Windows XP Service Pack 2

[_=DeltaForce=_]

When is WIndows XP service pack 2 ready for download???
I heard is Released to Manufacturing but I couldnt get a copy...
The MS website is gonna get pounded when its gets released for downloading...
Does anyone know any site where it is ready for download?? Its about 265mb

[Jeffbx]

Should be publically available tomorrow (Aug 10th)

http://arstechnica.com/news/posts/20040806-4077.html


Looks like the Beta as well as MSDN download sites have it posted already - full .iso of the update is 475MB! Downloading it now....

[redcolours]

so there are 2 versions: 1 for single computer only, and 1 for multiple computers on a network.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/winxpsp2.mspx#XSLTdivision120120124121120120

the single-use version wont be out til tomorrow. but the SP2 version for IT and developers IS available NOW (monday), from the way it looks on that link (im downloading it now as we speak...)

heh, i turned OFF auto-update for my systems. if its for single systems, MS wants you to turn it on so they can install it for you.

wow, talk about service!








(now where is that sarcasm tag?)

[mechmike0034]

Network install link: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&displaylang=en

Also at MajorGeeks: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4323

Installed it about an hour ago on one of the home boxes - all's well so far. I like the wireless config update, and the popup blocker...

[redcolours]

slipstreaming...

;)

(wonder if itll worky...)

[Bires]

wow, talk about service!
:heh:

Are the effects of the different patches different? Can the enterprise install be used on a single comp w/o issue?

[Jeffbx]

The 'enterprise' version is just a full download of everything - about 475MB. If you get it through Windows Update, it'll be much smaller (since it'll only grab the components you need) - maybe 100-150MB, depending on your config.

So yes, if you have the full download you can install it on any XP computer.

[SnowSurfer]

im gonna wait a day until we see if there is any major bugs

[Cantacuzene]

I'm runnign now. It adds this weird security feature which I disabled. OTher than that everything seems fine.

[_=DeltaForce=_]

Thanks for the link guys...

I think it fixes all the bugs and ants LOL

[Bires]

I may have found something that makes SP2 a pile of #$@%#$^%#@$^@$%^$%^$^!

I have swf files that I once was able to run, than no longer run. When I attempt to change the security level it changes. I close the IE session. But when I open a new IE windows, the security level and all my changes are gone. And, since these files (chemistry animation-demos) open their own window...I can't use them them.

Gee...thanks for protecting my security, MS. :censored:

Sometimes it won't even let me choose "Low"!
http://www.lemonizer.com/upload/uploadsJuly/stewpid.jpg

http://www.lemonizer.com/upload/uploadsJuly/stewpid2.jpg

[Bires]

Update: After trying, unsuccessfully, to get my flash file to play correctly I downloaded Swiff Player (http://www.globfx.com/products/swfplayer/) and for good measure, downloaded and installed Firefox.

Too bad I wasn't on MS's beta team...The textbook people are going to crap a load this fall when they find their companion CDs won't work correctly for many people running Windows XP.

[Mr Reorg]

I just downloaded the IT version (it only too about 13 minutes) and saved it in my D/L folder. Since I'm planning on doing a fresh install of XP Home on a new HD I may wait a while to see if any other surprises come up. I have one question, though. Can I install SP2 over my XP install, or do I have to install SP1a before I can install SP2?

[redcolours]

I just downloaded the IT version (it only too about 13 minutes) and saved it in my D/L folder. Since I'm planning on doing a fresh install of XP Home on a new HD I may wait a while to see if any other surprises come up. I have one question, though. Can I install SP2 over my XP install, or do I have to install SP1a before I can install SP2?
no need for the 2-step process - it will install right over the original XP install.
******************************

ok, i just finished slipstreaming it to my original XP disc - just burned a new one. im gonna try and install it and see if it works without a hitch. so far, when i put it in my optical drive, it launches the XP install window. looks promising.

[Mr Reorg]

Great. Thanks for the quick reply.

[GilbertsGrape]

did slipstreaming work?

[faither]

If anyone's looking, you can get it here...

linky (http://www.download.com/3001-2098-10308947.html)

[redcolours]

did slipstreaming work?
yes, it worked!
:)

what i did was 2 things:
1)ghost my current SP1a XP install, then install SP2. that was ok, things worked fine, except for the graphics driver. ill explain that later on. I decided i like it, but also didnt want to mess around with my current settings plus all the programs i wanted already setup the way i wanted it. So i ghosted THAT too.
2)THEN i formatted the drive, and installed the slipstreamed CD. Worked without a hitch!

im typing in IE right now, bravely going about surfing without any popup blockers installed or spyware protection to see how it will perform. it has its own popup blocker now, and supposedly it can detect if any spyware that somehow gets in you tries to change anything.

feels like having sex without any condom on... ok, its nothing remotely close to sex at all.
please.
but you get the idea.

it has its own security center now, for firewall and automatic update, even a recommendation for antivirus if you dont have any. i turned off the firewall - never had the need for it. but supposedly its more robust than ICF - windows firewall quite configurable, but nothing as configurable as NPF, McAfee, or ZoneAlarm.
but Im still not using it.
Automatic updates is by default turned off, but only partially. i choose my own updates at my own time, so its turned off all the way now.

Not much else has changed, except it has native bluetooth support now (i see it when i try to install drivers). Windows Messenger is now turned off, like SP1a, and so is MSN messenger - usually its one of the first things i disable. Now it doesnt even startup with windows. One move i defintely approve. ALso, to make sure it doesnt get tripped or turned on, i removed it totally via uninstall programs.

what i didnt like though was how the installation messed up the driver for my Dell 17" LCD monitor. not sure if this is the same for other monitors, but my 1280x1024 desktop became VIRTUAL, right after the SP2 install.
I have an 8500 radeon in this machine, and XP recognizes it and installs the WHQL drivers automatically. on its own, it sees a samsung monitor, limited only to 1280x768 desktop. when i install the dell monitor drivers, thats when im able to get up to 1280x1024 res.
Im still able to get that resolution after the SP2 upgrade, but its now virtual. Now i have to install the 8500 catalyst drivers to get the control panel from it to correct the virtual desktop i get. In not a fan of unnecessary extra programs, if/when it still works on its own, previous to any other installations.

i probably will sit on this installation for maybe a week, add my usual essential utilities and programs, and see if it has any other quirks. From my SP1a upgrade to SP2, none of my then-programs installed had a quirk (other than the virtual desktop). if i like THIS installation ill keep it, if not, its a simple ghost back to the previous installation.

[zippyjuan]

I just installed it within the hour so I haven't noticed any difference in performance on anything yet. It did take a while. The download from faither's link took about 12-15 minutes with a cable modem. I saved it first and then installed it. Once I started the install, what took the time was a massive list of backup files it created- that took about 20 minutes. Then the reboot. I have Norton Firewall so I disabled the Windows one and I already have a pop-up blocker with my Earthlink internet service so I don't know how good Windows does on this. I haven't noticed any problems with my monitor like redcolors experienced. They claim uninstall is easy if you don't like it. I did activate automatic updates. So far so good!

[fallout1]

Anyone have Netgear stuff? I've been hearing that SP2 doesn't play nice with netgear stuff..Of course Netgear's website SUCKS and doesn't help at all..

[ACE]

Anyone have Netgear stuff? I've been hearing that SP2 doesn't play nice with netgear stuff..Of course Netgear's website SUCKS and doesn't help at all..

Just installed the network version on my test machine and had no problems with a netgear R614 router and fa311 nic.

[SnowSurfer]

does anyone know if norton released an update to make sp2 and norton play nice???

[Mr Reorg]

does anyone know if norton released an update to make sp2 and norton play nice???
http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/sp2/faq.html

[bachviet]

Just slipstreamed it into a bootable CD. :)

[zippyjuan]

"Norton AntiVirus
Installing Service Pack 2 will not affect Norton AntiVirus. The Windows Security Center will be aware that you have Norton AntiVirus installed, but it will not be able to determine its working status due to Symantec's tamper-protection technology.

Norton Firewall/Norton Internet Security
Installing Service Pack 2 will not affect Norton Personal Firewall or Norton Internet Security. The Windows Security Center will be aware that you have one of these products installed, but it will not be able to determine their working status due to Symantec's tamper-protection technology"

The new SP2 will show Firewall or Antivirus protection as "Uncertain" whether it is working or not if you have Norton installed. I do and to avoid possible conflicts I have disabled the Windows verions of both.

[kimchicowboy]

The 'enterprise' version is just a full download of everything - about 475MB. If you get it through Windows Update, it'll be much smaller (since it'll only grab the components you need) - maybe 100-150MB, depending on your config.

So yes, if you have the full download you can install it on any XP computer.
where's the full 475MB download? the microsoft website only has some 277MB file. thanks :)

[bachviet]

I turned off the annoying "Windows Security Center" and the built-in firewall.

[zippyjuan]

One other change I've noticed- the green dots that go across the screen as Windows loads have now turned blue.

[gwilks98]

In case it hasn't been posted yet, here's a list of what Microsoft says runs "differently."
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130&product=windowsxpsp2

Red Alert 2 won't run? WTF? NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

[SnowSurfer]

hang on it has office xp listed...wtf lol

[Cantacuzene]

One other change I've noticed- the green dots that go across the screen as Windows loads have now turned blue.

You'll also notice that it doesn't say "Windows XP Home" or "Professional" They have eliminated the differences.

[Dave_7]

You'll also notice that it doesn't say "Windows XP Home" or "Professional" They have eliminated the differences.
Zah? You mean like my "Home" version can now support Novell and domains?

Or the naming is no longer different?


Dave.

[zippyjuan]

I don't know if it came from the site, but I did a spyware scan with Ad Aware shortly after I installed the Service Pack 2 from CNet (faither's link) and found a malware. Might check it out if you downloaded it from there. I noticed I was suddenly getting a lot more spam in my mailbox so I did a check.

[Mr Reorg]

The KB Article # 884130 linked above does say "Programs that may behave differently in Windows XP Service Pack 2", not 'Programs that will not work at all'. Dosen't that infer, especially regarding Office XP, that we may just need to tweek the firewall settings or something like that?

I guess I'll find out this week end. I am planning on doing a re-fresh install on a new hard drive.

[Jeffbx]

where's the full 475MB download? the microsoft website only has some 277MB file. thanks :)

I downloaded it from the MSDN subscriber's page - you need to have a MSDN Universal subscription to get there. http://msdn.microsoft.com/subscriptions/downloads/

Looks like they have 2 versions available now... the 277MB Network install (which is probably the one you found) plus a 475MB full install. Dunno what the differences are, or whether they'll make the 475MB version available to the general public....

[kimchicowboy]

thanks jeffbx! you're always great help. :)

[SnowSurfer]

i installed it on 4 computers today, seemed to install without a hitch..not bad for a microsoft product

[bachviet]

I only installed WinXP SP2 in my new gig. My Dell 8300 still has WinXP SP1 just in case.

[DarkFury]

So where is the "single computer" download? I was gonna put it on my main box first... before rollin' it out to the others.

[bachviet]

So where is the "single computer" download? I was gonna put it on my main box first... before rollin' it out to the others.
Why not download the "network" version and slipstream it? That was what I did so I have both SP1 and SP2 on two different CDs.

[DarkFury]

Please educate me... what is "slipstreaming" in this sense of the term.

(Please pardon my ignorance on this issue... :D )

[Jeffbx]

It means you take the SP2 files & integrate them into an XP setup CD, so the setup will install SP2 right away (rather than installing XP, and then dumping SP2 on top of it). Makes setup faster. Here's (http://www.neowin.net/articles.php?action=more&id=94) an article that explains how to do it.

To answer your original question, however - the single version download will be available through http://www.windowsupdate.com, but apparently they haven't posted it yet. If you don't want to wait, you can upgrade from the network version that's floating around.

[SnowSurfer]

i rather upgrade sooner than later because someone is bound to release a worm that takes advantage of some exploit xp2 fixes...

[Bires]

Firefox+Acrobat+WinXP SP2 =
http://www.lemonizer.com/upload/uploadsJuly/endprogram.jpg

End program? I don't think so!

[redcolours]

bires, which acrobat are you using? just the reader or the full-on program? if its just the reader, which version?

cuz im using FF, and i have SP2, and im using acrobat reader 6.0, and its working fine - it integrates ok with the FF, and im able to view pdf files in the browser.

although, i am using FF .8 (.9 doesnt play well with other extensions i need).

[faither]

So where is the "single computer" download? I was gonna put it on my main box first... before rollin' it out to the others.

You can find it at Download.com (http://www.download.com/3001-2098-10308947.html)

[DarkFury]

You can find it at Download.com (http://www.download.com/3001-2098-10308947.html)
Thanks a bunch.... :thumb:

[Hoser]

Here's some other links about slipstreaming WinXP and service packs.

This link is for a Universal Windows Slipstreaming and Bootable CD Guide: http://www.msfn.org/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=49

This link is for a program that will customize your WinXP installs: http://nuhi.msfn.org/nlite.html

This link shows you how to make an unattended XP CD. You just boot off it, and everything installs without you answering any questions: http://unattended.msfn.org/

[Bires]

bires, which acrobat are you using? just the reader or the full-on program? if its just the reader, which version?

cuz im using FF, and i have SP2, and im using acrobat reader 6.0, and its working fine - it integrates ok with the FF, and im able to view pdf files in the browser.

although, i am using FF .8 (.9 doesnt play well with other extensions i need).
6.0 full. and .93

[faither]

I don't know if it came from the site, but I did a spyware scan with Ad Aware shortly after I installed the Service Pack 2 from CNet (faither's link) and found a malware. Might check it out if you downloaded it from there. I noticed I was suddenly getting a lot more spam in my mailbox so I did a check.

I've run Spyware and Ad-aware and neither found any malicious programs or registry entries. Was there a particular program you found?

[zippyjuan]

Must have come from somewhere else, a "video" perhaps. All I remembered was that it said some type of malware and I just let AdAware delete it. I try to check things fairly regularly. Sorry if I created any false panic.

[zippyjuan]

Hadn't tried the Adobe Acrobat Reader yet, but did today. I have the free version (don't know what number) and it opens fine, but when I try to close it I get an errir message and a note saying that Internet Explorer has to close. Tried it twice and got the same thing. Shuts IE down.

"Internet Explorer encountered a problem with an add-on and has to close"

I upgraded to the latest 6.0.2 Adobe and Explorer still shuts down when I close the Reader. Not using Firefox or anything else.

[Paymaster]

Just found this:

You can order SP2 on CD at no cost and save yourself the download!

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default810.mspx

[redcolours]

and be in the MS mailing list?

[zero2dash]

I just got done installing SP2...
I turned of basically everything new that it installed. ;)
-No software firewall for me (not necessary 'cause I have a router)...
-IE popup blocker? No thanks, Firefox had that a year ago...
-No antivirus software found? I think not...look at that NOD32 icon in the taskbar...

No problem so far...a few clicks to turn off monitoring of the firewall and av software, and I'm running as well as I was prior to the install.

95 megs on it for me and my computer's kept up to date with all the updates etc. (XP Pro here...Windows Update is where I got SP2 from)

[Sesshomaru]

Did someone say SP2 has a problem with Netgear stuff? My bro installed it on his computer with a Netgear wireless card, and ZAP, he can't access the network, no internet, and the IP address is in the 169.xx.xx.xx range. I disabled the firewall and the other "security" features, no dice.

Finally, and uninstalled SP2, and bingo, everything started to work again.

Anyone figure out this problem? Apparently my bro doesn't feel like he can live w/o SP2.

[SnowSurfer]

yes the problem is netgear didnt pay m$ money to make sp2 work with netgear stuff ;)

actually its probably just a driver issue

[DarkFury]

Did someone say SP2 has a problem with Netgear stuff? My bro installed it on his computer with a Netgear wireless card, and ZAP, he can't access the network, no internet, and the IP address is in the 169.xx.xx.xx range. I disabled the firewall and the other "security" features, no dice.

Finally, and uninstalled SP2, and bingo, everything started to work again.

Anyone figure out this problem? Apparently my bro doesn't feel like he can live w/o SP2.
My Netgear stuff still works with SP2... :shrug:

So far.. no problems.

[cigi]

I did the Service Pack 2 install today and suddenly my printer wouldn't work. I went to the Canon site and downloaded the "patch" but it didn't work. My I.E. wouldn't work if anything new was typed into the address bar.. but bookmarks worked. Netscape worked just fine. After many hours of trying to use others' experiences to help, I just uninstalled.. suddenly, things work again. I am no nitwit (maybe a halfwit, but no nitwit) and I hate that this seemed to assume I am one. Oh well.. just my two cents worth..

[Jeffbx]

Anyone who has problems with software/hardware/drivers not working after installing W2K should complain to the manufacturer of that product...

Everyone had ample time to prepare for this release - many vendors should have a patch to correct any problems, and if not they need to hear people complaining loudly until they release a fix.

Many of the updates in SP2 are security fixes, so in a lot of cases where SP2 causes a problem with a particular application, it's possible that that application has the same security hole. Uninstalling SP2 will make your product work again, but you've also re-opened the secuity hole.

So don't think of it as SP2 breaking apps, but that SP2 is a way to force mfrs to FIX their apps.

[zippyjuan]

I did get my problem with Adobe Acrobat solved. My sister is in IT and recommended:


Open Adobe

Click on Edit / Preferences

Click on Internet

Remove the checkmarks next to “Display PDF in Browser” and “Allow Fast web view”

This stopped having it crash Internet Explorer when I tried to close the Reader- in case anyone else has that problem.

[aznaphrodite]

I let the Windows Automatic Updates install SP2 for me over the weekend. Immediately after install, my computer's response time lagged a lot. I was also unable to open any folders or even double-click the My Computer icon. :gle: Internet Explorer would continue to throw Javascript errors even when I had the new Pop-up Blocker disabled and I couldn't navigate web sites that I visited frequently. I winded up using System Restore to back out of the install. Everything is fine again.

I'm not sure if I will or want to try installing SP2 again.

[mechmike0034]

XP2SP2 Installation Checklist: http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

I've done eight machines so far, four laptops and four desktops, and all have been great - no hitches at all...

[mcs328]

So far so good for me. I haven't noticed anything different. I have a netgear814 wireless router and had no issues. I haven't updated my other computer that uses the USBMA111 wireless connection yet.