WINDOWS XP SP2

frank_f15 · Sep 27, 2004

just got my SP2 cd today, any of you folks had any problems with this sp2? anything i should do prior to installation?

Bird · Sep 27, 2004

Frank, I posted a message before that if you are using Norton SystemWorks, you need to be sure it's up to date before you install SP2 (according to Symantec). I did that and then I downloaded and installed SP2; no problems, but it sure did take a long time.

frank_f15 · Sep 27, 2004

Bird, i am only using norton anti virus, will make sure it is turned off, and all open programs closed. will be installing off cd. as i did not want to set myself up for a long download.

Junkman · Sep 27, 2004

I updated a couple of days ago and I didn't do anything special with Norton... just did the download and let it do its thing. I don't have any problems with it either. I have found that my typing is a little slower and my spelling hasn't improved, but other than that, no complaints.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

tracdoc · Sep 27, 2004

I've installed Win SP2 on four computers so far. All went well, except for one. After the installation was completed "successfully," the machine hung at the XP logo screen on re-boot. Tried several time to re-boot, all to no avail. Finally, I gave up, went into Safe mode and did a system restore to a pre-install time, and then un-installed SP2 from that machine. The machine is now running just fine with the old SP1.

I have ordered the SP2 CD, and I think I'll have to spend some time in dialog w/ the MS tech service to figure this one out. It may be a matter of an unsigned driver, or something more involved.

Has anyone else experienced this problem with SP2 install?

GRUMPA · Sep 27, 2004

Your more than likely right as far as the driver issue goes. Most people buy pre-made comps and those come with a slightly different version of windows. In other words your NOT going to put Windows XP off the shelf and install it directly to your machine that was made by a co. The have there own version with alot different drivers to make that particular motherboard work.

California · Sep 27, 2004

( just got my SP2 cd today, any of you folks had any problems with this sp2? anything i should do prior to installation? )

No problems here.

I use Norton Systemworks 2004 and Free ZoneAlarm 5.0.590, and didn't turn them off during SP2 install.

After installing SP2 I shut down some Windows background processes that I don't need based on the 'Safe' recommendations at:
http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
(Find 'Black or White' in his left margin and choose White for a more readable page.)

I also saw the warning that Norton Systemworks 2003 was incompatible.

This system clearly boots faster now. It should be more secure as well.

Logan · Sep 28, 2004

I didn't have a problem with it. I ordered the CD since I have dial up. I see that Dell recommends running spybot or similiar to get rid of spyware before trying the installation. I didn't do that, (didn't know to) but I did shut down all running programs and defragged and ran scan disc first. I also created a system restore point, just in case of problems. The only problem I have found is that it cleaned out my address book in Outlook Express.

Ozarker · Sep 28, 2004

I think the best thing to do before installing SP2 is to install Mozilla Firefox and forget about XP and SP2. Then, install Mozilla Thunderbird and forget about Outlook.

http://www.mozilla.org/

MikePA · Sep 28, 2004

I have a Gateway PC that came with XP Pro. I got SP2 installed as a regular part of Windows Update. I did nothing at all before installation and it worked just fine. The first reboot took a little longer than normal (it sat at the WindowsXP screen), but I could hear the disk drive reading so I knew something was going on.

The Windows Security Center could not recognize Norton AV 2003 software so I specified that I'd monitor that on my own. Other than that, no problems. BTW, I have a number of devices attached to this PC, e.g., external Firewire hard drive, external UPS with USB connection to the PC, and had no issues.

Note that SP2 has a lot more in it than fixes to IE or Outlook. It includes a good deal of re-compiled code in addition to new features like the security center. So, if you plan on continuing to run XP, install SP2.

rlw · Sep 28, 2004

After SP2 is loaded, the default setting for the Windows Firewall is ON; if you have your own hardware or software firewall, you'll want to turn OFF the Windows firewall. Two firewalls running will degrade performance.

PBMAX · Sep 28, 2004

I heard on G4Tv that some where on MS's web site they have list of software that they found so far, that has problems with XP SP2. Me, I get to be lazy and let the IT folks here worry about it. Once they feel ok about putting on my new laptop. I may tinker with putting it on the desktops at home...

thcri · Sep 28, 2004

I have put SP2 on about 9 computers so far. I did it through our DSL line at work. All computers went well except for my laptop. I ended unistalling it and then re-loaded it. The troubled programs I re-installed after SP2 and now everything is working great. For some reason on any of the ones I installed it does not recognise my Norton Anti-Virus and tells me my computer could be at risk. I am sure Norton will come up with a fix for it. I have Norton Corporate Edition.

murph

tracdoc · Sep 28, 2004

thcri,

How did you determine which were the "troubled programs" on your laptop? As per my earlier post in this thread, I had same problem on my laptop. Now up to 6 installs of SP2 on 6 different computers, and that's the only one that was problematic. That computer was purchased w/ Win 98SE (awful version /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif). Eventually, upgraded to XP, and changed file architecture from FAT to NTFS. Any suggestions as to where to start to narrow down the cause of boot failure after SP2 install?

thcri · Sep 28, 2004

I had a lot of problems with communication programs. Anything that used a USB cable just didn't seem to work right. I had a USB to serial cable that I could not get to work and ended up going out and buying a new one. Which I was glad I did because the new one is much nicer. But since I re-installed SP2 and then installed the software for my communication programs everything seems to be working fine.

murph

JJT · Sep 28, 2004

I installed SP2 about 3 weeks ago and my computer hung at the end of the install. After a reboot I was forced to uninstall and I lost a bunch of drivers, (video, printer, scanner, etc). It took me several hours to get the machine back to where it was before the SP2 attempt. Attempt 2 was clean and quick.

Make sure you run Adaware or SpyBot to clear off any unknown spyware on your machine, and do a complete backup before doing the install.

I understand 90%+ of all installs will be without an issue.

ByronBob · Sep 29, 2004

My wife is an IT person. We downloaded the SP2 off the net automatically as we have RR. She mentioned there were some problems with the downloads and we backed up the system before downloading. Our Norton was older so we removed it altogether, loaded SP2 then loaded Norton again with no issues.

frank_f15 · Sep 29, 2004

what are the concequences if i DON'T INSATLL sp2? my system is running great so why mess with it ?

MikePA · Sep 29, 2004

what are the concequences if i DON'T INSATLL sp2? 
No consequences.

my system is running great so why mess with it ? 
Then don't. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Microsoft, as do other software vendors, provide periodic updates to their products that include fixes and/or new features. That's why they usually include a readme.txt or some other file that describes what's included. Read the documentation on what's included with SP2 and make the call.

Junkman · Sep 29, 2004

SP2 has all the new security updates that help to prevent your machine from being hijacked or a malicious code being installed on it. Other than that, it isn't very much. Think of it like driving without doors on your car. You might not get thrown out, but the chances are good that you will..