, I do not think so.

8 - Add any Toolbar items in IE

None that I saw. Options for more - possibly.

9 - Change my Home Page in IE
No.

10- Enable/Install Windows Messenger and/or MSN messenger and/or
Windows Messenger Service

Three different things. You already have the Windows Messenger Service -
although it may disabled. It stayed disabled for me. I already had MSN
messenger and as for the original Windows Messenger, I had made my own
directory and put the old executable in there a long time ago (nothing else)
and have never been bothered by it.

11- Add any items to my start sequence (Startup folder and/or
Msconfig Start Tab items

Startup items? Technically - the Security Center service gets added and
will be started each time you boot up unless you disable it.

12- Add any icons to my task and/or system tray(s)

No - unless the security center detects something wrong or cannot do
something (like monitor your antivirus software) - but again this can be
turned off..

13- Make any changes to my Folder Options - General, View or File
Types settings
No.

14- Enable the firewall

By default - yes.

15- Add Sample Music and/or Pictures to my folders

None that I got.

16- Enable Automatic Updates

It will ask on the first reboot.

17- Effect my wireless network in any way
Yes.

18- Effect my Internet connection in any way

Well, possibly - as the firewall is on and some network components have
changed looks.

19- Have any effect on the way my AV functions

Yes - it monitors your AV - if you let it and the AV software supports it.

20- Require constant attention to system checks and notices

Require - no - nothing gets added you cannot turn off/ignore.

---

Why not just backup your system and try it? Seems ridiculous to ask some of
these questions so particular to certain applications. I can understand
your anxiety, I suppose - but SP2 will still be the same SP2 in 6 months and
sooner or later you will either install it or start not being able to update
your PC - possibly making it insecure.

I assure you - the changes (when they are applied correctly) are minor. For
someone who seems as prepared as you are to do this should be a minor
annoyance - as long as you know how to find the answers you need - which I
suppose you do or your system would not be as ready as you claim it to be.

 

[Kelly]

Great reply, Shenan! ) Mine would have been similar, except to note any
changes recognized/nor liked can be reverted.

 

[Jeff]

Hello Joe,

I have installed SP2 on over 130 computers, 128 are work
computers and 2 are my personal computers. After the
installation, only change that I really noticed was the
splash screen just stating Windows XP, no professional.

As to how it will affect certian aspects of you computer,
it all depends on what you have installed and how you have
it configured.

All the work computers that I installed SP2 on, no one
seems to have noticed anything different, except a slight
speed increase. On my personal computers, I haven`t had
any problems with the diverse set of programs on it. I
have various game programs, tools, application, etc and
haven`t had any problems with them.

Since you stated that you keep your computer in top
condition, you shouldn`t have any problems. Also if you
followed the pre-install guide on how to prepare your
computer for SP2, then you should be fine.

Granted there have been some problems with wireless cards,
but as long as the manufacture has a patch for it, then
you won`t have any problems. My notebook I use a wireless
card for it and haven`t had any problems.

As to the list you posted, most of the links that you were
shown, would have answered them. I`m not a MVP, but a
network administrator/tech/designer, so you can take my
word as a non-microsoft collaborator. I personally do not
care for MS, but have no choice but to use their products
if I wish to be able to play enjoyable games and such.

Jeff

 

[Don Taylor]

What a waste of space! I've read them all - and many more. Thus - the
reason(s) for my questions.

Generalized sales pitches do NOT answer my specific questions.

I thing the really brutal answer is that for some of the questions...
nobody can promise you the answer. They can say "should" and they
can say "most" and they can say "likely" but I don't think any of
them are going to give you any guarantees, not if they have to pay
off on them if they are wrong.

 

[PA Bear]

Touché!

What a waste of your post if you already know the answer.
If you are already diligent about maintaining your computer, you may
not need SP-2...today, tomorrow may be different.
However if you have to ask the question, you probably need SP-2.

 

[PA Bear]

My computer is completely virus free, ad-ware free, spyware free, cookies,

temp folders and recycle deleted/emptied. It's just been defragged and the
disk is only using 16Gb on a 60Gb drive. A printer and a wireless adapter
are all the hardware that is installed and both are on the xp approved
products list - drivers up to date. I have all the sp1 updates installed.

If I install the XP Service pack 2 will it:

1 - Change the View - Layout setting in OE
No.

2 - Change any of the OE Tools - Options settings
Yes.

3 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in OE
No.

4 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in IE
No.

5 - Change any Cookies and/or Custom Level Security settings in IE
Yes.
6 - Add any items to my Links folder in IE
Yes.

7 - Add any Items to my Favorites folder in IE
No.

8 - Add any Toolbar items in IE
No.

9 - Change my Home Page in IE
No.

10- Enable/Install Windows Messenger and/or MSN messenger and/or Windows
Messenger Service

Yes, the former.

11- Add any items to my start sequence (Startup folder and/or Msconfig Start
Tab items
No.

12- Add any icons to my task and/or system tray(s)

None that you can't remove.

13- Make any changes to my Folder Options - General, View or File Types
settings
No.

14- Enable the firewall
Yes.

15- Add Sample Music and/or Pictures to my folders

Yes! You get Mahler Symphony #2 (Karajan) complete and the entire collection from the L'Ouvre and Hermitage!

16- Enable Automatic Updates
Yes.

17- Effect my wireless network in any way
Possibly.

18- Effect my Internet connection in any way
Doubtful.

19- Have any effect on the way my AV functions

Other than expose a lousy AV app, no.

20- Require constant attention to system checks and notices
No.

I have a dozen more - but that's enough.

You're right.

Please credit me when you turn in your homework.

 

[Nero]

Here is a modern day latin name for people like you who go on about
something after they have been told.
Twattus Idioticus
In plain language Stupid Twat.
(please or offend)

 

[Gordon]

Here is a modern day latin name for people like you who go on about
something after they have been told.
Twattus Idioticus
In plain language Stupid Twat.
(please or offend)

Please quote the post you are replying to - no one knows what on earth you
are talking about and to whom you are saying it.

thank you.

 

[>Joe Anderson-Davis]

Thank you very much

Comments inline

--

No

**Thank you - I can accept that
**Some past updates have reverted OE back to it's original state including
the requisite two stock email messages.

One obvious change I saw was in SP1 there was (under the Maintenance tab) an
option to "compact messages in the background" and that is missing after SP2
was applied.
Also under the Security tab, there is a new section once SP2 is installed
for "download images" where you can "Block images and other external content
in HTML e-mail".

**Acceptable changes

Who knows? Didn't seem to.

**Past updates have reverted to the default vs customized toolbar settings

May add an option..

**Past updates have reverted to the default vs customized toolbar settings

Well, yeah. Since they added more security and a popup blocker.

**Thank you

Another update did this - yes - and I believe it is done in SP2 as well.

**What possible justification can there be for this change? The items in my
Favorites, including my links folder, can't have a thing to do with security
and it's NON OF MICROSOFT'S BUSINESS what's in them.

Actually, other than under the links subfolder, I do not think so.

**See above

None that I saw. Options for more - possibly.
**Thanks

No.

**Past updates have reset this to a Microsoft page - or worse, to an MSN
page

Three different things. You already have the Windows Messenger Service -
although it may disabled. It stayed disabled for me. I already had MSN
messenger and as for the original Windows Messenger, I had made my own
directory and put the old executable in there a long time ago (nothing else)
and have never been bothered by it.

**This one is a 'maybe' then. I have disabled Messenger Service, gone to
great pains to rid my computers of Windows Messenger and, especially, ALL
things related to MSN!

Startup items? Technically - the Security Center service gets added and
will be started each time you boot up unless you disable it.

**Thanks. I see NO use for this Service. Every single running Service and
Process uses RAM, at times Cycles, and adds to boot time.
I have all unnecessary Microsoft Services disabled, have no items in my
Startup folder and keep my msconfig Start items to only the 4 that my AV
uses.

No - unless the security center detects something wrong or cannot do
something (like monitor your antivirus software) - but again this can be
turned off..

**Thanks - see above. Plus - I only have four items in my system tray
(clock, volume, network connection Icon, and AV icon) and that's plents.

No.

**Thanks - ARE YOU SURE!! I ask because there have been reports of users
having File Associations changed back to the Microsoft defaults.

By default - yes.

**Thanks - If it can be disabled in the same place, and as easly, as the
'old' firewall that would be fine

None that I got.
**Thanks

It will ask on the first reboot.

**Thanks - Easly disabled then

Yes.

****PLEASE EXPLAIN** - I have taken great pains to set up and tweak my
wireless network just the way we like it. I'll NOT risk sp2 unless I know
just what/how it effects my wireless.

Well, possibly - as the firewall is on and some network components have
changed looks.

**Thanks - Changes looks I can live with. Firewall can be disabled. Actual
functionality and speed are what I'm concerned with?

Yes - it monitors your AV - if you let it and the AV software supports it.

**Thanks - By "it" do you mean this new Security Center thing? If so -
there is no issue since the Security Center will be disabled. I'll insist
my NAV 2004 Pro function just like it does now.

Require - no - nothing gets added you cannot turn off/ignore.

**Thanks - Please explain what you mean by 'ignore'! 'Turning off' is one
thing, and may be acceptable, but having to 'ignore' a unneeded pest is
another.

---

Why not just backup your system and try it? Seems ridiculous to ask some of
these questions so particular to certain applications. I can understand
your anxiety, I suppose - but SP2 will still be the same SP2 in 6 months and
sooner or later you will either install it or start not being able to update
your PC - possibly making it insecure.

**BTDT on the 'try it' comment and it failed - VERY miserably.
The questions may seen 'ridiculous to you but one nice thing about these
newsgroups is users have NO IDEA just who other posters are. I have a long
history of using and testing Microsoft products - going back to the very
first BASIC interpreter. I've done over a dozen MS beta programs and have 9
differing MS certifications. History, a very good memory and a healthy
skepticism of monopolistic enterprises are part of the reasons for the list
of questions.

Thans again for your effort