Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
Update: Since writing this article XP SP2 has come out and done quite well in the field. I now do recommend installing it. Read my new article "Will SP2 Crash my machine?" for suggestions on how best to prepare for installing Windows XP Service Pack 2. - September 13, 2004
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Windows XP SP2 is nearing completion as this article is being written. Pre-release versions are available for download and testing.
The question is, should you?
My advice? Wait. Even after it's been released, give it a little time.
I'll tell you why ...
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The pre-release XP SP2 download site has this warning:
WARNING! This technical preview is unsupported and is intended for testing purposes only. Do not use in production environments.
Granted, that's Microsoft covering their corporate fanny. But still, that warning should be enough to let you know that SP2 isn't ready for prime time. Unless you're in a position to re-install your system when you uncover some fatal flaw in SP2, it's clear you should wait.
But what about after it releases?
Windows XP Service Pack 2 promises several important security related updates. Microsoft's provided several pages detailing the changes. Of particular interest are changes to Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, Windows Messaging Service, as well as changes throughout the system, all focussed on increased security.
What this means is that there are some fundamental changes going on - changes that could affect daily usage of the system.
Unless I discover a specific need for it, I plan to let SP2 "mature" in the field before I install it myself. I do that for two reasons: first, any additional bugs that will naturally be found from a mass deployment should become known, and workarounds or fixes made available. Second, because of the nature of the security changes happening in this service pack, I'm concerned that usage scenarios I care about might be affected. I'd let the ramifications be better understood before I take the leap.
So I suggest you do the same, for now. How long? I'd wait anywhere from a week to a month after its release before installing SP2. And even then I'd pay particular attention to news and information about how SP2 is actually behaving in the field.
Return here, and I'll let you know when I've installed it, and any important ramifications I end up caring about.
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Update: Since writing this article XP SP2 has come out and done quite well in the field. I now do recommend installing it. Read my new article "Will SP2 Crash my machine?" for suggestions on how best to prepare for installing Windows XP Service Pack 2. - September 13, 2004
Article C2066 - June 16, 2004
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
In installed Service Pak2 1 year ago and my entire computer crashed. It was horrible. I never did it again. Then eveyone kept telling me that I really ought to update the security features that Microsoft had fixed the problem and silly me, I went and updated again. Sure enough, three days later my entire computer went down with the "blue screen of death" and I had to start completely over installing XP and every program my business and personal life used. It took me an entire week to get functioning. I will never do it again.
Now I have a friend with two computers that kepts slowing down until he couldn't do anything. I uninstalled the Service Pack2 on one and low and behold, his computer began functioning. He had his computer set for automatic updates. He has learned now to ignor updates from MIcrosoft until they are proven.
Posted by: Bert at July 24, 2006 3:22 PMI installed Windows XP Pro SP2 and now my computer won't run full screen applications. Do you know if it is a security issue? or how i can make them work?
Posted by: Eric at September 21, 2006 7:19 PMi wish anyone can send me the difference between windows xp home edition an service pack 2
Posted by: noraa at August 9, 2007 8:48 AMalsooo i would be greatful if anyone knows if i can add arabic language to the pc without using the xp cd as i dont have it right now
thanks in advance
I just recently moved to a new apartment, and prior to the move, I was able to hear all sounds on my computer and was able to play and record music. The whole problem is that I can't hear anything on my computer since I moved, and I have unhooked all my cables and re-hooked them. I already had SP2 installed, and my computer was working fine. No problems. I've done everything I can think of except to re-install my Windows XP, and I really don't want to do that. Any suggestions? I want to take some online college courses, but I can't hear anything and don't have a lot of money to spend getting the computer fixed.
Posted by: Roseanna at November 18, 2007 12:02 PMhelp me plzs my laptop tell me i got or something i m not sure what it is k all i know it said 2005 express edition service pack 2 mirco soft sql kb921896 do i need it or what ? can u plzs tell me and help me ty
Posted by: Mandi at September 8, 2008 8:19 AM