Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 12 Nov 04 - 03:10 AM

AAAARRRRRGGGHHHH!****,****,****,****.

I knew I should have kept my mouth shut.

Could some kind person please have a look on my site and see if the graphics are working

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: GUEST,Expert
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 05:20 PM

The only reason some idiots have a problem is that they do not read instructions. I'm sick of all these unfounded scare stories. SP2 turns on the XP firewall when installed - but you can turn it off!

You can read in most recent computing magazines how to use the update.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: wilbyhillbilly
Date: 11 Nov 04 - 03:11 AM

I installed it over two weeks ago and have had no problems so far.

I have my machine set for automatic updates and since doing that I haven't had any problems.

Plus now I have program access and default settings on the start menu, now I suppose I just tempted fate so I'm crossing my fingers.

whb

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 10:16 PM

scruffy:

If possible, I'd recommend using one of the CD installation packages rather than downloading, since you must install ALL previous updates before you can install SP2 itself, and that can be a rather large bunch of downloads if you're not current. The SP2 download itself is about 80 MB. The SP2 CD, including all of the "incorporated updates," is close to 800 MB. You can order your own free copy of the CD at the SP2 support site at microsoft.com, or use one of the magazine copies.

I'd also recommend keeping an SP2 CD with your WinXP system CD. If you have to reinstall WinXP, the first installation will NOT include any patches that weren't there when you bought it. You are unlikely to be able to spend enough "web time" to download all the patches AND SP2 before someone finds all those unpatched holes, even with an incredibly fast web connection; so you need to be able to install the CD version SP2 (and your current AV) before you connect, after a reinstall.

Recent tests have reported an "average time to infection" of less than 20 minutes for unpatched machines simply making a web connection.

Tom:

With the WinXP SP2 firewall, at least, theres virtually no "competition" between the firewall on your machine and any other external firewalls. When I installed the SP2 package, it of course turned on the WinXP firewall. Since I go through a Norton firewall on a "server," the second firewall is pretty much redundant.

I did leave the XP firewall turned on for a while, but since the first (server) Norton firewall stops anything outside my LAN from accessing my computer, the XP firewall simply "has nothing to do."

With two internal firewalls trying to operate on the same machine the situation is a little different, but the SP2 version of WinXP's firewall should recognize that another firewall is present, and is supposed to ask which you want to use. If you visit the Microsoft XP support page, you'll find a FAQ section where Microsoft recommends turning off the WinXP SP2 firewall if you have another firewall that you prefer to use, internal or networked. Turning it off is not very complicated. Until you turn one of them off, you'll probably get a "warning" that there are two firewalls everytime the XP firewall detects any activity on your machine by the other firewall. This can get pretty annoying.

One or the other of your firewalls (when on the same machine) likely will report and try to block port probes by the other firewall. The other firewall will complain; but most operations will not be much affected unless you have significantly different setup for the two firewalls. You just have to listen to them tattle on each other, and it gets very tiresome.

WinXP SP2 also has a built in AV, and you'll get the same sort of obnoxious reports that there are two AV programs running, until you turn off the SP2 AV or uninstall your other one(s).

One firewall and One AV should be sufficient, if they're any good. You make the choice of whether to use the WinXP SP2 built-ins or your other(s). You SHOULD use one firewall AND one AV, since you're a hazard to the entire web community if you don't keep YOUR machine clean.

Norton (Symantec) has recently upgraded their Symantec Security Check site. Here, with your permission, at the "Scan for Security Risks" link, they will look at your connection and tell you, in some detail, what needs to be fixed. If you have a firewall, they will find it and ask for permission to probe it, since many companies object to having their network firewalls probed. (If applicable, you should get a sys admin permission before letting them probe a network firewall you don't personally "own.") Helpful explanations are provided for anything they find.

You can also get an AV probe at the same site, other link. I'd suggest bookmarking it, unless your own AV provider has comparable utilities online.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: GUEST,Tom
Date: 10 Nov 04 - 08:53 PM

I thought I read somewhere that one should NEVER run more than ONE Firewall at a time. So, IS it or ISN'T it a bad thing to run TWO firewalls SIMULTANEOUSLY? One would think that it could really slow down a machine if they were conflicting with each other.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 06 Nov 04 - 07:21 AM

MicroSoft has allowed many PC Mags to add it as a free give away CD. Apparently Microsoft have said that they don't mind it being freely handed around like a heroin sample, so I don't think they would mind much if someone were to cut you a copy. You will need it if you get some disaster that means you have to wipe and reload XP - you will then need the update as well.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Cluin
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 07:22 PM

Check out this thread, scruffy.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... spyware.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - I need help with sp2
From: GUEST,scruffy
Date: 05 Nov 04 - 07:14 PM

I need help downloading service pack 2, because either a worm or virus, is keeping me from doing so. This worm or virus has also, kept me from getting into my email and it has kept me from getting into yahoo.com!

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: PennyBlack
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 04:57 AM

all our machines have been updated (both home and studio - 8 machines)only one problem and that was the USB mouse on one laptop (a new driver sorted that!)

it appears to like hard drive space! but what windows products don't.

Left Nortons and Zone Alarm Pro in charge of Virii checking (plus the router firewall) as said before there are control choices.

PB

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 04:44 AM

Foolestroupe -

XP won't actually have a problem with programs installed outside the primary partition, but unlike older Win versions it will probably put the .dll and other control files it needs in its program folder regardless of where you put the executables and data files for the program. This means that it will be continually flipping back and forth between partitions, and performance may be slightly affected. In some cases it may put the .dll with the program files, but make copies of them in the primary partition for use while the program runs.

One of the difficult things to grasp, if you're accustomed to older Windows versions, is that XP almost never suffers the same kind of crashes or disk corruptions we all saw with the old ones. Unless you do something ... (we'll avoid saying stupid) ... to cause it, XP should never need all those reloads.

The second old habit that's hard to break is using all those handy "utility" programs you've probably acquired with Win98. WinXP has built in solutions to nearly every problem you're likely to encounter, and if you use XP's fixes FIRST you're unlikely to need anything other than AV and firewall for "utility programs."

I would certainly recommend that you keep data files separated from program files where possible, just to simplify data backup. You can do that with separate partitions or just use folders in one. Program backups should be unnecessary, and are mostly useless since you can rarely restore just by copying them out of backup, and you should always have your installation disks where you can find them.

If you're more comfortable with multiple partitions, then there's no particular reason you shouldn't go that way, but after using XP for nearly 4 years I see no real reason, with XP, why it's needed; and I suspect that eventually you'll find it more practical to use fewer.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 01:48 AM

Now and again - my old one had almost no dust in it (honest) after 3 years since the last vacuuming when it finally turned up its toes... I had opened it every twelve months and gotten nothing the first 5 years...

er, Dust that is - I hadn't gotten much else either - if you know what I mean...

Nudge Nudge, Wink Wink!

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 01:42 AM

Ever vaccuum/clean the dust bunnies and crud out of your `puter?

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 Sep 04 - 01:19 AM

I've learnt the hard way not to ever trust Windows with all the programs in the same partition as the OS - sometimes it has got so corrupted that the only easy way out is to reformat the partition and reload. Yes, I know about backups and all that - but it's a damn side faster when only the OS has to be reloaded - and if you have kept all the OS upgrades safely on another partition - but reinstalling them one by one was driving me nuts.... which is why I have been looking for all the OS upgrades on one CD... :-)

98SE seems to pick up most of the installed progs in other partitions - but occasionally a few DLLs get lost from the system area and you have to reinstall a particular prog. Keeping copies of all the DLLs and other goodies from the system area seems to help though.

The 'noise' is not only fan noise but also internal HW noise thru the sound card etc. I wounder when they are going to start advertising 'quiet' systems like they do 'gamer', 'business', etc...

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: mooman
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 01:41 PM

As the systems manager (in addition to my normal duties) at work, I would say "no" for the time being.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 01:35 PM

Foolstroupe -

XP likes to have all the program files in the same "programs" folder, on the same drive/partition where the system is. A minimum of 10 GB for your primary partition would be advisable, just to handle XP itself, and your main productivity programs - if you don't have too many programs. XP does handle large partitions much more easily than older OS did, and will easily digest very large partitions. I believe the "spec limit" is 32 TB, but most of us won't have drives that large. Most XP users, in fact, don't bother to partition unless they use a second alternate OS (like UNIX) that needs to be isolated. Just make folders to keep your data separated from your programs.

HD performance will be best with XP if the primary partition, at least, is formatted NTFS. If data is shared with another OS that can't read the NTFS format, of course you'll want to put data files in a partition that both systems can read.

You may want to check the XP spec on processor speed. I think your 1 GHz is within the current "recommended minimum" range, but don't remember for sure. The 512 MB RAM should be good enough, although I prefer more for my own use.

Re your fan noise - if you have fairly old hardware, you may be able to get quite a bit of improvement just by replacing the fan(s) with one of the newer "quiet" designs. Some of them are a lot quieter than older ones, and are fairly inexpensive. You do have to do a little research to find the ones with real specs vs ad specs for the noise levels.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 09:47 AM

PIII 1G - 512Mb - 40Mb + 20Mb - Primary partitions on each 10Gb (was thinking of reducing to 5 Gb) rest of disks several partitions for data, programs, etc. Currently onboard video (1Mb), sound and Lan port. EFV Mb from memory... Still have SE drivers for Mb on disk, not sure if there are seperate drivers for XP.

I was thinking of adding a video card and sound card, but probably may not be able to afford them - have XP Home & SP2 on shelf. Was going to do sound recording, but too much fan noise without relocating box and rebuilding (metal) desk cubicle to handle reorganisation. Noisy fans, etc.

Robin

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 27 Sep 04 - 08:09 AM

Foolestroupe -

My only concern is that some of the problems you've discussed previously may indicate that your current machine is an older one that may be a little short on resources for XP. I still have one old machine that doesn't have enough memory for anything past Win95, and another that would probably not run XP so is still on Win98SE.

Check the "minimum requirements" and double everything - RAM, HD space, etc, against what you have. You can limp along with XP on a 10 GB Hard Drive and with 128 MB RAM, but you'll likely get limited performance.

If you have the machine to handle it, you'll likely get to like XP; but expect some annoyances while the two of you get acquainted.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Teresa
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 11:05 PM

I'd say I'm an average user. I use WinXP for the Internet and some light word processing and multimedia.

I'd say it's a good upgrade for beginners/intermediate users, as it adds more security and its own popup blocker. Since I already had the Google toolbar, I left it. I also left my firewall, ZoneAlarm. but these things are installed seamlessly in many cases for beginners, so it might be good to have good security right off the bat.

As for expert users, I'd check it out and see how it modifies the OS.

I lost nothing when I upgraded. I used Windows Update to grab it and install it.

T

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 10:57 PM

I've been quivering with anticip . p . p . p . pation install XP. I decided not even to try to go from 98SE until I could get all the updates on CD because of the constant hits on my firewall. it seems that the SP2 disk - which has now been included as a free gift with some Australian Magazines - should be applied straight after XP conversion/install, then registration & on line update?

Any useful simple Suggestions?

Robin

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 07:38 PM

Justa -

Had you read the instructions, you'd have seen that the proper procedure is "uninstall." "System Restore" will NOT remove SP2, since many files that your old Registry called will have been replaced by different ones, sometimes with the same names.

It's also quite possible that you didn't look at the recommended setup after installation?

Generally, the problems people see with SP2 are in server versions or where people are using "marginally compliant" programs (like Tweak UI) and/or "complex games." There are a few "legit" programs for which problems are known, and generally fixes are readily available; but in order to obtain the security improvements intended the programs need to be fixed to work with SP2.

SP2 does add quite a bit to the operating overhead, and especially on a laptop, where hard drives are much slower than in desktop machines* some slowdown - pending proper setup - is not unexpected.

* Most laptop hard drives "park" the heads between reads to minimize shock damage, so a very large lag occurs in each new read. The published specs ignore this, but typical laptop drives give about 10x the "seek time" in practice when compared to desktop machines with drives having similar quoted specs.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Justa Picker
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 02:18 PM

I have several computers all running XP Home Edition.
In the past I have found the various patches hit and miss.
Some patches have negated the tweaks performed in Tweak XP (or other tweaking packages) including the autologon feature.

I was very wary of SP2 so as an experiment decided to only install it on my laptop. It messed everything up and slowed it down considerably..and this a machine with 512 mgs ram and a Pentium IV 2.6

Because it was so messed up and in spite of running 'system restore' which did no good ... I reformatted the hd and installed my original copy of XP Home... I DELIBERATELY didn't get ANY of the cumulative patches or SP1 or SP2 and guess what? It runs beautifully and... FAST.

I have everything going through a firewalled and completely "stealthed" router at home, and when I am on the road I just enable XP's built-in firewall for dial up or hotel DSL connections and everything works great.

I am so glad I didn't install it on ANY of my other computers.
My verdict .... a big thumbs down to SP2.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 01:30 PM

Microsoft has attempted to make the Win XP SP2 installation as painless as possible, and provides quite a lot of help for anticipated problems. A good starting point for those who have not installed yet, and possibly helpful to those who have, is at:

What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2, Published: August 4, 2004, Updated: September 17, 2004

Note that at the bottom of the above page there is a link to:

Windows XP SP2 Support Center where you are directed if you have problems.

My POTS connection is too slow for them to have downloaded SP2 to me, so I haven't consulted the support site in detail, but it appears that Microsoft is offering telephone support for problems with SP2, even if your "free support" period for WinXP has expired. There are sidebar links on the Support Center page to several FAQ Knowledge Base articles, and the link to "What to do after installing Service Pack 2" shows some recommended setup (including turning off the XP firewall if you have another firewall installed).

If you intend to download SP2, you do need to follow the instruction in "Quick Tips for Successful Installation" with respect to downloading all prior Security Updates. The downloadable SP2 version should refuse to install if you are not current.

The downloadable SP2 is reportedly about 40 to 80 MB after prior updates have been installed, which is not too large for those with fast connections to get in a single connection, but for those with dialup it may take several hours (or days). If you are set up for automatic updates, it will (eventually) be dribbled onto your machine, for installation when the download is complete.

Microsoft is very serious about getting this update installed on all WinXP machines and it will eventually be downloaded to every user who has authorized automatic updating. The implication is that you will NOT be able to use automatic updating in the future if you do not get it installed. There is a "blocker utility" that can be used to delay the download for 60 days, but after that any connection to automatic updating will send it to you. Even if you go directly to the update site for manual download of future updates, it is likely that installation of SP2 will be required for installation of future fixes.

The "blocker utility" is intended to allow system administrators to determine what programs they have that may have problems, and to prepare before installing; but will not permit delays beyond the 60 day period built into the utility.

At the Win XP SP2 download site you are offered the option of requesting the free SP2 CD, which they will send by "snail mail." Their estimated shipping time is 4 to 6 weeks, but the CD is implied to include all earlier security fixes (close to 800 MB). Since it has been shown that reinstallation of "original WinXP" (or any other Windows version) and connection to the web for download of security updates will probably result in your system being infected before the download can be accomplished, having the ability to reinstall WinXP AND the CD version of SP2, with security fixes, before going to the web seems almost mandatory. Microsoft urges that those who receive the CD should share it with other users, although it's not clear whether you can make copies to share. At present (a few days ago) the CD is/was available only for users of the English version. The SP2 CD is language specific, and must match the "language version" of WinXP that you use. Other language versions are promised "soon."

Not specifically mentioned in the SP2 sites is that there have been a couple of Office fixes to prepare for SP2. If you use Microsoft Office or component programs, you can go to the Office update site and download the fixes at any time. Prudence suggests that you do it before installing SP2, if possible.

John

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 26 Sep 04 - 12:03 PM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: mack/misophist
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 03:44 PM

Look here for a pretty good review. Our English brethern don't like it much.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 03:19 PM

Mark,

You can set up the Google Toolbar to various levels so it is anonymous if you want.

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Cluin
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 03:05 PM

Installed it a week ago and it's working fine. I like the new features it's added to Internet Explorer (finally a pop-up stopper!) and Outlook Express (yeah, I know I shouldn't be using those programs but they are so tied into Windows and I'm far too lazy today to bother to fish `em out). Also another stronger firewall is always good, though I'm keeping ZoneAlarm running too. The Windows firewall recommends only using itself, but it still isn't robust enough to stand alone; for instance it supposedly stops attacks from outside, but it does nothing to stop a trojan from calling out from your computer.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: nickp
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 02:02 PM

I loaded it about 2 weeks ago and so far am unaware of any problems.. but that doesn't mean there aren't any. If you keep a well secure machine it might be worth waiting a while but otherwise it's probably OK for day to day home computing.

Just don't quote me...

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Bernard
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 06:15 AM

We had a problem with Win2K SP3 and the Google toolbar, apparently causing Internet connectivity. At the time, uninstalling the toolbar cured the problem and I didn't pursue it any further.

The machines are now on Win2K SP4, and seem to run the toolbar happily... there were some initial printer driver problems with SP4 - blue screen when accessing the affected printers! Updated drivers (eventually!) from the printer manufacturer sorted that.

It's worrying, isn't it, that we are used as unwitting/unwilling beta testers...!?

All the problems we experience are at our own risk, and Micro$haft sit there raking in the profits... ho hum!

I believe that Micro$haft should be obliged to declare the compatibility issues during the pre-installation system scan, which would then give the user an insight into potential conflicts... perhaps!! ;o)

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 05:03 AM

Jeanie, I seem to recall a thread here a while ago that said the Google toolbar carried some hefty spyware along with it. I could be wrong, though...it wouldn't be the first time!

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: treewind
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 04:42 AM

Doesn't seem much of a security fix anyway - anyone else seen this article in The Register?

Anahata

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Bernard
Date: 03 Sep 04 - 04:37 AM

I've installed SP2 on three machines in our office running XP Pro (networked with a Win2000 server), two laptops used for AV purposes running XP home (and Office XP), a client's machine running XP Home, and a machine at home, also running XP Home (but not this one, yet, so I have a reference point).

The only 'problem' I've had is a pop up message when trying to run Nero 6 on my own machine, advising me that there is a 'known compatibility issue' with Nero. I logged on to Ahead Software's website, downloaded the update, and all is well.

All the machines in question have been kept up to date with Microsoft's patches, and, whilst I'm by no means a Microsoft fan, I think they are closer to doing their job properly than they've ever been...

Only one of the machines isn't on a network of some sort (the two AV machines are normally linked together via a crossover cable), and no networking problems have yet surfaced. My home network uses this machine as a gateway, and the other XP machine still communicates properly, even with Win98 and Win95 machines (I use them for testing websites, as there are people still using the old technology who need to access my sites).

I'd guess that many problems that appear are more likely to be existing problems which are highlighted when the holes are plugged...

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 10:30 AM

Sounds like those of you having difficulties with the firewall in XP need to find the "Preferences" area and set them. You might want to try one thing at a time and see how it works. Making a cluster of changes doesn't let you know which thing actually worked, if you have to go in and adjust it some more. I've been working on issues with my Symantec fire wall, (I use Win2000Pro on my computer) and yesterday for a while had it letting some JavaScript through that I wanted to see. It stopped again--so I'm not sure what I fixed then apparently un-fixed.

A firewall SHOULDN'T mess up your wireless connection. I have yet to go in and set up a password on mine--I will do that one of these days (hopefully before it gets hijacked by a passing laptop on the street).

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: halaswell
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 08:29 AM

Based solely on my experience, I'd say wait.

I installed SP2 q few days ago, but uninstalled it yesterday.

I had no internet access for 24 hours after installation, then several programs were constantly seeking internet access (esp alg.exe & svchost.exe) it seemed like some very determined nasties had got in.
It got so bad I was planning to completely re-install XP, but as the PC has behaved well for 24 Hours - I'll wait to see if things stay quiet.

With an independant firewall/virusscan/spyware (not they're perfect) I'm gonna need some convincing to try SP2 again.

Tricky decision.

H

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Jeanie
Date: 30 Aug 04 - 03:43 AM

Having been caught by a couple of the worms last year, and having been plagued by pop-ups and intruders (one of which did something to make my CD tray open of its own accord !) - all this despite having Norton - I now take on board straight away all the updates that Microsoft offers. On the advice of one of the threads here, I now have the free Google anti-popup toolbar too. So far, so good, and fingers crossed it stays that way. Lovely to be sitting at a clear, uninterrupted screen for the first time in years. Long may that continue.

- jeanie

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 04:01 PM

The problems we had setting up our wireless network were mostly, if not all, centered around firewall issues. We were using Zone Alarm and the network will not work if Zone Alarm is enabled on the wired computer. After we got the network working, enabling Zone Alarm made it stop working.

We are currently relying on the router firewall but if SP2 adds another firewall, we fear the network will stop working.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 10:56 AM

I have, with trepidation, installed it. I have a few notices saying 'settings' have changed, but so far MY firewall, Kerio, seems to be either working beside the new one, or beating it to the punch.

It's quite a dilema knowing you oughta have all the protection you can get, but still not quite trusting MS to get it all right without messing up something.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: artbrooks
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 09:11 AM

Installed it yesterday. I had to go in and reset the broadband connections, which was no big thing. Symantec/Norton asked me when I rebooted if I wanted to keep their firewall (which I did) or switch to Bill's. The only problem so far is that it apparently thinks the comics I download every morning are a security threat, and I have to give it permission to do so each time. No changes in my security settings, but I use Netscape rather that MS Explorer.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: kendall
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 07:57 AM

Updates? Hell, I want to go back to win 98!

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 05:38 AM

To answer 1. I've have just found this page from a Znet review. It says a Belkin 54g has a built in firewall.

2. I've no idea but I have a question for you? What caused you the problems, some software installation or was it getting the wireless signals?

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 01:11 AM

We have two questions.

1. Does our router have a built in firewall? It's a Belkin 54g.

2. Will installing SP2 screw up our wireless network? We just spent a lot of hours getting to work right.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 06:52 PM

Hmm Treewind, I would have no argument over the default being turned on but I don't understand the not letting one (at least assuming one has admin rights) turning it off being desirable.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 05:51 PM

I put the service pack on the kids' computer (with XP-pro). My daughter says it runs slow and acts strangely. I'll probably turn off the XP firewall--I already have a Symantec firewall and I'm running the computers behind a router. It's overkill to have another one on (it's hard enough to do things already with the Symantec firewall!)

SRS

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: treewind
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 05:42 PM

There are good reasons for it setting the firewall on by default and not letting you turn it off...
Leaving the doors wide open was one of the main reasons for criticism of the original OS.

If you want to run IRC for example, you should adjust the firewall to allow just that, not just disable the whole thing.

Do you know how long it takes for an unprotected new default Windows installation to get compromised if connected to the net? Typically less than 20 minutes now. After that you may be an unwitting spam relay or virus launcher, or some spyware will be relaying keystrokes to a website in the far east as you type in passwords and credit card numbers...

Anahata
(hiding his Linux network behind a Dynamode ADSL router/firewall)

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 10:41 AM

Rog says absolutely not, Joe! It resets all of your security settings to extreme high and doesn't allow a lot of interactive type programs to operate. He had a lot of problems with it at the tv station. He recommends that you wait as they are supposed to have a *fix* coming down the pike.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: mack/misophist
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 10:36 AM

I have put the Sygate firewall on the few machines I 'oversee' and will wait for M$ to get SP2 cleaned up. It seems easier that way.

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: wysiwyg
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 10:18 AM

Joe,

HERE is the very helpful thread JohnInKansas gave us on this topic recently.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 07:49 AM

From Son of Scooby;
I have been using a Beta of XP SP2 for some time, i have had no problems what so ever. The security fixes that SP2 provides far outweights the problems that may be caused. Any problems that have been located are usualy because of the strict connection controls with firewalls and a few changes with other security features. I'd recommend keeping your computer updated to prevent virus attacks such as the Blaster worm causing havock.
For another opinion check a review at
The Register
it goes into more detail about the ins and outs of the SP.
This is just my opinion so dont flame me.
Toby

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: s6k
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 07:40 AM

i witnessed the package being installed on a friends computer, after the restart he had no sound, so reinstalling sound card drivers, then restarted again and both his video card AND modem drivers were no longer installed, so he installed them again, and then when he tried to connect to the internet, it connected but he could not use IRC, as windows firewall was enabled, so he disabled it, but it would NOT disable.

suffice to say he has stuck with service pack 1, as shall I

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 07:26 AM

I also installed the package,no problems yet!!!!

Subject: RE: Tech: XP Service Pack 2 - yes or no
From: the fence
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 07:24 AM

I installed the XP Service Pack about a week ago and have had no problems so far. Early days though.