Windows Xp- SP2 [are the bugs gone]

Have not heard too much lately regarding installing Windows XP service pack 2 causing problems as it seemed to do when it first came out.
Has everyone installed it or are they still holding back? Just curious because I feel enough time has gone by for Microsoft to have fixed any problems related to it and I was thinking of installing it.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks, Linda

 

after putting it off as well (i had SP1 and it caused many problems), i went ahead and got SP2. some programs may still not work properly, but M$ has some fixes or work-a-rounds for those. my only problem spot was a program called "Visual IP InSight from verizon's DSL service, which M$ recommended i remove, which i did, and no more problems.

i highly recommend that you do some of these first: empty out the recycle bin, do a disk clean, do a defrag, do a new restore point, and clean out what's in restore now, empty temp files, and shut off any program running in the background, like anti virus, screensaver, etc,etc. you would want nothing running in the background.

once it has downloaded and installed (about 45 minutes?) run through your programs to see if any are a problem.

if you have been getting some of the updates from M$ now at the update page, then you may already have some of the downloaded components, etc.

 

Thanks for your response, I think, I will leave well enough alone for now, have not had any problems with SP1 and probably have downloaded other components thru BigFix.
Linda

 

Linda--In a little less than a year, MS will no longer offer Critical Updates to systems running SP1, whereas they will continue to support SP2. Something to consider.

 

I never had a problem. From what I read the problems existed with a small, 10%, of users. Additionally, you can always uninstall SP 2. Just use the disk as it is quicker.

 

what bugs? ... the problems were mostly due to not following directions in prep for it. well ... my .02 on it anyway

i'd highly recommend u get and install sp2 asap

 

I have put 2 on hundreds of machines without a hitch.

The security enhancements in sp2 make it worth it.

 

Oh and your a little late. SP3 is on it's way.
http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=48539

 

Hi, You wrote >
"Additionally, you can always uninstall SP 2. Just use the disk as it is quicker "
.......AND which disk is that?
You mean they may have just SP2 sold separately in computer stores? If so, it may be quicker but I am sure its also not cheap.
My son, installed the SP2 and ended up on the phone with MS for hours and finally had to reinstall his WindowsXP because alot of his programs, no longer worked correctly. AND with my luck, I also may be a part of the 10% that have problems..........Have learned alot of patience since being on a computer.
Thanks for your input, Balo

 

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/sp2.mspx

Here is the raw download for SP2 which can be burned to a CD.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...be-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&displaylang=en

 

Actually, if you have been getting all the updates, you all but have sp2 in all but name. So go ahead and get it. It will add a few nice features like improved control of the windows firewall and IE.
Like skeet said, most of the problems are with people who do not follow directions or have machines infested with spyware and worms; or had software from manufacturers who had not bothered to download the pre release versions and patch their programs to make them compatible. The vast majority of programs have no problems.

There are many great tutorials on the web as to what to do prior to installing it, but as I mentioned, you will probably have a very minimal download if you have been getting all your windows updates. Basically the service pack is just a bundle of all the updates to date and a few improvements to the OS and IE. So when it scans your system it will find there is little left to do.

So make the restore point as instructed, do a disk cleanup and defrag, reboot, and follow microsofts instructions.

 

Linda--For some time after SP2 was released, Microsoft was offering to send it for free on a CD to anyone who asked. They stopped that some months ago. Now you can get it only from a download. Takes a while if you are on dialup. Do it some time when you do not need to use the PC.

 

Thanks much, Scott.
I think that with your and the rest of the "crew's encouragement , I will go ahead and get SP2
Thanks to Welshjim and Oshwyn5 also.
Linda

 

Linda--You are welcome.
You may want to read this page first
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;windowsxpsp2

 

Success but now a problem with daughter's computer,,,

SUCESS! I prepared the computer before the installation, it took about 8 hours though and when it came to the end, where its supposed to log off and then reboot, it needed "a helping hand" because it stalled at that point. BUT, it did reboot just fine and everything seems to be working well. Thanks all!
Now I am trying to put SP2 into my daughter's computer but I ran into a snag. I prepared it before hand and when I tried to get onto the Windows Update page, it started to "open" but never would load completely and this I tried numerous times. Will try again, in a couple of days but does anyone have any idea WHY it would not load?
Linda

 

You can once again order SP2 update CD free from microsoft. Do it NOW so you have a copy .

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx

They often arrive in a few days.

Yes, the freeze on reboot is not uncommon and nothing to be to concerned about. It is just that it is waiting for something to report back , and since it was updated it is no longer there to report, something else reports back. Once the computer reboots, the problem corrects itself.

 

Thanks, ordered the CD......
Linda