Is SP2 worthwhile for a home office?

[Knack]

I've seen the list of bugs fixed at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811113

I didn't see there a fix of the Help Index and System File Checker problems
that are still unsolved on my own WinXPP(SP1a) system.

And I've seen the release notes at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;835935

Bottom line though, does SP2 reduce more ordinary problems of SP1 than the
new problems that it creates? Is it worth the time and trouble for an
ordinary user of a PC to install? If an owner has been putting up with a
number of malfunctions and nuisances with WinXP(SP1), then should SP2 only
be installed as a "slipstreamed" reinstall of the entire OS?

 

[Fuzzy Logic]

I've seen the list of bugs fixed at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811113

I didn't see there a fix of the Help Index and System File Checker
problems that are still unsolved on my own WinXPP(SP1a) system.

And I've seen the release notes at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;835935

Bottom line though, does SP2 reduce more ordinary problems of SP1 than
the new problems that it creates? Is it worth the time and trouble for
an ordinary user of a PC to install? If an owner has been putting up
with a number of malfunctions and nuisances with WinXP(SP1), then should
SP2 only be installed as a "slipstreamed" reinstall of the entire OS?

Worth is highly subjective. In any case we've upgraded hundreds of
machines in our organization with very little in the way of
problems/issues. The security patches and updates to IE are enough to
upgrade IMO. Note you should consider this information before upgrading:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

 

[Ron Martell]

I've seen the list of bugs fixed at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811113

I didn't see there a fix of the Help Index and System File Checker problems
that are still unsolved on my own WinXPP(SP1a) system.

And I've seen the release notes at
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;835935

Bottom line though, does SP2 reduce more ordinary problems of SP1 than the
new problems that it creates? Is it worth the time and trouble for an
ordinary user of a PC to install? If an owner has been putting up with a
number of malfunctions and nuisances with WinXP(SP1), then should SP2 only
be installed as a "slipstreamed" reinstall of the entire OS?

I agree with "Fuzzy Logic" - SP2 is a worthwhile upgrade.

Before you install it read the advice at
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."