XP SP2 Should I install or not?

[golfnut]

I have heard so many horror stories about this update that I am unsure whether I should install it or not. Could I get some feedback from those that have installed and your recommendations on this subject. I would really appreciate the input. Thank you for your help.

[julio]

im running sp2 on my system no conflicts as yet with other programs ,such as wintv2000 ,burning ripping converting progs fine ,however i am running my own firewall and antivirus so ive disabled sp2s standard crap

[redwudz]

Yes. On several machines. No problems.

[offline]

A few issues - most easily fixed.

- Port limit of 10 (slows down p2p) patch avail
- IE Tweaks deleted, re tweak or use firefox instead
- Nero, DVD2one & some other apps may need upgrade
- Network slowdown, manual adjust load balancing
- Private firewalls and antivirus; deactivate MSSC (security center)
- New security loophole; download latest MS fix
- Outlook refuses to release attached files; manual adjust

It is also a good idea to do some disk housekeeping
before sp2 is loaded. For extra safety I'd remove
all complex TSR and 3rd party services such
as Nortons Security, Cleansweep and other software
that operates in the background.

[golfnut]

Is there any real reason I need to download SP2?

[SLICK RICK]

Is there any real reason I need to download SP2?

Not unless there is a problem with what you are currently using.

SLICK RICK....

[fritzi93]

A few issues - most easily fixed.

- Port limit of 10 (slows down p2p) patch avail
- IE Tweaks deleted, re tweak or use firefox instead
- Nero, DVD2one & some other apps may need upgrade
- Network slowdown, manual adjust load balancing
- Private firewalls and antivirus; deactivate MSSC (security center)
- New security loophole; download latest MS fix
- Outlook refuses to release attached files; manual adjust

It is also a good idea to do some disk housekeeping
before sp2 is loaded. For extra safety I'd remove
all complex TSR and 3rd party services such
as Nortons Security, Cleansweep and other software
that operates in the background.

Interesting that you mention Nero. The only problem I had with SP2 was having to re-install ASPI. Then Nero 6.3.117 worked again. Odd. I have other burning apps, though, so maybe there was some obscure conflict there? Although I've since upgraded to 6.3.120 anyway.

Good advice, Golfnut, make sure you're defragged and virus-free, disable all background apps before installing SP2. As I understand it, the biggest vulnerability SP2 addresses is in Internet Explorer, so if you'd rather not upgrade, at least get Firefox. The Windows firewall and Security Center stuff you can live without. :P

[golfnut]

Thanks guys, I do have and use Firefox almost exclusively as my browser. Should I decide to install SP2 how do I go about turning off all programs running in the background. As you can tell I am not overly computer literate. Thank you for your help.

[bazooka]

Install it.

[888888]

I am very happy that I installed SP2. And have not seen any problems, at least none that I have yet noticed or that i can pin down on SP2 specifically.

Go for it.

[Capmaster]

Install it. Mine seems to be humming along nicely, and the popup stopper in IE is better than the Panicware one I was using. No ill effects so far.

I was unable to get Camstudio to run in Win2K on one machine, but it runs fine in XP SP2

[dxj40c]

If you use Nero 6, you may have to upgrade. Pinnacle Studio 9 will not run properly. There is a list at the Windows Update Site that has the programs that will not run under SP2.

[bazooka]

Is there any real reason I need to download SP2?

Yes.

It plugs security holes.

[golfnut]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate everyone's help. It seems from comments that I should turn off all programs running in the background prior to installing. How do I do this? Do I just exit out of the programs located in the bottom toolbar? Obviously I am not overly computer literate so any help would be appreciated on how to do this. Thank you.

[bazooka]

Just right click the programs in the toolbar and hit exit.

[golfnut]

Thanks Bazooka. Have a great day.

[bazooka]

No problem.