XP Service Pack 2 Yes or no????

vits5vits5
edited January 2006 in Science & Tech
Hi!
Just spent four days cleaning the PC of viruses and spyware. Trying to get the PC in order and secure. After turning Windows Update on, I'm being notified that there is an update: Windows XP Service Pack 2. I'm on SP1. What is your opinion about installing this service pack? Is it a straight forward download and install, or has anyone experience problems? I'd hate to have to fix this system again - it's not even my PC - it's my nephews. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks for your time and assistance.

Comments

  • Straight_ManStraight_Man Geeky, in my own way Naples, FL Icrontian
    edited January 2006
    Before installing SP2:

    Update all drivers to latest you can find.

    BACK UP your data. (Definitely do this, yes there have been issues with XP SP2, though most are driver-related).

    Is it worth it??? YES.

    Expect more updates after SP2, and expect SP2 to be a VERY LARGE download. Expect it to take quite a while to install and maybe more than one restart, and a black screen for a while(If HD light is on, it's installing.).
  • vits5vits5
    edited January 2006
    As a novice, not sure how, where what this means:

    "Update all drivers to latest you can find".

    Can you give me some insight -- hopefully, I can pick up fast. Thanks!!
  • QCHQCH Ancient Guru Chicago Area - USA Icrontian
    edited January 2006
    #1---- Clean your system of spyware. Service Pack 2 has known issues with pre-existing infections of spyware killing the service pack installs. #2---- Save any data that you consider important.

    I wouldn’t worry too much about drivers. In the 50 or 60 systems that I have upgraded, I've not had any problems due to drivers. I've "lost" a few due to spyware and a couple due to failed installs but none that I can clearly trace to drivers.

    Service pack 2 is a very good step in the right direction for Microsoft. Systems are more secure now. Still a long way from "fixed" but SP2 is a good start.
  • Straight_ManStraight_Man Geeky, in my own way Naples, FL Icrontian
    edited January 2006
    vits5:

    The older the system, the more important it becomes to find drivers that are modern drivers where you can.

    I agree with QCH2002 that for a MODERN system, drivers are less important.

    And agree about the spyware\virus\trojan issue, though you did say that you had removed visuses and cleaned up the machine.

    QCH2002:

    Microsoft has traced many XP SP2 install failures to drivers that are not WHQL drivers or are old drivers, and quite a few mfrs had to reissue drivers for their stuff because they were traced to as culprits by MS Tech Support. Amongst other things I am a Microsoft Partner and MS OEM System Builder, so I hang out in MS circles some.
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited January 2006
    If you don't have easy access to another computer to get on the Internet and troubleshoot possible connection problems, I'd recommend you do that before installing the update. SP2 adds a lot of worthwhile security features, but you sometimes have to adjust a few of the default settings to get everything working right Net-wise. Familiarize yourself with the Windows Firewall settings at the very least. :)
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