XP Service Pack 2

[Rudderman]

Just wondering if any computer techs have come across any problems with the new XP firewall in SP2.<br />Do you think its good enough or should I get a different firewall instead? I have an ISDN internet line and 3 pcs on a network.

 

[newhewes]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

You might want to check out this link http://www.firewallguide.com/. I used Zone Lab for a number of years and it worked very well. www.zonelabs.com Also was told to wait to download windows XP service pack 2 until they get all the bugs out.

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

ds is right. I'd wait for a while to download it if you haven't yet. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but my system has run "goofy" ever since I downloaded.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

Ditto, RedRanger's comments.. "goofy"

 

[kd6nem]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

"Goofy"? Yes maybe. But folks, remember that there are security holes big enough to float a barge through in XP. SP2 fixes some of these. (Maybe the barge will have to go end first now rather than sideways?) I've installed SP2 on seven or eight machines, and some of the other campuses in the district have installed it in several dozen each. No major complaints. My thought is that on one hand Microsoft has earned its reputation for pushing out stuff not yet ready- I've been burned as much as almost anyone- but this one should not be feared the way it has been from what I can see. I will never trust MS 100%, but they are trying to lose their bad reputation. They really are doing better now- not necessarily great, but better. (Can't believe I am saying this! ) They held this "fix" back many months until they thought it would be safe to release. I don't know what the industry pundits have been saying. All I know is some of the things desperately needing fixing get fixed with this. <br /><br />If in doubt, or even if not, discover the feature that allows you to mark restore points and make sure you have a restore point set just before the update. That way you can always roll it back if you don't like it. And as always PLEASE back up critical data frequently onto another hard drive, CD, DVD, or USB flash drive. I have yet to need any of these precautions with XP, but the surest way to need it is to not have it.

 

[newhewes]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

Point well made. Security is a major issue and sometimes dealing with the problems of service pack 2 is a lot less work than fixing a virus, trojan, or someone using your machine to send out spam.

 

[b20]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

I've heard somepeople installed SP2,then uninstalled it because of the 'goofiness'.

 

[rwise]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

The only problem I have with xp sp2 is one of the units I have put it on keep rerunning it! 3 times know, can you say fdisk!

 

[BillP]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

I downloaded SP2 a couple of weeks ago and now my pc crashes and does all kinds of weird things. It's like having a virus every other day. I never had a lick of problems before SP2 was loaded. SP2 is going bye bye.

 

[PierBridge]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

You will be fine without SP2, and things will run much better.<br />If you do not already have a Hardware Firewall "router w/built in firewall" get one there cheap.<br />That along with antivirus and a NON Microsoft software firewall you'll be sittin good.<br /><br />The link dsmith84 provided should help.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

I've installed SP2 on machines upgraded to XP from what was originally 98, 98SE. I've installed SP2 on machines with SP1.<br /><br />I've yet to run into any problems, other than a fairly large consumption fo time to physicaly download & install.<br /><br />Better or worse? No idea.... but if pluggin some security holes means anything, I consider it a wise decision.<br /><br />The fiewall and security benefits seem to be useful, including the new pop-up blocker bar integral with explorer.<br /><br />I have heard of some people with troubles installing SP2, but havent any first-hand problems myself.<br /><br />I run NAV, spyware tools, and regularily update the OS via Microsoft's update system. So far so good.

 

[pjc]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

Are those here that have sp2 problems installing that update over a version of Xp that is an upgrade, say from ME, etc?<br /><br />I have installed sp2 over XP Home Full version and have had zero issues, and have better performance IMO. And I REALLY like the Windows Movie Maker V2.1 that is bundled with sp2.<br /><br />Also, per MS, be sure to remove any spybots, etc. before installing sp2.<br /><br />I do not use (disable) the XP firewall as it WILL conflict with my Norton firewall. Also, I disable windows automatic update. Now and then I will visit the MS site and look for updates, then pick what I install.

 

[BillP]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

I didn't disable spybot when downloading SP2. Maybe that's the problem. What should I do from here?

 

[spratt]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

Some folks have "Automated Updates" turned on adn the SP2 gets installed automatically without any help from the user. People with cable or other "always on" internet are most susceptible. SP2 does not like other firewalls or anti-virus software that is already running on the PC, and can cause a myriad of problems. However, SP2 in itself is fine, and if you don't want to use Microsoft's firewall or anti-virus software, it can be disabled, thus allowing you to use whatever replacements you may hvae already had, or would like to install. I use Norton Internet Security package because I like to have full control of what is happening with my firewall.<br /><br />Have I seen problems with SP2? Absolutely, and it sounds as though others have had problems also. I work with PC's every day as a Network Administrator, utilizing Windows NT 4 through Windows 2003 Server...and workstations utilizing Windows 90 through Windows XP Pro...teh company I work for has an edict stating that no user will download nor install SP2...that came from Enterprise level IT. There just has not been enough testing nor proving yet to verify the validity of it's attributes.<br /><br />All the Security Patches it provides can be downloaded and installed without running SP2 from Windows Update site.

 

[newhewes]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

spratt, I have a question for you. What version of Adobe Reader are you using? I seem to have a problem with 6.0.1 and windows 2003 server. Occasionally when I attempt to open a file using Adobe it opens a dialog window asking to save or open the file. Using XP and the same version of adobe it opens the file as it should. Any suggestions?

 

[b20]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

dsmith,are you aware that there is an upgrade for 6.0.1 to 6.0.2?<br /><br />this from adobe's website<br /><br />

New update: Adobe Reader 6.0.2<br />Once you have successfully installed Adobe Reader 6.0.1, you may install the new 6.0.2 update. From within Adobe Reader 6.0.1, go to the Help menu, choose Updates, and follow the instructions.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

Originally posted by AMD Rules:<br /> I've installed SP2 on machines upgraded to XP from what was originally 98, 98SE. I've installed SP2 on machines with SP1.<br /><br />I've yet to run into any problems, other than a fairly large consumption fo time to physicaly download & install......<br />

For anyone with a slow connection you can order a free cd from Microsoft containing SP1 and SP2 at:<br /> http://www.microsoft.com/office/ork/xp/journ/Oxpsp2cd.html

 

[newhewes]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

B20, Thanks, apparently I do since that is what I have. Don't know why I put 6.0.1 but when I read your post I checked, so thanks for straightening me out.

 

[Rudderman]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

Well guys I took the plunge and installed SP2 on all the computers. At least now the firewall appears to be stopping the trojans from getting through and every online firewall test shows the ports completely stealthed. <br />I tried to set up Kerio Personal Firewall but you really need to be a whizzkid to set it up right, specially since I need to set up Internet Connection Sharing and Remote Desktop. I wasn't confident about the configuration at all, not to mention those annoying messages that popped up every time a program tried to do anything! It was driving me potty.<br />I need to find an alternative for XP's Internet Connection sharing....because its a disaster to keep it working. I'm going to try setting up a program called freeproxy...if anyone knows of an internet sharing program that works well on xp (preferably free ), please let me know!

 

[tvpear12]

Re: XP Service Pack 2

sp2 closes all your ports so that high jackers cant get to your home page. good stuff. and be sure to download adaware.