SP2 IS IT WORTH IT???????

[Chris Adams]

Have XP Pro running and have updated with SP1, but as I am running Norton
Antivirus and Firewall, with all I have read about the "problems" with SP2
is it really worth me downloading it??

Answers on a postcard!

Cheers

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

The following articles are very useful for SP2 pre-installation:

"Introduction to Windows XP Service Pack 2" - by Barb Bowman
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/expert/bowman_introtosp2.mspx

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

--


Will Denny
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User
Please reply to the News Groups

 

[jeffrey]

Hi,

As long as you properly prepare your PC as stated by many MVP`s and on the
Microsoft site, the install of SP2 will not be a problem. I have installed
SP2 on over 250 computers systems, ranging from Desktops to Notebooks, from
Dell, Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic, IBM, Sharp, and even a Fujitsu brand
computers. I followed the pre-install instructions to ensure the computers
were ready for the SP2 install. I beleive it is worth it and if I remember
correctly, you won`t have much of a choice after April or May which I think
it will automatically install. Also when MS comes out with IE 7.0 it will
only run on XP SP2 if I read it correctly.

Most people that have had problems with the install was because they didn`t
properly prepare the computer or just allowed the Windows Automatic update
to install it before they properly prepared the computer, like turning off
the AV. The biggest problem to cause a bad SP2 install is either the AV
wasn`t disabled or shut down, the disruptive type of spyware was on the
system, or they simply had some virus that wasn`t removed. But as I stated
and as you will see other state, as long as you follow the steps to prepare
your computer for the update, you shouldn`t have any problems.

Also as with some of the posters that had problems with SP2, one thing they
didn`t do was back up their data, which is always a must when you do a major
update or upgrade. Backups should also be done on a regular bases anyway,
one can never tell when the HDD decides to crap out on you.

Just read some of the posts from the MVP`s or ask them about where to find
checklists that tells you how to properly prepare your computer for SP2.

Jeff

 

[Alias]

correctly, you won`t have much of a choice after April or May which I
think it will automatically install.

Not likely considering one has to agree to an EULA before installing it.

 

[CWatters]

Have XP Pro running and have updated with SP1, but as I am running Norton
Antivirus and Firewall, with all I have read about the "problems" with SP2
is it really worth me downloading it??

No. Get it on CD.

 

[jeffrey]

Don`t know, plus I stay away from any discussions on the EULA, too much of
that goes on in the newsgroup as it is.

Jeff

 

[CWatters]

Not likely considering one has to agree to an EULA before installing it.

I think he means that there won't be any more security updates to SP1 eg all
updates after that point will require SP2.

 

[CWatters]

Hi Jeff,

I've not yet updated to SP2.. I heard that SP2 stops a lot of older <Win95
programs working in an attempt to improve reliability. I've got a bunch of
old programs that I'd like to keep that never give any problems and don't
need compatability mode to work on XP.

Any truth in this?

Is it just old device drivers that aren't allowed?

Thanks

 

[jeffrey]

Hi,

Yes, its getting close for me to go home, almost 6pm, so mind is a few eggs
short of a dozen now. I knew something would not be able to be done once
that certian date comes up, but wasn`t sure if it was SP2 being installed
automatically or not. Thanks for information and correcting me.

Jeff

 

[jeffrey]

Hi,

Unfortunately I can`t really give an answer to that. I don`t really have
many programs left from the Win95 era except for games. I don`t know if
this will help, but many of the DOS games made for Win95 works on my XP Pro
SP2 systems. I don`t know about application programs though. Only thing I
can suggest is have a test system installed with SP2 and see if you can get
them to work. Logically speaking, if it worked on SP1 it should work on
SP2, but then again, MS has never really been logical on how they do updates
and upgrades.

Jeff

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Sounds more like some of the same false rumours spread by Microsoft critics.
They often base their judgement on hate instead of fact.

Contact the specific software manufacturers about SP-2 compatibility.
Contact other users of the software.

A prepared computer is key to a successful SP-2 installation:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

 

[jeffrey]

me again,

I also have a few games from the Win 3.1 era and well DOS only games that I
can still play on my XP SP2 computer. Just can`t seem to get rid of some of
those old classics, they are still fun to play, even if the graphics and
interface is so out dated.

Jeff

 

[Lee Chapelle]

Hi Jeff,

I've not yet updated to SP2.. I heard that SP2 stops a lot of older <Win95
programs working in an attempt to improve reliability. I've got a bunch of
old programs that I'd like to keep that never give any problems and don't
need compatability mode to work on XP.

Any truth in this?

Is it just old device drivers that aren't allowed?

You might want to look into VPC Colin. Virtual PC and other programs like it
allow you install and run alternate operating systems very conveniently
within Windows XP. I use it to run Windows 98 and a couple of old games and
an old scanner that won't run on XP.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtualpc/default.mspx The Virtual PC can
be fired up from hiberation with your old program already launched or saved
in the time it takes for any program to load.

 

[Guest]

Yes.

 

[Robin Cook]

I agree .. get the cd. I'm not sure, but think you can call Microsoft and
give them your reg or SN key number and they will send you another new cd
that has the XP pro OS and SP2 integrated on it. I went around with worry
on this myself here since I bought a new computer and the XP cd already had
SP2 integrated .. this is a NEW cd version sold. I don't know how Microsoft
is handling this kind of thing these days, but know in the past when I've
called them they have asked me to give them my SN number and they sent me
patches or new cd's. It is worth the phone call .. and worth the peace of
mind. I have the new cd here and on my new system and it works fine. I was
VERY upset, hesitant and reluctant when I discovered I had bought the XP Pro
cd and the SP2 was integrated .. no way to remove it, but took that brave
step and have to say I've been problem free ... so far. Give them a call.
Good luck. robin

 

[Don Dunlap]

I agree .. get the cd. I'm not sure, but think you can call Microsoft and
give them your reg or SN key number and they will send you another new cd
that has the XP pro OS and SP2 integrated on it. I went around with worry
on this myself here since I bought a new computer and the XP cd already had
SP2 integrated .. this is a NEW cd version sold. I don't know how
Microsoft is handling this kind of thing these days, but know in the past
when I've called them they have asked me to give them my SN number and they
sent me patches or new cd's. It is worth the phone call .. and worth the
peace of mind. I have the new cd here and on my new system and it works
fine. I was VERY upset, hesitant and reluctant when I discovered I had
bought the XP Pro cd and the SP2 was integrated .. no way to remove it, but
took that brave step and have to say I've been problem free ... so far.
Give them a call. Good luck. robin

I called MS and didn't even have go give a SN. They only wanted my address
and sent me a CD. It got here within 10 days and installed easily. Better
than doing the download and is available if you have to reinstall the OS.

Don Dunlap

 

[Guest]

Absolutely. Sp2 is a major update to XP and has many new great features.

 

[CWatters]

Sounds more like some of the same false rumours spread by Microsoft critics.
They often base their judgement on hate instead of fact.

Contact the specific software manufacturers about SP-2 compatibility.

If only. Quite a few of the programs I have are the type you write once and
give away.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Find/borrow a spare hard drive to temporarily install Windows XP
Swap hard drives and install Windows XP and SP-2.
Test all important programs with SP-2.
If all software functions correctly, swap back drives and install SP-2 on
original drive.
Otherwise work on repairing/replacing software.
Most likely you will eventually need SP-2.

 

[Al Smith]

Have XP Pro running and have updated with SP1, but as I am running Norton

Antivirus and Firewall, with all I have read about the "problems" with SP2
is it really worth me downloading it??

Answers on a postcard!

Cheers

No.