XP SP2

[TheBramble]

I keep getting pestered by my automatic update notifier to go with XP SP2 - any views?

Anyone feel it's stable/robust enough to go with right now? Any problems encountered (apart from slow boot)?

TIA

 

[aussietrader]

Hi,

I loaded up on SP2 a few weeks ago and have had not rouble whatsoever with my PC since. The popup blocker is great and seems to give XP even more stability. I didn't even experience a slow boot time. I am kind of suprised given the history of windows.

Cheers

AT

 

[Buk]

same experience as Aussie really.....no probs (at the moment anyway) at all, touch wood......

 

[LevII]

My computer seems slower to start various items of software (eg internet explorer) and my version (7) of Metastock Downloader is not "Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) compliant" (don't our US friends have a wonderful turn of phrase).

Other than that no problems I know of.

 

[oatman]

Have a look here http://pcpitstop.ibforums.com/index.php?showtopic=63817
Also a friend of mine sent me this warning:
"Turn off your antivirus before installing the SP2. Also, the system may need
to restart one or more times. If you have things happening automatically at
start up, try to turn them off - and do not rush the restart process. A
friend of mine had great difficulty with SP2 and nearly had to do an
uninstall, all because of a faulty restart process."
There's also an article here about slipstreaming SP2 into your XP disk.
http://www.langa.com/newsletters/2004/2004-09-20.htm#1
I was also directed to this free slipstreaming software
http://www.softpedia.com/public/cat/12/2/12-2-183.shtml
I haven't used it yet.
Good luck

 

[anley]

I'm really scared about updating because it breaks my number one rule of all computing, which is'

If you have a stable computer that is running well it's very dangerous to start messing with it by upgrading etc

 

[oatman]

Agreed, I was going to say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" but it's your choice. It won't hurt to leave it a bit longer. I understand a lot of it is security. So long as your definitions etc are up to date I can't see any problem.

 

[zambuck]

Have loaded the SP2 on XP pro machine at home and office against the advise of our IT guru....but no problems whatsoever during installing or after...

Just watch out for XP firewall which will be left 'open' after installation....

System is working as before and very stable....

Perhaps it's luck..!!

 

[rossored]

Tony -

I installed SP2 on my old Fujitsu laptop three weeks ago, and recently took it back to SP1 because it was just unbelievably slower, even with TuneXP tweaks. Will probably leave it at SP1. My security is better than M$ofts anyway.

However, my new machine which came with SP2 pre-installed as fast as a very fast thing. (still massively insecure, but thats the content of your PM )

RR

 

[dunlop]

got sp2 several weeks ago,no problems at all.no slower to boot than before,notice virus emails have stopped !!

 

[TheBramble]

Thanks to all who have responded so far. Looks like no major glitches, possibly some issues, but as many willing to hang on and see. Apart from improved security and virus control are there any other known benefits?

 

[zambuck]

The benefits are, and as I understand it, are the ones dealing with security and 'holes' in the package allowing others to 'take control' of your PC etc etc....

There is a lot of info on the web about the release...

 

[Roma]

Haven't had a problem in 2 years since installing my boradband, but as soon as i install sp2 broadband seems to disconnect - coincidence, i don't think so.

 

[Quercus]

Bramble - I've had MAJOR problems with SP2, which I downloaded as the first action after my recent holidays!
Once installed my m/c would continually re-boot itself and crash randomly. The worst problem however was that it rendered my charting and trading packages inert - they simply would not load and run. I use Sierra/IB so it's not as if it's unusual or sophisticated!
It took me two days to have the system restored to SP1a, and even now I have problems. The m/c is ridiculously slow to boot up, and my previously functional microphone simply won't operate - I can't even hear it in the headphones!
I'm tempted to fdisk the HD with a win98 floppy and start again from scratch, but I'm sure everyone realises why that's a last resort.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received!
So there you have it - I guess because there are literally thousands of PC set-ups with miriads of application software loaded, then there will be many and varied experiences after the upgrade.
You can guess what my advice would be! :cheesy:
Cheers
Q

 

[anley]

Roma

I feel where you're coming from. This is exactly the reason why I'm scared of doing anything.

I will take the gamble though at some stage.....

 

[Roma]

anley, hopefully it will be sorted out soon, I've got a blueyonder technician coming tomorrow. It's still working but shuts off on an ad hoc basis and I have to restart

 

[culion]

My computer seems slower to start various items of software (eg internet explorer) and my version (7) of Metastock Downloader is not "Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) compliant" (don't our US friends have a wonderful turn of phrase).

Other than that no problems I know of.

Downloader works fine if you change the compatibility setting.

 

[culion]

I keep getting pestered by my automatic update notifier to go with XP SP2 - any views?

Anyone feel it's stable/robust enough to go with right now? Any problems encountered (apart from slow boot)?

TIA

Be sure to follow Microsoft's caution and remove all spyware and shut down all programs before installing. Also, include the popup blocker setting that they discuss on their website. Other than that, some older programs that worked OK with SP-1 might require a change in the compatibility setting, and unless it is needed the Remote Assistance should be disabled.

 

[mokwit]

I will wait till something happens to my current installation and then try to use SP2 as a potential alternative to reinstall. Otherwise as things are working leave them alone - routered and firewalled so don't really need SP2.

As far as upgrades go unless I lose functionality through not upgrading or there is a new feature that makes the risk worthwhile leave things that are working OK alone, or at least wait until the first round of installers have found all the bugs the hard way.

 

[mokwit]

Wow! Just read Quercus's experience with Sierra/IB which is my setup. Glad I did not install it. Please keep us informed of any conflicts like this or eg downloader and more importantly the workarounds/solutions.

Right now I am stalling on upgrades of Sierra/TWS/Ninjatrader and many others because it all works and my make or break upgrade criterion are not yet met.