Windows XP Service Pack 2

Before Installation | Installing | After Installation
Problems | Annoyances | Resources | Technicians

Microsoft has finally released it's newest update for Windows XP, service pack 2 (sp2). This update was designed to improve security and keep computers safe from outside influences. Security additions such as an improved firewall, a pop-up blocker, and a security monitor have been added.

Below are some links and information on how it really stacks up, what you need to know before installing, and what you need to know once it's on your computer.

Before Installing

1. Check to make sure you have Windows XP. Service Pack 2 will not run on Windows 95/98/Me/2000. If you are unsure which one you have, right click on "My Computer" and click on properties. In the window that appears, you should find the system information and operating system version.
   
   
2. Visit Microsoft's SP2 Consumer Support Center to familarize yourself with what service pack 2 is
   
   
3. If you are using a brand name computer such as Dell, Gateway, Toshiba, etc... Check with your manufacturer for additional information you may need to know about your computer and sp2.
   
   Click on your manufacturer (if listed) for more details: Dell, Gateway, Toshiba, HP
   
   
4. Compare the software on your computer to a list of problematic software created by Microsoft and also to a list of other known problems. If you find any of your software is listed in either of these areas, please contact computer support before continuing. If you are using specialty or custom software, be sure to consult with the vendor or technical contact for these applications before beginning the installation.*
   
   
5. Make sure your computer is as clean as possible from spyware and viruses. Update McAfee (or Norton for NDACo supported offices) and Spybot S&D and run them to clean your system. Failing to clean off viruses and spyware prior to installation can cause Service Pack 2 to crash and damage Windows XP.
   
   
6. Once you are ready to install, be sure to clear your schedule. The update process can take up to an hour or more. Once you start the update process, do not cancel or restart your computer - even if it appears that nothing is happening. Stopping in the middle of an update can cause severe problems with Windows that may require a complete re-installation of Windows XP.

Please look carefully at the software list in the fourth bullet. If you are currently using anything on this list, you will need to contact either your Ag Comm Computer Services (ACCS) or ND Association of Counties (NDACo) technician BEFORE installing. Please note that county offices receiving NDACo support may be running Norton Anti-virus (it is on the software list). If this is the case do NOT install SP 2 until discussing it with your NDACo technician.

* If you are using DOS based OR specialized software NOT in the Ag baseline, you will need to contact your software vendor about potential problems upgrading to service pack 2. This includes programs such as Youth Enrollment, FairCalc, ERS, Pesticide, and any other software not specifically listed in the software baseline. ACCS does not test or support software outside the baseline recommendations, and does not recommend you upgrade your computer without first visiting with your specialty software vendor(s) and/or support personnel.

Installing SP 2

There are several methods available to install SP2. If the methods below do not work or do not apply to you, you can order a free SP2 cd directly from Microsoft. Please note that these CDs can take several weeks to arrive.

Off-Campus (Counties & REC's)

The easiest way to install service pack 2 is by Windows Update. You can reach it by clicking on the link below. If you have not visited the update site in a while, before you install service pack 2, you may be asked to install and update the Windows Update software. Service pack 2 cannot be installed until this is done and your computer has been restarted. Once the Windows Update software has been updated and your computer restarted, visit this link again and continue on to finish your installation of service pack 2.

• Link to Windows Update

On-Campus (Best Method)

Open the S: drive and locate the "Service Packs" folder. Inside there find a folder called WindowsXP and open it. The service pack 2 update is located in a folder called WinXPSP2.

Click here for a direct link to the service pack

*The above link only works if your computer is currently connected to the Ag shared (S:) drive.

On-Campus SUS Update Utility

SUS is a utility used on the NDSU campus to help keep Windows computers updated in a timely manner. SUS basically sets up your computer to update automatically. However, instead of downloading the updates from Microsoft, it downloads the exact same files from a local NDSU controlled computer. SUS is NOT required to install SP2.

If your computer is currently configured with the NDUS SUS updater software, all you need to do in order to update is leave your computer on at night.

If you're not sure if you have SUS installed, follow these steps to check:

1. Locate "My Computer" on your desktop and right click on it. A menu will appear, select "Properties"
2. A window should appear. Click on the "Automatic Updates" tab
3. You should now see a screen that presents several options for downloading such as: "Automatic", "download but let me choose", "notify me", and "turn off automatic updates". If all of these options are grayed out, SUS is installed.

For alternate installation instructions, please visit the NDSU ITS installation page.

After Installation

Once service pack 2 has been installed, you may see some small but significant changes in the way your computer operates. Some of these changes include:

• The addition of the Windows Security Center
• Windows firewall is updated and turned ON
• Internet Explorer now has a Pop-up Blocker

Due to these changes you may experience some difficulties at first. This is especially true with file and print sharing. Once service pack 2 has been installed, the firewall is turned on by default. This will block others from accessing any shared files or printers you may have on your computer. If this becomes a problem, the easiest way to resolve the issue is to shut off the firewall.

You may also wish to visit Microsoft for an informational page on what to do after the installation of service pack 2.

Ag Comm Computer Services recommends testing your programs after the upgrade to make sure they are still working correctly. If you are having difficulties, please contact the ACCS helpdesk. You may also want to test connectivity with commonly used websites including NDSU related sites such as PageCenter or the Ag intranet. Some security changes made to Internet Explorer by the upgrade may need to be reduced or shut off in order for these sites to work correctly.

Known Problems and Concerns for Ag Computers

These issues may be of concern to anyone who is upgrading to service pack 2

• Computers running NDACo anti-virus software may not have a working task scheduler after the upgrade
• Wordperfect 11 may have problems updating after the service pack is installed.
• There may be some difficulties with Macromedia multimedia software - Macromedia sp2 support center
• There have been reports of the autoupdater not working in McAfee 7.1 after upgrading - Resolution
• There have been some concerns about service pack 2 and name-brand computers -> more information
• Outpost personal firewall can cause stability issues if not removed before upgrading
• There have been several reports of people stopping the update before this is finished. Once the update has started, DO NOT STOP IT. Stopping it prematurely can cause severe damage to Windows.
• There have been reports of damaged installations due to viruses and spyware. Be sure to update and run anti-virus and anti-spyware programs before installing SP2!

Features Users May Find Annoying

These issues are actually annoying security features of service pack 2 and are intentional. While most can be disabled, please note that doing so will be reducing the security protections of service pack 2.

• Downloads with Internet Explorer now require you to click on an information bar at the top of the browser before they can begin. [Resolution - Warning! This reduces security protections]
• Installing software that isn't Microsoft certified (this includes most programs) pops up an annoying warning.
• Windows Firewall is enabled by default after installation - this can cause problems with websites and file/print sharing
• Internet Explorer settings after the upgrade can prevent some web pages from loading
  
  
  

Additional Service Pack 2 Resources and Articles

• NDSU ITS Service Pack 2 Information
• University of Tennessee Health Science Center WinXP SP2 Information Page
• TechRepublic Windows XP Service Pack 2 Resource Center
• ZDNet "SP2 vs. the plug-ins"
• About.com - Windows XP Service Pack 2
• UpdateXP.com provides a good overview of Service Pack 2
  
  
  

Resources For Technicians and Other Technical Personnel

These resources are provided for technician use only. If incorrectly used, these solutions may cause additional damage to your Windows XP installation.

• Windows XP locks up and you recieve the error: "The procedure entry point SHCreateThreadRef could not be located in the dynamic link library SHLWAPI.DLL"
  
  
• XP won't start after installing SP2 - If it is a custom computer, check here to see if a BIOS update is needed
  
  
• After installation you receive a "Stop: c0000135" or "winsrv was not found" error
  
  
• Your computer stops responding when you restart after installing SP2

 

Last Updated
11/29/2004 3:24 PM

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