Computer newbies: Microsoft Service Pack 2 - safe to download?
Microsoft Service Pack 2 - safe to download?
by elliehowe - 2/9/08 11:00 PMHello,
I've been warned that serious problems might occur if I download MS Service Pack 2, and that some of the problems are not easy to repair. Actually, people said, "The chance that you'll have a problem is very small, but if you DO have problems, they are a nightmare to resolve!"
MS Tech Support told me, "No, you won't have any problems..." Of course! I'd say that, too!
I'll back up everything first, but is there anything else I could do to prevent or minimize installation problems? I'm not an expert at computer repairs. How bad could it be? I heard about a monitor going all gray, about someone's PC totally freezing up...
I have the Windows XP home edition and rely on my PC for my business. I am really nervous about what could happen...heard horror stories, too, when people first began installing SP-1. Microsoft says those problems were all corrected in SP-2... No problem... Go ahead and download it... Trust us...! Yikes!
To qualify for a new freelance project, I have to put SP-2 on my PC very soon.
Thanks for sharing your experience, expertise, and caveats with me. CNET Forum people are the best!
Ellie
Ellie, to make you feel better
by PudgyOne - 2/10/08 5:43 AM In reply to: Microsoft Service Pack 2 - safe to download? by elliehoweFirst thing to do is backup all your files and folders. Put them on an external hard drive, burn them to disks. You should always have a copy, in case your hard drive fails. Have a copy of everything you wouldn't want to lose, if this happened.
You should have some type of virus protection, always.
Now go to Start/programs/accessories/system tools/system restore
Set a restore point. This a place to go back to, in the event you have problems. With System Restore on, you can always go back to the time before a problem occurs and usually get thing back to normal.
You should have all of your Windows Updates. If you have all of your Windows Updates, then you should already have SP2. If you don't have all of your Windows Updates, your computer has flaws an in vulnerable to hackers.
Most people also use tools to remove spyware from their computer. Here is a list of programs I use to make sure my computer doesn't have any spyware.
C W Shredder
Spybot Search & Destroy
AVG Anti-Spyware
Spyware Blaster
Hosts File
I also use Zone Alarm for my firewall, since Windows XP firewall isn't as safe.
To help clean out the clutter from your computer, I would then use CCleaner.
This may seem like a lot to take in but you and your computer will be really glad you used these tools. Removing everything they find and then doing periodic scans, monthly, help keep thing clean.
Hope this helps.
Rick
I feel better already!
by elliehowe - 2/10/08 8:34 AM In reply to: Ellie, to make you feel better by PudgyOneRick,
Thank you! I had forgotten all about System Restore. I do use AVG and Spybot and AdAware...and will check out the others you recommended. I have my active work files backed up (after a crash a year ago, I backup on CDs religiously every Saturday morning!) but will back up everything else--as much as I can (applications, maybe software?) before installing SP-2. I noticed on your profile that you have SP-3. Should I skip 2 and download 3 instead? Does 3 incorporate all of the fixes in 1 and 2?
One other question (sorry). When I looked at the list of files in SP-1 a long time ago, it seemed that I could choose which to install and which to skip. Some had nothing to do with how I use my PC. Should I download everything in SP-2 or -3, or should I pick and choose the ones that relate to what I do and how I use it?
Thanks again, Rick.
Ellie
Well, I'll tell you like it is
by PudgyOne - 2/10/08 9:28 AM In reply to: I feel better already! by elliehoweI would take the Windows Updates first. I would also take the recommended ones. This will be time consuming in it's own. A few restarts and you'll be up to date.(Might be around 80 updates)
SP3 is a 336mb download. If you want it, I'll give you the link. I think it works faster than SP2, but that my opinion.
Backup. If you already have the software on disks, there isn't a need to make another copy. Updating Windows is usually a simple procedure but lengthy. If an update fails, and they do, just post back and we'll try to find the fix for it.
Keep us posted.
Rick
Since you ask ...
by Edward ODaniel - 2/10/08 2:10 PM In reply to: I feel better already! by elliehoweAll the Microsoft OS Service Packs include everything that came before so installing SP3 would avoid downloading and installing SP@ then all the many hotfixes that came out after SP2.
Although most people who have tried SP3 RC1 have had few if any problems that could actually be blamed on the SP rather than malware and P2P they had installed, SP3 at this time is NOT a final build. It is just an initial open release candidate for the SP.
You can get it here or just look here to check it out to see what it does:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=75ED934C-8423-4386-AD98-36B124A720AA&displaylang=en
That same link has additional links at the bottom for information as well as a link to the full SP2 if you decide to go that route.
SP3 RC1 requires SP1
by oogieboogie - 2/16/08 8:30 PM In reply to: Since you ask ... by Edward ODanielQuick correction for future readers, SP3 RC1 requires at least SP1 to be installed.
Quite annoying, found this out when I accidentally used my non-slipstreamed CD to install a fresh copy of XP.
First: The Question was about SP2, NOT SP3....
by btljooz - 2/18/08 12:13 PM In reply to: SP3 RC1 requires SP1 by oogieboogieSecond, SP3 is still in Beta.
Anyone who knows anything about computers at all knows to stay completely away from Beta versions of any programs/software unless one is a professional and is testing the Beta version for bugs.
Concerning the sp2 issue online download
by steveusa - 2/16/08 12:36 AM In reply to: Microsoft Service Pack 2 - safe to download? by elliehoweThe best way to install the sp2 service pack is to order a free of charge sp2 cd disk from microsoft,its much faster,and there are no chances of problems that i know of,plus this way in case you ever lost your internet connection,you would have this on cd if needed to reinstall xp again,i also had trouble installing sp2 online from microsoft,this is the best method i know of,but always perform backups too
Great idea!
by elliehowe - 2/16/08 10:12 AM In reply to: Concerning the sp2 issue online download by steveusaHi!
Thanks for suggesting that I order the CDs. I knew that was an option but didn't know what the advantage would be. Now I know! Many thanks for taking the time to share your expertise with me! - Ellie
DONT TRUST THE GOOD 'OL MS?
by soccerzeus - 2/16/08 7:49 AM In reply to: Microsoft Service Pack 2 - safe to download? by elliehowems in security wise is EXCELLENT let me tell you! they wont cause problems if you install sp2 from a bootable cd but i doubt that itll go without ANY problem (BUT I ASSURE U WONT BE A NIGHTMARE TO SOLVE!!!) i think ud better download it try putting it in a disk and THEN TRY!!! if ur running home its a lot better than pro cause not in home but in pro there is a lot of diference in RAM usage..."SO HERE da SCORE..."
ITS A BIT RISKY IF U HAVE LAPTOP CAUSE ONCE U HAVE A PROBLEM its very hard to repair...but for pcs...GO NO! download it!
Appreciate your reassurance!
by elliehowe - 2/16/08 10:17 AM In reply to: DONT TRUST THE GOOD 'OL MS? by soccerzeusHi!
I am running XP Home version, so it sounds like you're saying I can do it--should do it from the CDs -- and if I encounter any problems, I can call you 24/7. Right? I just remember people saying when SP2 was new that there were nightmarish problems--only a small percentage of users had any problems, but the problems were catastrophes and difficult or impossible to fix, even for the experienced users. I can't deal with that! But I know why I should have the service packs up to date. Again, thanks so very much for replying and sharing your knowledge with me. I really love the CNET forums and the users who are always so helpful! - Ellie
Good advice so far
by Doctor Entropy - 2/16/08 5:54 PM In reply to: Appreciate your reassurance! by elliehoweDefinitely make sure that Windows is running without problems, and that there is no malware infection. It sounds like you are already in that position, so good job maintaining your system.
<br><br>
Running the Service Pack and other updates locally, rather than over an internet connection, will generally work much better. Instead of ordering a CD, you can download the full SP2 here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&DisplayLang=en
<br><br>
You can save that on a CD, but you can also just run it off your hard drive. The file contains all SP2 updates, so it is a bit larger than the total file size you would get running Windows update over the net. However, it will still only install the files your system actually needs. You can also choose to download post SP2 update files and save them along with SP2, to be run locally.
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Advantages are: 1. Faster installation. 2. You always have the files handy if you do a reinstall of Windows in the future. 3. If your internet connection or power fails, or if there is an installation error for some reason, there is no need to start the entire download and installation process completely over: You have the files locally, and can quickly start just the installation process over. 4. If the files are saved to a CD, you have them in the event of a hard drive failure, and you're saving some space on your hard drive for other things.
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I would definitely do the upgrade to SP2 along with other updates, just for security reasons alone. Many of the fixes provided are *critical* in nature, meaning that if your system does become compromised at some point, much more damage can be done than if you'd had the updated files installed. An infection is also less likely to occur in the first place with the updated files.
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Any way you choose to do so, do the updates. I hope the process goes smoothly for you, and it should, as you seem to have your system maintained and infection-free.
CNET Forum members know so much!
by elliehowe - 2/16/08 6:24 PM In reply to: Good advice so far by Doctor EntropyThank you, Dr. E., for replying and explaining so clearly the options for downloading SP2 and, more importantly, the reasons to do it. My theory so far has been, "If it ain't broke..." and since my PC has been working just fine, I figured it was safer to keep chugging along without SP2. But you all have convinced me I was wrong and to step boldly forth into the unknown.
I continue to be impressed and slightly in awe of the CNET members who respond to the "Newbie" questions. You're kind, you're articulate, and you explain things clearly so that I can understand them. You seem incredibly patient, addressing each question or issue in order, logically, and not hopping around. You also don't assume that I know about computers, which might cause you to skip over some basic but critical steps. That is often the problem when I'm trying to get answers or help from engineers or technical wizards; they assume I know what I'm talking about...
Thank you, one and all! - Ellie
Doctor Entropy gave the BEST advice here.
by btljooz - 2/18/08 12:28 PM In reply to: Good advice so far by Doctor EntropyThat is definitely the route to go. 
Simply save the file(s) to your desktop, install it (or them) and then burn the file(s) to CD so you'll have it/them for future use ...just in case... 
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