MS Windows XP SP2...danger?

I have other friends who's systems messed up after installing SP2. Microsoft has a list of about 50 software packages on their site that will stop working after you install the update. I decided not to install it on my pc.

 

I plan on Ghosting an image "as is" first... just in case

 

I've installed it, and have experienced no problems.

 

Do a search for Microsoft's Application Compatibility Guide for SP-2...

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9300becf-2dee-4772-add9-ad0eaf89c4a7&displaylang=en

It is several MB's...

Even Microsoft warns that SP-2 can 'highlight' and expose some WinXP vs Application incompatibility issues...

If *all* the software you are using is of the WinXP era then you are probably in better shape than the rest of us...

But, that is still no gurantee...

 

Maybe that's why... I use Office 2003 and have a fairly recent compter/software (less than 1 year old).

 

I installed it this week. No software problems, computer gets a bit funny when booting though. Will think about it for a while

 

Upgrading to Windows XP Service Pack 2 will cause problems with about one in every 10 PCs running the operating system, according to research published Tuesday by a Canadian asset-monitoring service provider.

SOURCE

 

Trotter, I have dial-up and it took less than 3 hours on both my computer and hubbies lap top. No problems either. Both our computers are pretty new and are all XP.

There's a firewall that stops all popup ads! Neat!

Diane

 

Hi All,

I too have downloaded SP2, Because I am have a 12.9 gig drive and at the time, I only had 3 gig left.. My computer did act a bit slow... I ended up reformatting and reinstalling XP Pro. and installed the SP2. and everything is working fine. I am getting a bigger hard drive soon.

Blessings.

BornBaptist

 

112 shopping days 'til Christmas

 

I have installed SP2 on two computers - a desktop and a laptop - and I haven't had any problems at all. Just a couple tips for those who have some compatibility issues with other programs:

1) If you already have a third party firewall program (such as Zone Alarm, Sygate, Outpost, etc.), it is best to turn off the built-in windows program.

2) If you are having trouble with a third party program that was designed to run under a version of windows prior to XP, try this:

right click the icon of the third party program that is having compatibility issues

select 'Properties'

click on the 'Compatibility' tab

under 'Compatibility Mode' select 'Run this program in compatibility mode for:' and then just select the most recent version of Windows for which the program was designed.

I have one program (the Civil War Generals 2 game) that was designed for Windows 95, but I haven't had any trouble with compatibility issues when running it in Compatibility Mode.

3) Take these steps to help ensure other programs will work well with SP2:

right click on 'My Computer'

Click 'Properties'

click 'Advanced'

under 'Performance' click 'Settings'

Click the 'Data Execution Prevention' (DEP) tab

Select 'Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select'

Click the 'Add' button and just add the .exe of any program that is giving you trouble.

I received an email from Agnitum (makers of my Outpost Pro firewall, which is one of the programs that Microsoft lists as having compatibility issues with SP2) with these instructions when I installed SP2. I haven't had any problems with Outpost and SP2 at all.

I hope this has been helpful, even though it is very basic.

Pastork

 

I had the option to okay my IM and guru.net permanently so I did. I like the firewall because of the popup catcher! Now if something would only stop all the porn! My email provider catches MOST of it but at least one filthy photo a day is coming through.

Diane