Should I move to Win XP SP2 from SP1 ?

[Guest]

Hello Friends,

I am having Win XP SP1 Home Ed in my PC. After running Windows Update,
everytime it asks me to up-grade to SP2. Please tell me whether up-grading to
SP2 is really beneficial as claimed by Microsoft ? Further, will it cause any
problems to my curently running programs, S/w etc ... ?

Regards
Nik

 

[Jim]

Hello Friends,

I am having Win XP SP1 Home Ed in my PC. After running Windows Update,
everytime it asks me to up-grade to SP2. Please tell me whether up-grading
to
SP2 is really beneficial as claimed by Microsoft ? Further, will it cause
any
problems to my curently running programs, S/w etc ... ?

Regards
Nik

Of course you should upgrade to SP2. This update fixes numerous problem;
alas, however, numerous other ones remain.

Before proceeded, make certain that you have followed the instructions on
the Microsoft site with regard to insuring that your computer is ready for
the upgrade.
This step definitely includes make certain that none of your programs need
to be updated. Most don't.

Then, disconnect all devices that are not needed for the upgrade. Disable
the anti-virus program.

Finally perform the update.

Update your anti-virus program (you did remember to get the last version)
and re-enable it.

Start the Windows firewall.

Now, go to the Windows Update site and get the updates that have been posted
ince SP2 was released (about 2 years ago, there are lots of them).

Finally, shut down, reconnect the remaining devices, and reboot.

I spent 2 hours on the upgrade, but that was last year when there weren't so
many upgrades.

Jim

 

[Guest]

Dear Friend,
Actually upgrade a PC is all about changing some files or
replacemnt of files,and if the update is one way or the other not
completed,it will surely affect the formal ones.So to me i think you may not
update it.THANKS

 

[Rock]

Hello Friends,

I am having Win XP SP1 Home Ed in my PC. After running Windows Update,
everytime it asks me to up-grade to SP2. Please tell me whether up-grading
to
SP2 is really beneficial as claimed by Microsoft ? Further, will it cause
any
problems to my curently running programs, S/w etc ... ?

Regards
Nik

There are many advantages in SP2 with regard to security as well as other
fixes. Much of the code was rewritten to remove the buffer overflow
problems in SP1 and earlier. Before installing SP2 make sure your system is
ready for it. If it is not running properly or there is malware present,
the upgrade won't go well. And always, always have a full and complete
backup of important data. That should be the case at all times, regardless
of whether you plan to upgrade the OS. Here are some links about how to
prepare for SP2 and some info about it.

Installing Service Packs
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

Pre-Install, Install, Cleaning Up Afterwards
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=45

What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Get the Latest Updates and Information from Your PC Manufacturer Before
Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/oemlinks.mspx

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=837783

Download Windows Service Pack 2 Standalone Version
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default810.mspx

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

If running Office 2003 make sure you have the latest Service Pack
http://office.microsoft.com/home/default.aspx

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

How to Manage Cookies (IE6)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283185

How to configure Internet Explorer automatic download prompts on your
Windows
XP Service Pack 2-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=883255

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

Understanding Windows Firewall
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wfintro.mspx

How to use the Security Alert dialog box in Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875353

 

[antioch]

There are many advantages in SP2 with regard to security as well as other
fixes. Much of the code was rewritten to remove the buffer overflow
problems in SP1 and earlier. Before installing SP2 make sure your system
is ready for it. If it is not running properly or there is malware
present, the upgrade won't go well. And always, always have a full and
complete backup of important data. That should be the case at all times,
regardless of whether you plan to upgrade the OS. Here are some links
about how to prepare for SP2 and some info about it.

Installing Service Packs
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

Pre-Install, Install, Cleaning Up Afterwards
http://forum.aumha.org/viewforum.php?f=45

What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Get the Latest Updates and Information from Your PC Manufacturer Before
Installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/oemlinks.mspx

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=837783

Download Windows Service Pack 2 Standalone Version
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...BE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default810.mspx

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

If running Office 2003 make sure you have the latest Service Pack
http://office.microsoft.com/home/default.aspx

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

How to Manage Cookies (IE6)
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=283185

How to configure Internet Explorer automatic download prompts on your
Windows
XP Service Pack 2-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=883255

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

Understanding Windows Firewall
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wfintro.mspx

How to use the Security Alert dialog box in Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=875353

Hello nik
There is very little one can add to such a comprehensive list of help and
instructions.
In current circumstances, I would favour getting the free disk from MS(as
suggested) and install from that, rather than download/install from MS
site - it will solve some probs currently being experienced by others
upgrading to SP2.

I think the key to a successful install is 'preparation' - do not rush this
operation.
If you are uncertain about any aspect, post in windowsupdate newsgroup.
Read as much, if not all of the above links provided.
Make sure your system is 'cleaned' as well as possible.
If you want free scanning sites to check your system, ask here in this group
or better, in public.security.virus group.
I would also repeat what Rock has said - BACKUP is a must.
I would also, disable all security progs prior to install - easy if you use
the disc - if downloaded from MS, then disconnect from the net first.
After a successful install, which I am sure you will have, you will need to
go back to WU Home page to get the 50-60 security and critical updates since
SP2.
But that in itself has a number of problems and is another ball-game.
Once you have SP2 on your system and all security is reactivated, look in on
the windowsupdate group/post, for advice on these other updates.
All the best
Rgds
Antioch

 

[Guest]

Thanks Jim, Rock and Antioch,

Your replies are very informative and I'll follow all the instructions
before up-grading to SP2.
I may try to install SP2 on coming Sunday and will let you know if faced any
difficulty..

Thanks once again.

Regards
Nik

 

[antioch]

Hi nik
Please do - I may be doing one as well :-(
Antioch

 

[Rock]

Thanks Jim, Rock and Antioch,

Your replies are very informative and I'll follow all the instructions
before up-grading to SP2.
I may try to install SP2 on coming Sunday and will let you know if faced
any
difficulty..

Thanks once again.

<snip>

You're welcome. Good luck.