Windows XP Service Pack 2: Safe to install now or not?

I realize this topic isn't directly related to music, but because many here are also running Windows XP Home edition (as I am), I think this issue both pertinent and important to many here.

Responding to my email request, Microsoft Corp mailed me (for free) the Windows XP 'Service Pack 2 installation CD, of which I received today in the mail.

"Service Pack 2", according to Microsoft, includes critically important new features which include not only include OS fixes: but a substantially improved Windows XP Firewall, a now built into Windows "Pop-up Blocker", as well as the ability to monitor your security status via Windows XP's new 'Windows Security Center' feature.

I read (on another sz thread here) by Mike P (Leilatara), that he (as well as others) don't recommend installing 'Service Pack 2', at least not yet, because of potential conflicts and/or bugs of such a new OS update. I definitely appreciate the advice given, but on the other hand, I'm also concerned about the known Windows OS security issues & holes of the the current version of Windows XP, so equally concerned over not updating right away as well.

I'm currently utilizing BOTH 'Norton Firewall' & 'Norton Systemworks 2004' to monitor and protect my computer. That being the case, are there any Windows XP security issues which "Service Pack 2" addresses not already covered by the above Norton programs?

Interested in hearing from other Windows XP users here about their view of installing "Service Pack 2" now. Do you recommend holding off, or going ahead and installing it. Are there any known issues (bugs?) with "Service Pack 2" with other programs?

I look forward to input on this subject.

Scott

I installed it on the laptop last week. No problems, but it's a BIG download.
DonM

I subscribe to various computer related newsgroups, and have recieved mixed reviews on the decision to install SP2 now, or later. The expert I trust the most, Fred Langa, recommends to wait a few weeks.I'll take his advise.

However, sooner or later we all must install SP2, simply because of security issues.

This is what I am doing.

I sent away for the SP2 CD, that takes about 4 weeks via snail mail. At that time, the SP2 issues should be mostly resolved.

Now you ask, "Where do I get the SP2 CD"?
here is the URL for Synth Zone Members only
http://snipurl.com/8a8s

Now remember it's for Synth Zone members only, and because you all are so helpful..it's free.

Seriously, SP2 is a killer download, about 250MB .It will take forever on a dial up. Besides it's good to have the CD for future needs. It's not often Microsoft mails free stuff. Take advatage of it.

SeeYa
Larry

This is a pretty major update - it would be best to take the wait-and-see approach. I am testing out on 5 systems right now.

I requested to Microsoft to send me the CD on Friday at their download website and I received it today, 3 working days later in the snail mail on a CD.
Bebop

I used Mozilla Firefox browswer until I got the updates. It works just like IE, and has no security problems, I suppose because nobody is writing viruses for it. If you want to want on the upgrade, I highly recommend using Firefox in the interim.
DonM

Ditto.
Also, absolutely WAIT on SP2, possibly
another 6 months.

Hi Larry, I ordered my "Service Pack 2" CD from the SAME link you gave above, and, believe it or not, it arrived in the US Mail, TWO days later, and not the 4 weeks, as Microsoft had said. I suppose (to be on the safe side) I should just keep the CD and wait a couple of weeks before installing it.

Question: Once 'Service Pack 2' is installed, will "Norton Personal Firewall" be still needed to run as well?

Scott

Scott,
I have heard...

SP2 has a much improved built in firewall, that is suppose to be a big improvement from the original XP Firewall.

I was told that when you update to SP2 you should run only one firewall. Either your Norton or the new built in XP firewall.

Having both running at the same time will cause a conflict. I'm not sure how good the new XP Firewall will be, so I would probably keep Norton and disable the XP firewall.

If the new XP firewall actually does the job, I probably would not pay for a service that is not needed.

So again, it is a "Wait and See" attitude on not only SP2, but also let's "wait and see" on SP2 XP Firewall's performance.

Larry

I read where Microsoft took some engineers off of the Longhorn OS project, which will delay its introduction, to work on SP2 due to serious security issues in XP. SP2 was rushed a bit and they will most likely have some updates to it...especially since PC Magazine published this: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,1639276,00.asp

In light of the recognized flaws with XP, I downloaded and installed SP2. I like the looks of the Security Center and it seems to be doing exactly what it is supposed to.

If it detects a potential threat, it will alert you. You will have the choice to block it, ok it for one use, or ignore the threat. This is especially helpful on sites you are familiar with and know to be safe.

So far, everything seems to be working just fine. But the PC Mag article is a bit disturbing.

Eddie

Though this may (or may not) pertain to Windows XP w/ service pack 2, here's what Symantec says about having BOTH "Windows XP Firewall" & "Norton Personal Firewall" or "Norton Internet Security" programs running at the SAME time:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sha...=&osv=&osv_lvl=

For now, I'm going to continue to let my 'Norton Personal Firewall' software solely act as my computer's firewall, and wait to read feedback reports from the computer experts, before switching to "Windows Service Pack 2" to handle my computer's firewall tasks. I'll be anxious to hear from the computer experts here about their recommendation regarding 'when' it's actually safe to install 'service pack 2' as well as deciding WHICH firewall & security software to use: Norton's or Microsoft's? - Scott

My understanding is that the one of the security holes plugged by XP SP2 is that previously the XP firewall was loaded after the XP communication layer, so there is a period of unprotected accessibility until the firewall is itself loaded. SP2 loads the firewall asap and so closes this hole.

At home I am connected to Broadband but do so as-and-when required; therefore I don't think I am susceptible to this possibility. Nevertheless I will probably load SP2 once my favourite computer magazine (UK PcPro) passes a favourable verdict!

I loaded service pk 2 on both my LT's no problems it runs fine ....do it asap!

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 09-01-2004).]

I loaded SP2 on my desktop and laptop. It has definitely improved my system performance (we get so many power cuts here in Fort Myers, that it must be corrupting some of the files - I finally bought a UPS yesterday!).

Both PC World and PC Magazine strongly recommend installing it - the security improvements are real!.

Do it, don't delay!

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Graham