DO NOT DOWNLOAD WINDOWS XP Service Pack 2 !

[Guest]

Like many XP users, I received a msg from Mocrosoft teling me to download
Windows Service Pack 2. I did. And was I sorry!

My computer's CPU speed slowed to a cdrawl. It now takes 20 times as long
to load each web page. Programs lock up in the middle of using them.

If you spend a long, long time on Microsoft's web pages, you can find an
email address for 'problems.'

The problem with writing Microsoft is that they send you a boiler plate
answer -- in my case, try changing one line of code, try going back to an
earlier system -- but neither one may work. (For me, neither did).

Microsoft tells you to write back if the solution doesn't work, but that
seems a mere ploy. Microsoft does not respond to responses.

Why should they? They already have our money for the operating system; they
have covered their liability by offering an 'upgrade.' So why should they
make further assistance available?

As I said, don't download Service Pack 2. Take your chances that the
security glitches in MS XP won't afflict you.

Huck

 

[Leythos]

Like many XP users, I received a msg from Mocrosoft teling me to download
Windows Service Pack 2. I did. And was I sorry!

My computer's CPU speed slowed to a cdrawl. It now takes 20 times as long
to load each web page. Programs lock up in the middle of using them.

We have over 1000 machines in our client base, just under half of them
are directly managed by me and two others, it's been our experience that
if SP2 installs on the hardware that there have been no ill effects from
it, nothing noticeable.

The only issue we've experienced on any system is that the firewall
service is active/enabled by default on systems that are part of a
DOMAIN - it should not be.

Maybe you should consider that your machine is not properly setup, that
you don't have enough RAM, that you are running spyware or trojans, that
you have not adjusted the typical performance settings.....

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Hopefully no one follows this advice blindly.
There are some that should not install SP-2, but then there is a
specific reason such as a specific software or hardware issue.
Success and failure of SP-2 installation is largely based on the
current health of the computer.
All known and unknown problems must be resolved before starting
installation of SP-2:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

 

[rck]

The only problem I've had after installing SP2 is that now while using
Outlook Express, the CPU usage occasionally goes to 100%, OE locks up and
the modem disconnects. Someone told me there's two programs that will solve
the problem, Mozilla or Pegasus.

Bob

 

[Alias]

: The only problem I've had after installing SP2 is that now while using
: Outlook Express, the CPU usage occasionally goes to 100%, OE locks up and
: the modem disconnects. Someone told me there's two programs that will
solve
: the problem, Mozilla or Pegasus.
:
: Bob

My OE works fine on SP2. I suspect the problem is how you use and maintain
OE.

Alias
:
: : > Like many XP users, I received a msg from Mocrosoft teling me to
download
: > Windows Service Pack 2. I did. And was I sorry!
: >
: > My computer's CPU speed slowed to a cdrawl. It now takes 20 times as
long
: > to load each web page. Programs lock up in the middle of using them.
: >
: > If you spend a long, long time on Microsoft's web pages, you can find an
: > email address for 'problems.'
: >
: > The problem with writing Microsoft is that they send you a boiler plate
: > answer -- in my case, try changing one line of code, try going back to
an
: > earlier system -- but neither one may work. (For me, neither did).
: >
: > Microsoft tells you to write back if the solution doesn't work, but that
: > seems a mere ploy. Microsoft does not respond to responses.
: >
: > Why should they? They already have our money for the operating system;
: > they
: > have covered their liability by offering an 'upgrade.' So why should
they
: > make further assistance available?
: >
: > As I said, don't download Service Pack 2. Take your chances that the
: > security glitches in MS XP won't afflict you.
: >
: > Huck
: > --
: > Huck
:
:

 

[Richard Urban]

I have taken my chances now over 150 times (actually downloaded once and
installed on over 150 different computers). No serious consequences have
been reported to me from the owners of these computers. (-:

This is not to say there will not be an occasional problem if you don't do
your homework and take precautions.


--

Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

 

[Ken Blake]

In

Like many XP users, I received a msg from Mocrosoft teling me
to
download Windows Service Pack 2. I did. And was I sorry!

My computer's CPU speed slowed to a cdrawl. It now takes 20
times as
long to load each web page. Programs lock up in the middle of
using
them.
....

As I said, don't download Service Pack 2. Take your chances
that the
security glitches in MS XP won't afflict you.

This is very poor advice. If you say that's been your experience,
I believe you, but to extrapolate from that that it will be
everyone's experience (or even most people's experience) is
incorrect.

I have myself performed several SP2 installations, and seen
*many* others, and have never seen this behavior. Your experience
is far from typical, and likely results from another cause,
unrelated to SP2. For example, I wouldn't be surprised if you had
spyware running that caused this.

 

[R. McCarty]

Instead of "Worrying" about SP2 after effects, get imaging software &
protect your XP install & data. When used correctly, a System Image
completely eliminates your exposure to any update or change to your
system since the last image was taken.

 

[rck]

: The only problem I've had after installing SP2 is that now while using
: Outlook Express, the CPU usage occasionally goes to 100%, OE locks up
and
: the modem disconnects. Someone told me there's two programs that will
solve
: the problem, Mozilla or Pegasus.
:
: Bob

My OE works fine on SP2. I suspect the problem is how you use and maintain
OE.

Alias
:

Oh, there is maintenance for OE? I thought it was for ordinary users who
didn't have technical knowledge. Why no problem before SP2?

Bob

 

[rck]

But there is no software available (according to PC world) which will root
out all spyware, so how does anyone ever know for sure what the real problem
is with their computer? The only truly safe thing is to hide in a cave and
not go online. Neither Microsoft nor anyone else can guarantee safe reliable
computer operation day in and day out. Not Microsoft's fault, merely the way
the world is. So why does Microsoft always point the finger and blame the
user? They don't know what the problem is either?

Bob

 

[R. McCarty]

It's a huge problem now with "Pests" or Spyware. But there are a
number of things you can do to prevent or lessen it's effects. Most
if not all Spyware is self initiated. Downloading P2P software or
On-line Poker sites will bring it to you.
Allowing ActiveX installs opens the doorway.
Right now I'm recommending users try out Giant's Anti-Spyware
program. Instead of cleaning up Spyware, it actually limits or stops
it from getting a toe hold on your PC.
Unfortunately, there isn't a single product that can offer 100%
coverage and recent articles indicate that the SpyBot and AdAware
combination only remove 60% of possible items on a PC.
Locking down a PC is a good idea, but when that begins to impact
functionality it's a losing proposition.
Supposedly Symantec will have a dedicated Spyware product out
within the month. You can bet that all the major players will have
Spyware prevention within a short time.

But there is no software available (according to PC world) which will root
out all spyware, so how does anyone ever know for sure what the real
problem is with their computer? The only truly safe thing is to hide in a
cave and not go online. Neither Microsoft nor anyone else can guarantee
safe reliable computer operation day in and day out. Not Microsoft's
fault, merely the way the world is. So why does Microsoft always point the
finger and blame the user? They don't know what the problem is either?

Bob

 

[Guest]

Thanks, that was helpful advice.

But there is no software available (according to PC world) which will root
out all spyware, so how does anyone ever know for sure what the real problem
is with their computer? The only truly safe thing is to hide in a cave and
not go online. Neither Microsoft nor anyone else can guarantee safe reliable
computer operation day in and day out. Not Microsoft's fault, merely the way
the world is. So why does Microsoft always point the finger and blame the
user? They don't know what the problem is either?

Bob

 

[Guest]

How to successfully install Windows XP Service Pack 2:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/winxpsp2install.htm

Good Luck!
---
How to optimize Windows XP, 2000, ME
for the best performance (Step-by-step Visual Guide):
http://www.fixyourwindows.com

Spyware/Virus Removal and Prevention:
http://www.fixyourwindows.com/windowsxpsolutions.htm
(Links to online virus scans on the same page)

 

[Guest]

I have the OE problem also. And my CPU runs at 100%.
Huck

 

[Ken Blake]

In

But there is no software available (according to PC world)
which will
root out all spyware,

That statement is true, but misleading. It is true that no single
product does anything close to a perfect job. But if you run
several such products, you can reduce the risk to a very minor
one. I run several products and have never had a problem with
spyware.

so how does anyone ever know for sure what the
real problem is with their computer?

The phrase "for sure" implies perfection, and perfection doesn't
exist with computers, as it doesn't with anything else.

But perfection isn't needed. You need to reduce risk to an
acceptable level, and that's easy.

The only truly safe thing is to
hide in a cave and not go online.

If that's your choice, be my guest. It's certainly not mine.

Neither Microsoft nor anyone else
can guarantee safe reliable computer operation day in and day
out.

True, but irrelevant. Again, perfection isn't required in
anything we do.

Not Microsoft's fault, merely the way the world is.

Absolutely right.

So why does
Microsoft always point the finger and blame the user?

That statement is not even close to true. For example, Microsoft
continually comes out with security patches to Windows (as well
as to their other products). *Every* patch they issue is an
admission of error on *their* part, not the user's.

 

[Alan]

SWEEP, run in safe mde will find most if not all,
Regards,

Thanks, that was helpful advice.

 

[dude]

That statement is not even close to true. For example,
Microsoft

continually comes out with security patches to Windows (as well
as to their other products). *Every* patch they issue is an
admission of error on *their* part, not the user's.

( Patches )
I wouldn't call it an error but rather its an correction
is there operating system

 

[Miss Perspicacia Tick]

Like many XP users, I received a msg from Mocrosoft teling me to
download Windows Service Pack 2. I did. And was I sorry!

My computer's CPU speed slowed to a cdrawl. It now takes 20 times as
long to load each web page. Programs lock up in the middle of using
them.

And all because I'm a moronic ****wit who completely failed to follow
Microsoft's advice before installing the update. They even provide a link on
the Windows Update page, but here it is again because you obviously failed
to see it http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx.

Did you follow all the advice contained within that page?! No, you did not
because, had you done so, you wouldn't be having problems now...

 

[Dude]

My computer's CPU speed slowed to a cdrawl. It now takes 20 times as
long to load each web page. Programs lock up in the middle of using
them.

Sucks to be you then. SP2 works great on my machine! Don't tell us what to
do.

 

[Dude]

My computer's CPU speed slowed to a cdrawl. It now takes 20 times as
long to load each web page. Programs lock up in the middle of using
them.

Sucks to be you then. SP2 works great on my machine! Don't tell us what to
do.