SP2 for Windows XP has arrived. I'm fully aware that this isn't audio-related news, but the biggest update ever to Microsoft's most popular OS deserves some publicity.
The full package is available here (english and german for now). A considerably smaller update will be made available through WindowsUpdate soon.
Much has been improved, see Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2.
SP2 includes the updates from SP1 and every update that came out afterwards up to this date, including DirectX 9.0c, Windows Media Player 9, etc. The full package can be slipstreamed to create a bootable XP SP2 setup CD.
Full Version: Windows XP Service Pack 2 officially released
And here are first impressions from an editor at Neowin.net:
QUOTE
The install took about 5-10 minutes, yet clearly this figure will vary from system to system. After installing and rebooting XP asked me to turn on automatic updates (even before reaching windows). An excellent move on Microsoft's behalf, and one that serves to highlight a growing commitment to security and user safety. On the first run, Microsoft also loads up the new Security Center. The Security Center monitors your Antivirus, Firewall, and Auto Update situation. If it detects anything that is potentially damaging or hazardous, it will prompt you with a warning and give you advice on how to resolve the issue. Microsoft has saved a lot of hassle for users in that if you have Zone Alarm installed, they leave the Windows Firewall off to prevent conflicts.
Less importantly for a Firefox user like me, Internet Explorer has been updated, and the new features seem helpful. As well as a new version of IE, Outlook Express - Microsoft's free mail client bundled with Windows - has been updated with better protection against email spread viruses and worms. I spent a few hours using the improved browser and it does seems somewhat nippier than before. With additions like pop-up blocking, IE becomes a slightly more attractive prospect. However, it still lacks features like tabbed browsing and standards compliancy that make some of the new features moot points. To really start winning back people, Microsoft need to get IE 7 out the door with these features (Before longhorn though?). I'd like to say i was impressed, but IE in SP2 is playing catch up, not adding features.
Microsoft have also updated the wireless capabilities with SP2, which in previous service packs have been dubious at best. The new wireless network setup wizard allows users to easily deploy and manage networks, and at first glance appears to be reasonably effective. Asides from these major additions, there are many more subtle changes that XP SP2 has brought in (NX code, improved security and stability). The No eXecute technology will allow users with AMD chips to have a bit more protection against nasty bits of code, yet the true extent that it will protect it's users is really un-known; it currently seems to be more of a PR thing than anything else. Intel / no NX chip enabled users will benefit from what could be described as a "toned down" software version of NX, called DEP (Data Execution Prevention).
As a user, my computer does seem to be doing tasks a bit faster than before; basic tasks like loading up explorer windows or getting desktop properties up are definitely going faster than under SP1. The only minor problem in encountered with SP2 was to do with MS Messenger. XP re-installed MS Messenger (to be expected) after I’d previously removed it, and on rebooting post install continued to load it up even though MSN Messenger is running! Silently wasting 5 megs of Ram, it's annoying and something Microsoft doesn't seem to want to tackle! However, it's thankfully removable. I haven't had any of the problems that a few people have mentioned, and would thus recommend SP2 to all. To people who might have had bad experiences with earlier beta releases of the service pack, I'd urge them to try the final version, which is (somewhat obviously) substantially more polished than the betas.
Less importantly for a Firefox user like me, Internet Explorer has been updated, and the new features seem helpful. As well as a new version of IE, Outlook Express - Microsoft's free mail client bundled with Windows - has been updated with better protection against email spread viruses and worms. I spent a few hours using the improved browser and it does seems somewhat nippier than before. With additions like pop-up blocking, IE becomes a slightly more attractive prospect. However, it still lacks features like tabbed browsing and standards compliancy that make some of the new features moot points. To really start winning back people, Microsoft need to get IE 7 out the door with these features (Before longhorn though?). I'd like to say i was impressed, but IE in SP2 is playing catch up, not adding features.
Microsoft have also updated the wireless capabilities with SP2, which in previous service packs have been dubious at best. The new wireless network setup wizard allows users to easily deploy and manage networks, and at first glance appears to be reasonably effective. Asides from these major additions, there are many more subtle changes that XP SP2 has brought in (NX code, improved security and stability). The No eXecute technology will allow users with AMD chips to have a bit more protection against nasty bits of code, yet the true extent that it will protect it's users is really un-known; it currently seems to be more of a PR thing than anything else. Intel / no NX chip enabled users will benefit from what could be described as a "toned down" software version of NX, called DEP (Data Execution Prevention).
As a user, my computer does seem to be doing tasks a bit faster than before; basic tasks like loading up explorer windows or getting desktop properties up are definitely going faster than under SP1. The only minor problem in encountered with SP2 was to do with MS Messenger. XP re-installed MS Messenger (to be expected) after I’d previously removed it, and on rebooting post install continued to load it up even though MSN Messenger is running! Silently wasting 5 megs of Ram, it's annoying and something Microsoft doesn't seem to want to tackle! However, it's thankfully removable. I haven't had any of the problems that a few people have mentioned, and would thus recommend SP2 to all. To people who might have had bad experiences with earlier beta releases of the service pack, I'd urge them to try the final version, which is (somewhat obviously) substantially more polished than the betas.
An update on the further release schedule:
"On August 9 the company will release SP2 to the Download Center as a network installation package. [This is what you see above.] On August 10, SP2 will be released to the Windows Update site for automatic updates, but only for systems that already have a beta version of SP2 installed. On August 16, SP2 will become available on Windows Update for systems that don't already have a beta copy of SP2 installed."
The SP2 download from the Windows Update site will be smaller than the current full package, it should weigh in at about 80 MB.
"On August 9 the company will release SP2 to the Download Center as a network installation package. [This is what you see above.] On August 10, SP2 will be released to the Windows Update site for automatic updates, but only for systems that already have a beta version of SP2 installed. On August 16, SP2 will become available on Windows Update for systems that don't already have a beta copy of SP2 installed."
The SP2 download from the Windows Update site will be smaller than the current full package, it should weigh in at about 80 MB.
CiTay,
Thank you for a nice comprehensive news post!
Ruairi
Thank you for a nice comprehensive news post!
Ruairi
CiTay, do you know any good guides for making a slipstreamed bootable XP SP2 installation CD?
check out winxp.bink.nu
they have a great guide for slipstreaming windows 2000 service packs which also works for xp.
they have a great guide for slipstreaming windows 2000 service packs which also works for xp.
QUOTE(markanini @ Aug 10 2004, 02:12 AM)
CiTay, do you know any good guides for making a slipstreamed bootable XP SP2 installation CD?
You can use any guide for SP1 slipstreaming, for instance this one: http://www.windows-help.net/WindowsXP/winxp-sp1-bootcd.html
Taking that example, the only thing that has changed is the command to integrate SP2. If the contents of the XP CD are saved under D:\XPCD\, instead of "update /s:d:\xpcd" you should use "update /integrate:d:\xpcd". And make sure you really integrate SP2 and not the old SP1 you may have lying around...
Every guide I've read says to extract the service pack before slipstreaming. This is totally unnessecary. Waste of time and space. The slipstream command, can be executed directly on the compressed service pack file.
regarding the slipstreaming:
Here is a wonderful GUI tool named nLite to do that, although it can do much more. You need NET Framework in order to use it.
I think they still got a few minor issues going on: taken from here
Here is a wonderful GUI tool named nLite to do that, although it can do much more. You need NET Framework in order to use it.
I think they still got a few minor issues going on: taken from here
QUOTE
fixed missing dw.exe
fixed missing mplayer2.exe and npdsplay.dll
fixed config.nt issue (needs confirming)
fixed cmpnents dir deletion even if nothing selected
It all depends on what you select and keep...in basis there is no more critical bugs
fixed missing mplayer2.exe and npdsplay.dll
fixed config.nt issue (needs confirming)
fixed cmpnents dir deletion even if nothing selected
It all depends on what you select and keep...in basis there is no more critical bugs
Holy crap, I posted redundant information without actually reading the topic!
QUOTE(rc55 @ Aug 9 2004, 06:06 PM)
CiTay,
Thank you for a nice comprehensive news post!
Ruairi
Thank you for a nice comprehensive news post!
Ruairi
QUOTE(markanini @ Aug 9 2004, 06:12 PM)
CiTay, do you know any good guides for making a slipstreamed bootable XP SP2 installation CD?
Yikes, I just tried to create a slipstream XP SP2 CD according to Bart's Boot CD page on my Windows 2000 machine. I executed the network installation package with the -s switch and guess what it did?
It tried to install WinXP SP2 on my Win2000 machine
It completely screwed my windows system files. I somehow managed to rescue my system before further damage was done.
I dunno, but please be careful with this thing!
QUOTE(Jebus @ Aug 9 2004, 06:33 PM)
Taking that example, the only thing that has changed is the command to integrate SP2. If the contents of the XP CD are saved under D:\XPCD\, instead of "update /s:d:\xpcd" you should use "update /integrate:d:\xpcd". And make sure you really integrate SP2 and not the old SP1 you may have lying around...
Oh no. I read this a little too late!! The last time i checked this very same thread, CiTay still hadn't made this post. Thanks a lot CiTay!!
It might also be a good idea to pull the source files from a fresh CD, rather than digging it from whichever slipstreamed install CD you happen to find lying around, but that probably goes without saying.
Integrated SP2 into my original XP disc earlier today, burned it to a disc and did a clean re-install. So far, everything works fine. Though, shutdown time has increased quite a bit; after logging off, the status screen disappears and I'm left with a blue background for 15-20 seconds or so 
Just a note, though: SP2 defaults to the new Windows Update site, v5.windowsupdate.com. Also, an interesting note from the download page:
Heh heh. I'd like to see a number count on total bandwidth consumed when this all blows over
Just a note, though: SP2 defaults to the new Windows Update site, v5.windowsupdate.com. Also, an interesting note from the download page:
QUOTE
DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A smaller, more appropriate download will be available soon on Windows Update. To receive this download, turn on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP to receive an optimized download of SP2. Please visit Protect Your PC for more information on receiving Windows XP SP2.
Heh heh. I'd like to see a number count on total bandwidth consumed when this all blows over
QUOTE(nekranos @ Aug 9 2004, 10:42 PM)
Also, a note from the download page:
Heh heh. I'd like to see a number count on total bandwidth consumed when this all blows over
QUOTE
DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A smaller, more appropriate download will be available soon on Windows Update. To receive this download, turn on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP to receive an optimized download of SP2. Please visit Protect Your PC for more information on receiving Windows XP SP2.
Heh heh. I'd like to see a number count on total bandwidth consumed when this all blows over
All the more justification for http://sp2torrent.com/
Been running SP2 for about 2 hours now. Installation took about 15 minutes or so for me. Went without a problem and I think a few things open a little faster now, but it could just be placebo. Can't be any worse than SP1.
Yes, that would be a nice thing to see. Lucky for Microsoft they're rich as hell.
QUOTE
Heh heh. I'd like to see a number count on total bandwidth consumed when this all blows over smile.gif
Yes, that would be a nice thing to see. Lucky for Microsoft they're rich as hell.
Just instaledl SP2
Took far less time then sp1 and sp1a.
No problems so far.
jsut neede to disable the built in firewall as I'm suing etrust edition of zonealarm
Took far less time then sp1 and sp1a.
No problems so far.
jsut neede to disable the built in firewall as I'm suing etrust edition of zonealarm
QUOTE(JensRex @ Aug 10 2004, 02:59 AM)
Every guide I've read says to extract the service pack before slipstreaming. This is totally unnessecary. Waste of time and space. The slipstream command, can be executed directly on the compressed service pack file.
That's true, but i didn't wanna confuse people who were going by the guide. Without the extracting step, the command would be "WindowsXP-KB835935-SP2-ENU.exe /integrate:d:\xpcd", given that the XP contents are saved under D:\XPCD\.
Also, F-Secure has taken a deeper look at SP2, and they're full of praise.
I've slipstreamed this using "AutoStreamer"; couldn't be easier to use and worked perfectly.
Like quellcore suggested nLite is still a pleasant way to create a slipstreamed and do-it-unattended XP-CD (with nLite or unattended XP).
After nuhi will have removed the last flaws this is the way to go - as many ppl have this opinion too nLite became damn popular last weeks.
I did a fresh unattended installation last night and still could use the time to play guitar - yeah, and .... ....that's fine
(sorry, in germany the sun is shining)
After nuhi will have removed the last flaws this is the way to go - as many ppl have this opinion too nLite became damn popular last weeks.
I did a fresh unattended installation last night and still could use the time to play guitar - yeah, and .... ....that's fine
(sorry, in germany the sun is shining)
Has anybody experienced any quirks/broken applications/broken websites/etc.? Im very anxious to apply the pack on my computer as well as my clients' computers but im concerned about initial release wierdness. The fact there were so many severe issues prerelease (like 3 out of 5 machines not booting afterwards) has me very concerned. I was planning on taking a wait and see approach but i may just try it with the rollback option if anything goes wrong.
QUOTE(sphoid @ Aug 10 2004, 10:04 PM)
Has anybody experienced any quirks/broken applications/broken websites/etc.? Im very anxious to apply the pack on my computer as well as my clients' computers but im concerned about initial release wierdness. The fact there were so many severe issues prerelease (like 3 out of 5 machines not booting afterwards) has me very concerned. I was planning on taking a wait and see approach but i may just try it with the rollback option if anything goes wrong.
I have installed SP2 RC2 to 4 different PCs (2 laptop, 2 destops), all working fine.
There are several ways to make a new Windows XP CD with Service Pack 2 integrated. I followed this guide. It's pretty easy: http://www.computerbase.de/artikel/softwar..._2_windowsxpcd/ (german)
Works fine on my notebook. No problems yet.
edit: changed SP1 guide to SP2 guide link
Another good german slipstream guide: http://www.hardtecs4u.de/reviews/2004/win_xp_sp2_slipstream/
Works fine on my notebook. No problems yet.
edit: changed SP1 guide to SP2 guide link
Another good german slipstream guide: http://www.hardtecs4u.de/reviews/2004/win_xp_sp2_slipstream/
Installed the update on 3 machines so far (1x P4, 2x P3), everything's fine. But i'm gonna do a fresh install on my main machine soon, from XP SP2 slipstreamed.
P.S. about Slipstreaming: To check if the SP2 slipstreaming was successful, look for a "win51ip.SP2" file in the root dir.
P.S. about Slipstreaming: To check if the SP2 slipstreaming was successful, look for a "win51ip.SP2" file in the root dir.
QUOTE(sphoid @ Aug 10 2004, 10:04 AM)
Has anybody experienced any quirks/broken applications/broken websites/etc.? Im very anxious to apply the pack on my computer as well as my clients' computers but im concerned about initial release wierdness. The fact there were so many severe issues prerelease (like 3 out of 5 machines not booting afterwards) has me very concerned. I was planning on taking a wait and see approach but i may just try it with the rollback option if anything goes wrong.
I also have used RC2 without any issues.
There might be some 'broken' websites because of the popup blocker, but that is not SP2's fault, most of the errors are because of non-standard web desing.
Just a word of caution, some of the apps may not work with SP2 (ie, K-lite 2.6). Not sure what's the reason, but for K-lite, it's due to the memory protection or something..
Downloading my copy right now!
Downloading my copy right now!
I installed it on two desktops, 1 laptop. It broke the Netgear WG311 wireless card driver on the desktop unit-computer would not connect to router-tried reinstalling driver and then the computer went into a loop at initial sys tray startup. System restore fixed it back ok. However, the laptop using a Netgear WG511 card had no issues what so ever. So my wifes computer has to wait unit Netgear releases updated drivers for her card 
.
My wired desktop computer-no problems at all.
.My wired desktop computer-no problems at all.
Some posts about the "TCP/IP patch" moved here... it is something most people won't need and belongs more to that thread.
I must be really unlucky!! I tired slipstreaming SP2 again, but I get this error message:
Now, my Windows XP CD is an OEM CD which is already slipstreamed with SP1a. Can anyone tell me how to rectify this problem?
QUOTE
This Serice Pack cannot be integrated into a destination that also has integrated Software Updates.
Consult the Service Pack Documentation for more details about supported integration scenarios.
Consult the Service Pack Documentation for more details about supported integration scenarios.
Now, my Windows XP CD is an OEM CD which is already slipstreamed with SP1a. Can anyone tell me how to rectify this problem?
QUOTE(rohangc @ Aug 10 2004, 10:27 PM)
I must be really unlucky!! I tired slipstreaming SP2 again, but I get this error message:
Now, my Windows XP CD is an OEM CD which is already slipstreamed with SP1a. Can anyone tell me how to rectify this problem?
QUOTE
This Serice Pack cannot be integrated into a destination that also has integrated Software Updates.
Consult the Service Pack Documentation for more details about supported integration scenarios.
Consult the Service Pack Documentation for more details about supported integration scenarios.
Now, my Windows XP CD is an OEM CD which is already slipstreamed with SP1a. Can anyone tell me how to rectify this problem?
Delete SVCPACK.INF.
QUOTE(CiTay @ Aug 10 2004, 02:40 PM)
Delete SVCPACK.INF.
Is it safe to slipstream an already slipstreamed package? Is there any real reason for microsoft to prevent users from doing this, or is one of those things which microsoft wants us to do for no reason?
QUOTE(rohangc @ Aug 11 2004, 12:15 AM)
Is it safe to slipstream an already slipstreamed package? Is there any real reason for microsoft to prevent users from doing this, or is one of those things which microsoft wants us to do for no reason?
Should be safe, most files get replaced anyway. I slipstreamed SP2 to an XP with slipstreamed SP1 and all went well. And i got no message that it isn't possible.. so your XP must be a bit different. But try the SVCPACK.INF trick.
Had a major problem after upgrading (right click on any file gave me crash in explorer.exe), after looking on some forums I found a reason: SP2 isn't compatible with DivX5 )-; Removed DivX, now everything is OK. Interesting, is this just a coincidence, or "Empire Strikes Back" issue? Way to go, MS. As always...
QUOTE(LordCorvin @ Aug 11 2004, 12:37 PM)
Had a major problem after upgrading (right click on any file gave me crash in explorer.exe), after looking on some forums I found a reason: SP2 isn't compatible with DivX5 )-; Removed DivX, now everything is OK. Interesting, is this just a coincidence, or "Empire Strikes Back" issue? Way to go, MS. As always...
http://forums.divx.com/viewtopic.php?topic=60520&forum=5
Also:
http://forums.divx.com/viewtopic.php?topic=60522&forum=9 <-- second post
QUOTE(LordCorvin @ Aug 11 2004, 05:37 PM)
Had a major problem after upgrading (right click on any file gave me crash in explorer.exe), after looking on some forums I found a reason: SP2 isn't compatible with DivX5 )-; Removed DivX, now everything is OK. Interesting, is this just a coincidence, or "Empire Strikes Back" issue? Way to go, MS. As always...
Since when does MS have to make their OS compatible to DivX? I know DivX has a big market share, but come on... i would say it's the other way around.
QUOTE(CiTay @ Aug 11 2004, 05:41 PM)
QUOTE(LordCorvin @ Aug 11 2004, 05:37 PM)
Had a major problem after upgrading (right click on any file gave me crash in explorer.exe), after looking on some forums I found a reason: SP2 isn't compatible with DivX5 )-; Removed DivX, now everything is OK. Interesting, is this just a coincidence, or "Empire Strikes Back" issue? Way to go, MS. As always...
Since when does MS have to make their OS compatible to DivX? I know DivX has a big market share, but come on... i would say it's the other way around.Quite. Divx are obviously writing machine code on the fly in their code, which is do-able but only if you use the correct APIs. We need to get away from that sort of optimization - it made sense when I used to program 8-bit computers, but not anymore.
Besides, you can turn off the memory protection on a per-app basis, but it's sort of missing the point really except for old unsupported software which Divx certainly isn't.
QUOTE(CiTay @ Aug 11 2004, 01:41 PM)
Since when does MS have to make their OS compatible to DivX?They don't have to. But it becomes suspicious when everything else works with the new Service Pack - except DivX.
rjamorim:
"... suspicious when everything else works with the new Service Pack - except DivX."
Presumably DivX knew and that was why they now have made Pro version 5.2 gratis and ad free for six months post install.
Anybody know if XviD is obstructed? Last I checked, the Doom9 board was broken.
"... suspicious when everything else works with the new Service Pack - except DivX."
Presumably DivX knew and that was why they now have made Pro version 5.2 gratis and ad free for six months post install.
Anybody know if XviD is obstructed? Last I checked, the Doom9 board was broken.
QUOTE(ckjnigel @ Aug 12 2004, 03:23 AM)
Presumably DivX knew and that was why they now have made Pro version 5.2 gratis and ad free for six months post install.
Dunno... isn't 5.2 broken as well?
According to this:
"Note: DivX 5.2.1 and Dr DivX 1.0.6 will be compatible with XP SP2. We're working on them. Don't ask for dates, they'll be ready as soon as they're ready!"
I used nLite to slip stream my WinXP SP1, to XP-SP2 flawlessly.
Its a fine small utility, freeware as well...
Its a fine small utility, freeware as well...
After installing SP2 windows tells me nero has a compatibility issues with SP2. although it seems to run fine. Also xvid and every other codec i've messed with works fine. Of course if you have xvid installed you don't need divx. Sound Forge 7 did not work with SP2 RC2 and I had to run it with win2k compatibilty, but it seems to work now with the final version. So far I have no complaints. Just took my original Xp Pro cd and made a new one with SP2 integrated.
When I did this, I have two files:
win51ip.SP1
win51ip.SP2
in the WinXP root directory. I had a CD with SP 1 installed. Is this normal?
win51ip.SP1
win51ip.SP2
in the WinXP root directory. I had a CD with SP 1 installed. Is this normal?
QUOTE(NoXFeR @ Aug 12 2004, 12:06 PM)
When I did this, I have two files:
win51ip.SP1
win51ip.SP2
in the WinXP root directory. I had a CD with SP 1 installed. Is this normal?
win51ip.SP1
win51ip.SP2
in the WinXP root directory. I had a CD with SP 1 installed. Is this normal?
Yes that's normal.
QUOTE
After installing SP2 windows tells me nero has a compatibility issues with SP2.
Weird, i didn't get such a message. Are you also using Nero 6.3.1.17?
QUOTE(Duble0Syx @ Aug 11 2004, 11:51 PM)
After installing SP2 windows tells me nero has a compatibility issues with SP2. although it seems to run fine. Also xvid and every other codec i've messed with works fine. Of course if you have xvid installed you don't need divx. Sound Forge 7 did not work with SP2 RC2 and I had to run it with win2k compatibilty, but it seems to work now with the final version. So far I have no complaints. Just took my original Xp Pro cd and made a new one with SP2 integrated.
Just update Nero and that message will disappear.
So what's the difference in the link CiTay provided and the upcoming *smaller* update via the "Windows Update"?
What's the size difference about?
XP Pro here, if that matters.
What's the size difference about?
XP Pro here, if that matters.
QUOTE(symbiont7 @ Aug 12 2004, 02:01 PM)
So what's the difference in the link CiTay provided and the upcoming *smaller* update via the "Windows Update"?
What's the size difference about?
XP Pro here, if that matters.
What's the size difference about?
XP Pro here, if that matters.
My guess:
Since SP2 includes SP1 and "everything" else, "Windows Update" can be more efficient and see what you actually need before downloading. Makes sense, doesn't it?
QUOTE(symbiont7 @ Aug 12 2004, 02:01 PM)
So what's the difference in the link CiTay provided and the upcoming *smaller* update via the "Windows Update"?
What's the size difference about?
XP Pro here, if that matters.
What's the size difference about?
XP Pro here, if that matters.
The online update will only download what's really needed to update your installation. The full package can update anything, from XP Home to XP Pro to XP Media Center Edition.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.