Critical Update Page and SP2

[TOM]

I just went to the Critical Update page and it stated MS
had designed a NEW Critical Update page and did I want to
download and install. I clicked YES. I then saw a
notation by MS to update to SP2.
Are there any pro/cons to this download? We are senior
citizens and not familiar at all with WinXP, downloading,
installing, etc. The WinXP that came with our coputer is
working fine and we would not want to download SP2 and
find that we cannot use our computer any longer.
We also notice that it said some of the improvements were
NEW pop-up blockers; NEW firewall, etc. Won't these
conflict with our currently installed Norton
AntiVirus2004 AND Norton Firewall2004?
This is quite confusing to us. Thank you for your (user
friendly) answer.
Tom

 

[John Whitworth]

My best advice would be (if you have a fast enough Internet connection), to
download SP2, and let it install.

Then, do not install ANY other software until you are sure everything is
working OK (perhaps a few days, or even a week). By doing this, you ensure
that you are able to cleanly uninstall SP2 if need be.

I run Norton Internet Security 2003, and have seen no problems with SP2 so
far (and I've been beta testing it for about three months now, having only
just installed the release version).

HTH

JW

 

[Guest]

Have you updated your Norton's protection? Norton has an update for the
firewall that will work with the Windows update. If you haven't, you should
be sure to update it before installing SP2.

 

[peter]

Tom
Judging by the "help Wanted" section of these news groups aprox 5% of people who
upgrade to SP2 have some problems.
SP2 fixes some severe security issues with XP that allowed malicious code into
your system,especially to people who were foolish enough to cruise the net
without AntiVirus or a Firewall.I used both and never had a security breach but
I still downloaded SP2 for its added security.I downladed it and was up and
running 20 minutes after the install without any problems.Then I turned the XP
firewall off and used my own.I also turned off Automatic Downloads as I like to
know what is being updated.
If you decide to do the same follow the instructions about setting a restore
point because different system have different results.
peter

 

[The Black Wibble]

I just went to the Critical Update page and it stated MS
had designed a NEW Critical Update page and did I want to
download and install. I clicked YES. I then saw a
notation by MS to update to SP2.
Are there any pro/cons to this download? We are senior
citizens and not familiar at all with WinXP, downloading,
installing, etc. The WinXP that came with our coputer is
working fine and we would not want to download SP2 and
find that we cannot use our computer any longer.
We also notice that it said some of the improvements were
NEW pop-up blockers; NEW firewall, etc. Won't these
conflict with our currently installed Norton
AntiVirus2004 AND Norton Firewall2004?
This is quite confusing to us. Thank you for your (user
friendly) answer.
Tom

I've heard very few complaints about the new popup blocker. But, many
people had or are having difficulty either installing SP2 or getting other
software to properly work. Here's some programs that have problems with SP2:
http://tinyurl.com/3lzux I had a much bigger list but misplaced the URL. I
still recommend getting it installed because of the numerous bug fixes (
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=811113 ), but by someone who
knows what to do if the worst scenario were to occur -- if the PC failed to
reboot. So, until then I suggest you stick with what you've got.

Tony.

 

[John Whitworth]

I've heard very few complaints about the new popup blocker. But, many
people had or are having difficulty either installing SP2 or getting other
software to properly work. Here's some programs that have problems with
SP2: http://tinyurl.com/3lzux I had a much bigger list but misplaced the
URL. I still recommend getting it installed because of the numerous bug
fixes ( http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=811113 ), but by
someone who knows what to do if the worst scenario were to occur -- if the
PC failed to reboot. So, until then I suggest you stick with what you've
got.

Sound advice ... but why not just ensure that you have the number of someone
who knows how to recover it if need be ... and try to install it yourself.
Could save a fair bit of cash.

JW

 

[TOM]

I go to Norton Update (Norton AntiVirus2004 and Norton
Firewall 2004) every day and download any/all updates.
#1- I read that MS states you should download MANUALLY
(not AUTOMATIC) update of SP2 if you do not want to
install the SP2 new 'pop-up blockers' and 'firewall,'
which I would not want since I have Norton AntiVirus2004
and Norton Firewall 2004.
#2- But on the MS (NEW) Critical Update page they state
that we SHOULD choose AUTOMATIC update to download the
SP2 WHEN it becomes availabe. Isn't it available now? If
YES, where do we download it?
#3- We are still confused as to whether to download or
not?
Thanks everyone.

 

[John Whitworth]

I go to Norton Update (Norton AntiVirus2004 and Norton
Firewall 2004) every day and download any/all updates.
#1- I read that MS states you should download MANUALLY
(not AUTOMATIC) update of SP2 if you do not want to
install the SP2 new 'pop-up blockers' and 'firewall,'

To be honest, I have found SP2s pop-up blocker to be much better that Norton
Internet Security 2003's effort. And, as far as I know, Norton 2004's isn't
much different. I doubt that they will conflict with each other much. Best
option is to try it and see.

JW

 

[The Black Wibble]

Sound advice ... but why not just ensure that you have the number of
someone who knows how to recover it if need be ... and try to install it
yourself. Could save a fair bit of cash.

JW

It could, although if a reovery were necessary it may turn out to be a very
long and tortuous process giving instructions over the phone. A computer
savvy relative would be really handy at this time. Still, you might know
enough to handle any unwanted situation that may arise; I don't know. But
at least back up any important data to CD or to some other media before
attempting to install SP2.

Tony.

 

[John Whitworth]

It could, although if a reovery were necessary it may turn out to be a
very long and tortuous process giving instructions over the phone. A
computer savvy relative would be really handy at this time. Still, you
might know enough to handle any unwanted situation that may arise;

I do ... it's the OP that we should be thinking about! ;o)

JW

 

[Trent©]

#3- We are still confused as to whether to download or
not?

What's the confusion?

Either download it...and take the chance that you'll have
problems...or DON'T download it. What's the confusion? Its a simple
decision...on your part.

Most folks don't have any problems...many do! What will you do if you
have a problem?

There are some features to the new service pack that can't be turned
off...and you may not like.

And, if you don't have a modern system, it may slow your system down.

Good luck.


Have a nice one...

Trent

Budweiser: Helping ugly people have sex since 1876!

Over 50? Go here...in PERSON if you can...
http://web.wxyz.com/cars/wdc2004/

 

[TOM]

We are confused about 'how' to download the SP2. Is it
only available to download now by us selecting AUTOMATIC?
When, if ever, will we be able to download MANUALLY? It
was stated somewhere that if you don't want the 'MS
automatic downloads' and 'MS firewall' turned ON, you
should download MANUALLY. However, I do not see any place
to download MANUALLY (from).
(By the way, I am using 56k modem connection (and wonder
if MS has considered there are some who must download
using a dial up 56k modem).
Any helpful assitance appreciated. Thank you.

 

[peter]

here is a download site........its a big download but it can be saved
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/winxpsp2.mspx
peter

 

[Gunslinger]

"Tom" said he had a 56k dialup - it will take him up to 12 hours to download
this file. Many ISP's not charging by the minute impose a 2 hour or similar
connection time limit, and getting a download to resume after a disconnect
can be a bit hit and miss.

He'd be better advised either:
(a) to enable automatic updates and wait for something eventually to happen
(b) to wait until the upgrade is available on CD either from MS or on
covermounts.

Who knows how long either of these will take, but then what's the rush
anyway?

 

[NobodyMan]

Tom
Judging by the "help Wanted" section of these news groups aprox 5% of people who
upgrade to SP2 have some problems.

Don't build your statistics by monitoring comments on the public
groups. 99.9% of the comments are about problems - but they
constitute the vocal minority. The vast majority are happy, have no
problems, and are silent.

I would guess the actual number is well south of 5 percent, but
numbers haven't been released yet as the rollout continues.

 

[Trent©]

"Tom" said he had a 56k dialup - it will take him up to 12 hours to download
this file. Many ISP's not charging by the minute impose a 2 hour or similar
connection time limit,

Many don't. Actually, not many do anymore.

and getting a download to resume after a disconnect
can be a bit hit and miss.

The download first goes into a temp file...created by the download.
This happens for everyone...even the broadband connections.

He won't loose any time by downloading. All he needs to do is connect
again...if he is disconnected or if he himself elects to disconnect.
The download will resume where he left off.


Have a nice one...

Trent

Budweiser: Helping ugly people have sex since 1876!

Over 50? Go here...in PERSON if you can...
http://web.wxyz.com/cars/wdc2004/