Windows XP Service Pack 2

NOTE: Please continue to refer to this page for updates on this bulletin.

Recommendation on XP Service Pack 2

  • As of June 3, 2005, IT recommends "cautious upgrades" to Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). Numerous enhancements, both in functionality and security, make the upgrade worthwhile. However, we do recommend caution in installing it, as the upgrade works considerably better when the computer is virus and spy/mal-ware free. Installing SP2 on a machine that has virus or spyware/malware issues may not be successful and can potentially harm your computer. It could result in a failure to reboot. Do not treat SP2 as a means to resolve existing issues with the computer. As with any significant update/upgrade, we recommend that you backup any local user data prior to performing the service.
  • SP2 is not being released via the central SUS (Software Update Services) server at this point because of potential ramifications with an unsupervised update. IT is running a second SUS server where SP2 is available as a test. For those systems administrators interested in applying an Active Directory Group Policy to apply SP2 to machines, please contact Aron Smetana, Director of Campus Computing.
  • We recommend performing a clean install when updating to Windows XP SP2. Our IT group has Microsoft media for Windows XP with SP2 built into the installation. Reports indicate this is the preferred means of upgrading to SP2, often with better overall speed and reliability.

The Good

SP2 addresses the growing concern about the increasing number of harmful viruses, trojans, spyware and adware that find their way onto Windows computers. Some of the main features of SP2 include:

  • New Windows Security Center, a centralized location for handling security on your Windows XP PC
  • Enhanced Windows Firewall, which is enabled by default
  • Enhanced Web browsing security using Internet Explorer's new built-in popup blocker
  • Improved computer maintenance with a modified Windows Updates interface

Potential Problems

We have compiled a small section of potential problems and their solutions on the following topics:

  • SP2 does not recognize your antivirus program
  • Making sure that Automatic Updates are turned on
  • Downloading files and software off of the internet
  • Allowing exceptions in Windows Firewall
  • Adding a trusted site to Internet Explorer's popup blocker

More Information

Additional information is available from Microsoft at: SP2 overview