Windows XP Service Pack 2: Important Information 

Important News for All Windows XP (Home and Pro) Users!

As many of you may be aware, Microsoft has released Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). This is the one of the largest and most comprehensive updates to an operating system in the history of the company. This service pack includes updates to many components of the operating system, bug-fixes, and a variety of security-related patches to help keep your computer safe. Users of Windows 2000, ME, NT, and 98 will not use or be affected by this service pack.

This update is now available via the Windows Update feature. If you have Auto-Update enabled, it will attempt to install this for you. Be sure to review all of the updates before attempting to install. The full installation of the service pack is a big download – 266 megabytes (the equivalent of nearly 188 floppy discs!) so be prepared to wait for a download, even if you have a broadband connection. For users of dial-up services (such as AOL) this download could take as long as 27 hours to complete. Dial-up users who wish to upgrade may want to consider ordering the free SP2 on CD from Microsoft. The CD is available now; find ordering information at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/sp2/cdorder/en_us/default.mspx.

Microsoft has a document available at their site describing exactly what to expect and how to prepare for SP2 installation. We recommend all users considering this upgrade read this document prior to installation! More technically inclined users will find more information in Microsoft’s TechNet article.

As with any changes being made to your operating system, we recommend backing up all of your data from your computer before attempting to install SP2. Microsoft has stated that this installation should be treated as though it is a completely new operating system. Don’t take chances with your data – back up. XP Pro users can use the Backup utility built into Windows to back up to either a file or tape. You can read more about the Backup utility here. For more information on backing up your system, call Computer Team. We can provide you with options for data back-up that are tailored to your needs and budget.

As this is a new service pack, installation may cause some problems. We’ll do our best to keep you informed of known issues as they arise. You can find a helpful resource in troubleshooting issues that arise at Microsoft’s XP SP2 Support Center.

Immediate problems with SP2 that we have been able to foresee involve possible firewall conflicts or issues involving networking portions of Windows. It is possible that you may experience problems accessing a local network or the Internet. It is also possible that your computer may become inaccessible to others on your network. These are not permanent problems and likely can be resolved by one of our technicians. Computer Team is available to assist you in resolving these problems at our standard hourly rate with the customer service you’ve come to expect.

Update: August 16, 2004 Service Pack 2 is available, however Microsoft is reporting over 40 different programs that XP conflicts with - including Norton Antivirus 9.0. Some of the fixes are available within the article, others leave you only with the ambiguous "See manufacturer's documentation." Before installing SP2, users will want to review the article and list available at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242

Update: August 30, 2004 For users not wanting to move to SP2 immediately, but still wishing to use the Automatic Update feature, a tool is available to put of the SP2 patch, but still download and apply other updates and patches. This tool and further information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2aumng.mspx.

As always, Computer Team is here to assist you with all of your computer needs. If we can be of assistance, please give us a call at (563)355-0426 or toll-free at (800)355-0450, or e-mail us.