Jerry;
The Service Pack 2 of today is identical of Service Pack 2 available
in a year.
Depending on the actual source of the problem, the source of the fix
varies with only a portion coming from Microsoft.
Most Microsoft fixes are actually reconfiguration of settings because
of the added security and were known and published as SP-2 was
released.
Other issues are the result of incompatible software or drivers.
In those cases, the manufacturers need to provide or have already
provided newer patches, updates or drivers.
In most cases the owners will need to research for these.
Another source of problems is preexisting issues whether known or
unknown.
These include but are not limited to viruses, spyware, or problems
with Windows or other software.
Updates and especially Service Packs should not be installed until all
issues, known and unknown, are resolved.
Waiting can be good if the necessary research is performed while
waiting.
Waiting and doing nothing is only wasting time.
Also see:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm