FAQ Windows XP Service Pack 2 FAQ

Q:  What is Microsoft Service Pack 2(SP2)?

A:  A service pack is an update to a software application that provides fixes and enhancements to the application.   Windows XP Service Pack 2 is mostly enhancements to the Security of Windows XP.  Service Pack 2 will provide tools to easily view, understand and control the security aspects of your system running Windows XP.  Service Pack 2 includes changes to nearly every aspect of computer and network security.

Q:  Why do I need Service Pack 2?

A:  Service Pack 2 provides enhanced security infrastructure that defends your system against viruses, worms, and hackers, along with increased manageability and control. 
Service Pack 2 provides wider coverage of the fixes and enhancements for the operating system instead of small quick fixes that patches are designed to address.

Q:  What are the new features added by Service Pack 2?
A:  Service Pack 2 includes:

Enhanced Security:

Improved Windows Firewall which replaces Internet Connection Firewall of Windows XP.  Windows Firewall is turned on by default for every network connection and is easily configurable or disabled if you are running a 3rd party firewall.

Improved protection against computer attacks that use remote procedure call(RPC) such as the Blaster worm.

Microsoft Security Center that allows users to manage all aspects of their system security in a single window, including Windows Firewall and antivirus configuration

Safer E-Mail Handling:  SP2 includes enhancements to Microsoft Outlook Express, which automatically block e-mail attachments that are known to be dangerous.  Outlook Express will also block images in HTML messages until you determine if the source can be trusted.

Enhanced Browser Security:  Service pack 2 adds an automatic pop-up advertisement blocker to microsoft Internet Explorer.  The first time you visit a web site that uses pop=up ads you are prompted to specify a level of pop=up blocking for the site.

Easier Wireless Networking:  Service Pack 2 includes changes to wireless networking designed to make it easier to understand which wireless networks are available, and to determine the signal strength and security for each connection.

Q:  How do I obtain Service Pack 2?
A:  The easiest way to get SP2 is to enable the Automatic Update feature of Windows XP.

Q:  How do I enable the Automatic Update feature in Windows XP?
A:  You may visit the online tool to let microsoft enable it automatically here,
     or use the manual procedure here.

Q: When can I install Service pack 2 for windows XP?
A: Service Pack 2 for windows XP is being released in stages and will be available
    First to users of XP Service Pack 2 Release candidate 2 users who have automatic updates turned on.
    Next approximately August 25th it will be available to anyone that has automatic updates turned on.
    XP Service Pack 2 will be available in late August early September timeframe  to all Windows Update users.

    Microsoft will also make a Service Pack 2 CD available at a later date for those who are unable to download Service Pack 2 here.

Q: Does Service pack 2 include service pack 1 or do I need to install service pack 1 before installing service pack 2?
A: Service Pack 2 includes all of the hot fixes that were part of service pack 1 so there is no need to install SP1 before SP2.

Q: What do I need to do before installing SP2?
A: First you should update your antivirus software and firewall software so that it is compatible with SP2. If your system has an internal True Mobile Bluetooth card you should download the newest driver here.

If you are an Inspiron 9100 or XPS  portable system owner with an ATI Mobility Radeon 9800 you should not install Service Pack 2 until Dell has released new video drivers. The current driver will be non-functional after installing SP2. Dell is working to release the driver as quickly as possible. When available it will be available for download  here.

Q: What is the Security Center in SP2?
A: Windows Security Center is a new feature added with SP2 to monitor the state of the Firewall, Antivirus software and Automatic Updates for Windows to insure that each is up to date and enabled to protect your computer.

Q: How do I turn off the Windows XP SP2 firewall?
A: To turn off the firewall perform the following steps:
    Click Start | Control Panel
    Double Click the Security Center Icon to open the Security Center
    Click the Firewall listing to open Windows Firewall
    Click the General tab then select the Off option
    Click OK

Q: Is the Windows firewall included in SP2 compatible with McAfee or Norton Personal firewall?
A: Windows Firewall is compatible with both McAfee and Norton personal firewall software. McAfee or Norton Personal firewall will work with Windows firewall running at the same time but it is not recommended since there is no added benefit from running 2 firewalls at the same time.
Having more than one firewall running may affect system performance since Internet traffic will be analyzed by both firewalls and each application that needs internet access will have to have permission granted in each firewall. If more than one firewall is enabled you will see the following message in the Windows Security Center under Firewall:
At least one of the Firewalls installed on this computer is currently ON.

Q: How do I prevent the Security Center from displaying a warning when my firewall software is not recognized?
A: Click Start | Control Panel
    Double Click Security Center
    Click the Recommendations button
    Click to select I have a firewall solution that I’ll monitor myself.
    Click OK.

Q: How do I prevent the Security Center from displaying a warning when my Antivirus software is not recognized?
A: Click Start | Control Panel
    Double Click the Security Center icon
    In the Security Center window click the Recommendations button under Antivirus
    Click to select I have an antivirus program that I’ll monitor myself
    Click OK

Q: Can I use system restore to go back to a restore point before Service Pack 2 was installed?
A: Using system restore to restore to a date before SP2 was installed may cause a blue screen error after the restore is complete. The only way to recover from this error is to reinstall Windows XP and all drivers and software, therefore it is recommended that you uninstall SP2 from the Add or Remove Program feature in control panel.

Q: How do I manage my trusted applications list for Windows Firewall after installing Windows SP2?
A:  For instructions click here or here.

Q: How do I view e-mail messages in Outlook Express after installing Service Pack 2?
A:  Please use the instructions located here.

Q: What is the Internet Explorer Information Bar and how do I use it?
A: Internet Explorer displays an Information Bar, just below the address bar, where you can see information about downloads, blocked pop-up windows, and other activities that have been blocked. More information on Why you get notifications, how to use the bar and how to turn it off can be found here.

Q: Will my software continue to work after installing Windows XP service pack 2?
A: Microsoft has identified some software titles that may not run correctly after installing SP2. Applications that require access through the internet may be blocked by Windows Firewall in SP2. An exception will need to be made in Windows firewall to allow inbound traffic. The list of applications affected and the workaround can be found here.

Q:  What should I do if my system hangs or stops responding when restarting to complete the installation of SP2?
A:  Please use the instructions in the Microsoft article
Here

Q:  What should I do if I have problems detecting or using bluetooth devices after installing SP2?

A:  Microsoft has a detailed article on how to troubleshoot bluetooth detection and connectivity problems with SP2
Here.

Message Edited by DELL-Mel on 09-10-2004 03:15 PM