WinXP and SP2

[Rob_0126]

Im sure this thread has been spoken about but Im way behind the times. Is SP2 stable? What does it mess up? How do I set it up so it doesn't mess things up? Ive been on sp1 for a long time because Ive heard bad things about sp2. Whats the scoop?

[a12ctic]

I heard bad things about it once it came out but i think its fine now... It came out about 1 1/2 years ago... (maby im over exadurating)

[Rob_0126]

hmph, also, I run Zone Alarm firewall with my router firewall so I wonder if it will muff that.

[einstein_314]

I've had no problems with SP2 and I've been running it since it came out.

[a12ctic]

I dont really know it didnt cause any problems on my parents computer although they dont play games or anything... I dont run windows on my box so...

[rewt]

I'd recommend a fresh install with sp2. I would NOT recommend installing sp2 on your system if Windows sp1 has been on there for awhile. It will more than likely break something now.

You might be ok if you just keep sp1, and I stress might. But this is especially considering that you DON'T USE Internet Explorer. Use another browser such as Opera or Firefox. Internet Explorer on Windows sp1 is just way too vulnerable to hijackers, adware, and spam.

Oh, and for your sake, I sure hope Microsoft has patched the WMF vulnerability/exploit for sp1. If not, you could be in for some serious trouble.

[rewt]

Oh, and for your sake, I sure hope Microsoft has patched the WMF vulnerability/exploit for sp1. If not, you could be in for some serious trouble.

Ok, phew! It appears they have. Absolutely DO NOT go to any websites (or open any unknown content) without this patch!

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0C1B4C96-57AE-499E-B89B-215B7BB4D8E9&displaylang=en

[Clay]

Along with what rewt said...I would further suggest creating a slipstream CD with SP2 already on it. Here are some good links that will step you through the process:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp
http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm

You could also use nLite:
http://www.win4lin.com/component/option,com_docman/task,doc_download/gid,15/Itemid,145/mode,view/
http://www.nliteos.com/nlite.html

[rewt]

In addition, you can also use RyanVM's Windows XP Post-SP2 Update Pack (http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/updatepack.html) to make your installation disk even more up-to-date. This means you won't have to install all those post-sp2 updates from Microsoft. The updates will already be included in your install. Note this also includes the update/patch for the Windows Meta File (WMF) vulnerability.

[Starscream]

It's been my experience in my store that the majority of people who have problems after installing SP2 already had issues. Be it viruses or spyware or just junk on their systems.

[Clay]

In addition, you can also use RyanVM's Windows XP Post-SP2 Update Pack (http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/updatepack.html) to make your installation disk even more up-to-date. This means you won't have to install all those post-sp2 updates from Microsoft. The updates will already be included in your install. Note this also includes the update/patch for the Windows Meta File (WMF) vulnerability.
Awsome! Thanks for that link rewt. :cool:

[Rob_0126]

Welp, I went ahead and downloaded the pre sp2 updates. Im still at odds with slapping sp2 in.

Man I cant believe that wmf metafile exploit that has been on all MS OS's for years. :eek: Patch it up folks!!!

Reminds me of the RPC exploit. :thumbdwn: