Avoid sp2

[Coro Dominicano]

Am i able to completly avoid Sp2 for a few years, or new programs are going to have Sp2 reguirments?

 

[Davegod75]

why would you want to avoid sp2?

 

[Coro Dominicano]

Some Outdated programs I use at work, that its just a hazzle with Sp2.

 

[yankeesfan]

disconnect from the internet?

 

[jadinolf]

Originally posted by: yankeesfan
disconnect from the internet?

Good idea.

 

[SimsFreak]

I would like to know the same answer, I protect myslef with 2 firewalls (sygate, and mcafee). and use 2 antivirus + stinger every week. (Mcafee and AVG Pro). I do not want to update to SP2 since I aswell use older programs. I have hear that SP2 simply turns on the Firewall function, and just installs all SP1 updates. I simply want just the SP1 updates, nothin more nothing less. Anyone got any ideas? I have gone into windows update and installed all things that I can then get to SP2 DL, and stopped there.

 

[RVN]

Originally posted by: SimsFreak
I would like to know the same answer, I protect myslef with 2 firewalls (sygate, and mcafee). and use 2 antivirus + stinger every week. (Mcafee and AVG Pro). I do not want to update to SP2 since I aswell use older programs. I have hear that SP2 simply turns on the Firewall function, and just installs all SP1 updates. I simply want just the SP1 updates, nothin more nothing less. Anyone got any ideas? I have gone into windows update and installed all things that I can then get to SP2 DL, and stopped there.

Wild! You might as well, add the Windows firewall to your list (sarc). It is widely not advised to run two software firewalls ...they're likely to interfere with each other and cause problems. You'd be better off pretending the internet didn't exist and never get online again.

SP2 does more than turn on the firewall and add features to it. You can disable it along with automatic updates and security monitoring. It's a non-issue. SP2 will give you greater security in several other areas ie. the abiltity to block incoming IE browser programs, pop-ups and more and to "never" bother with checking to "trust" the "incoming" from certain instigators.

I'm running my number one box with SP1 and all applicable updates and four other machines with SP2. Secure the updates for XP SP1 or SP1a now, so that you can re-install later, when they're no longer available. There's a contraversial program called "Autopatcher" that you can download and save that will do it for you. Invest in imaging software like Acronis True Image and make a backup image of your pre-SP2 install.

I strongly advocate installing SP2, turning off certain services and enjoy the much added security protection. One (your choice) third-party software firewall is much recommended over the Windows one. Do not use the Windows firewall.

 

[ModemMix]

Yes, SP2 does much more...like cause blue screens on the first boot after install on my pc.

But really, there is absolutly no reason why you MUST install sp2.

Plain and simple it is a security update (for the most part). As such, if you feel you are able to secure your machine with a 3rd party firewall and anti-virus, then you are not missing out on anything major. If your not comfortable with your current security and feel you need every possible aid in securing your machin, then get SP2.

However, if you chose not to install sp2, it is advisable that you do stay current with other critical updates.

 

[fuzzynavel]

I have had SP2 on my PC for about 6 days now since it auto-updated....absolutely no problems at all!!

What is the problem with all u M$ bashers????

All the programs and games that I use work flawlessly.......Both my firewalls work and my antivirus....

You can turn off the windows firewall with no problems.....even gives u a proper interface to do it now rather than searching through your properties.....

Why bitch about the software unless you are willing to give it a go....

If you have had problems with SP2 then I feel sorry for you.....but it is a good upgrade as far as I can see!

 

[alm4rr]

Are DOS proggies affected by SP2?

 

[Supahfreak]

I just noticed it installs a Virusscan, should I uninstall my Pccillin after installing sp2? I didnt even realize it was installing it today.

FreAk

 

[Supahfreak]

Nevermind, it was enlightening me to the fact that I HAVE Pccillin installed. So far I've figured out that sp2 is basically Windows XP for dummies, it just turns everything on for you.

FreAk

 

[mboy]

Originally posted by: SimsFreak
I would like to know the same answer, I protect myslef with 2 firewalls (sygate, and mcafee). and use 2 antivirus + stinger every week. (Mcafee and AVG Pro). I do not want to update to SP2 since I aswell use older programs. I have hear that SP2 simply turns on the Firewall function, and just installs all SP1 updates. I simply want just the SP1 updates, nothin more nothing less. Anyone got any ideas? I have gone into windows update and installed all things that I can then get to SP2 DL, and stopped there.

Someone needs to do a lot more research on using a PC> NO reason to run 2 software firewalls. Running 2 AV's (with realtime enabled on both) is a VERY bad idea. and SP2 has a TON of OS updates, not just FW update.

 

[kylef]

List of Fixes Included in Windows XP Service Pack 2

 

[SimsFreak]

I have 2 firewalls and 2 virus scans for a reason, just in case the other missins the other. I have had 0 problems with both on my machine for over 6 months,

 

[alm4rr]

in addition to the hardware firewall on router?

 

[vegetation]

SP2 working flawlessly with my system. Of course, I installed the SP2 on a fresh SP1 install. Everyone knows better than to install any service pack with a windows setup loaded down over the years -- that's guaranteed to ask for trouble.

 

[Slogun]

There is no absolute mandate to use SP2.

However, I believe that no matter what safeguards you are using, you run a risk for identity theft without SP2.

I think everyone should strive to go with SP2 as soon as they can.

For someone in your position who is concerned about losing capabilities with some older programs you need, I would suggest you use an emulation program which will enable you to emulate WinXP with an SP2 install and test how your programs will run.

I understand there are at least 2 viable emulation programs out there for this type of purpose, both free via a trial period. I linked you to Virtual PC from microsoft, a google search should turn up more. You might add nlite to your search, which is a slipstreaming program and about which many discussions have taken place regarding emulation testing.

 

[wvl38]

Almost no problems here with SP2 . Many have gone with out one problem , most done by network but lots just letting update do it's thing . All sorts of different AV and firewalls . Had one today , before instal checked up dates for firewalls and AV program , shut down all running programs . Installed , rebooted and changed some settings in firewall . No problems . Even Nero worked , down loaded some drivers , burnt to cd for another computer working on with a few problems .

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: vegetation
SP2 working flawlessly with my system. Of course, I installed the SP2 on a fresh SP1 install. Everyone knows better than to install any service pack with a windows setup loaded down over the years -- that's guaranteed to ask for trouble.

Why? SPs can have issues with a few specific types of products, so MS makes general suggestions to remove antivirus software and some CDROM / filter drivers, but generally speaking it's a normal and safe thing to do.

 

[Slogun]

Originally posted by: vegetation
SP2 working flawlessly with my system. Of course, I installed the SP2 on a fresh SP1 install

I am assuming your WinXP CD is a later version with SP1 already on it?
Otherwise no need to install SP1 prior to installing SP2.

 

[Slogun]

Originally posted by: dclive

Originally posted by: vegetation
SP2 working flawlessly with my system. Of course, I installed the SP2 on a fresh SP1 install. Everyone knows better than to install any service pack with a windows setup loaded down over the years -- that's guaranteed to ask for trouble.

Why? SPs can have issues with a few specific types of products, so MS makes general suggestions to remove antivirus software and some CDROM / filter drivers, but generally speaking it's a normal and safe thing to do.

dclive, You are quite right about a service pack update being a normal and safe thing to do. However, vegetation is also, imho, correct that a clean install is always better.

Fact is, many, if not most of us here at AT believe in an annual reformat/clean install of our OS, if not even more often than that.

For convenience, I myself did SP2 as an update, but some annoying problems could not be resolved.
I ended up honing my slipstreaming skills on a reformat.:beer:

 

[GimpyOne]

Just realize, however, there are situations where SP2 can not be used. I run several instruments in the lab where the companies have chosen to use network protocal to simplify instrument control.(i.e. you use an 2nd network card in your computer which then is connected to the instrument) It simplifies things for them because it's cheap and easy to impliment.

However, SP2's new network fixes completely shut down the communications between the computer and the instrument with no current method of repairing other then not to use SP2.

 

[bsobel]

Originally posted by: GimpyOne
Just realize, however, there are situations where SP2 can not be used. I run several instruments in the lab where the companies have chosen to use network protocal to simplify instrument control.(i.e. you use an 2nd network card in your computer which then is connected to the instrument) It simplifies things for them because it's cheap and easy to impliment. However, SP2's new network fixes completely shut down the communications between the computer and the instrument with no current method of repairing other then not to use SP2.

This doesn't sound right, can you provide more information about this? Also, did you simply make sure the firewall was turned off on the NIC in question?

Bill

 

[GimpyOne]

This doesn't sound right, can you provide more information about this? Also, did you simply make sure the firewall was turned off on the NIC in question?

Bill

[/quote]

Sure, the biggest company I'm having an issue with is called Dionex. After SP2 was installed, their system would no longer function. I completely disabled the firewall and the security center in the services menu as well as the NIC and it still has issues. Less than a day after I installed it I recieved an email from the company telling me not to and that they are trying to work on it. They are not sure what all of the problems are. They are supposedly working on a software update which should fix it in the next few weeks.