Automatic Updates and SP2

Question

I have a Dell 2400 running XP Home SP1, and connect to the Internet
via a cable modem. Automatic Updates is turned on.

From what I've read, SP2 will be available thru Automatic Updates
beginning on Monday, August 16th. I will be away from my computer most of
that day. If the computer is left on, and AU downloads SP2 on Monday, a
small window should pop up saying critical updates are ready to install.
Will that notification window stay there until I either click OK or cancel?
If it disappears before I get home, is there a way to check and find out if
there has been any activity with AU?

Mary G · Answer

Not a good idea to not be there when it installs, but you can set it to just download and install later on your schedule. You need to unload any running programs when it installs--antivirus, firewalls, popup blockers, etc. Lots of info available at MS site on SP2. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx It's also a wise move to wait a few days until any problems are known and fixed. There will also be a personal sp2 download you can get next week and save on cd for future installations.

CruiserMD · Answer

It would be best for MOST people to wait for the CD SP2 disk. If you know what you are doing, you can download (by broadband connection) the 266mb file from MS, and install it yourself.
I agree w/ Mary.....not a good idea not to be there when it self installs.

Flooby · Answer

Unless they've changed something in the last two days, the thing won't self-install, regardless of how you have Automatic Updates configured. It downloads the whole thing and prompts you to install it. Even if you have Auto Updates/Install checked, they're still not getting the update out right away, and there appears to be no rhyme or reason to how it's distributed. "Luck of the draw" is about the only way I can describe the distribution process via AutoUpdate.

For what it's worth (and this has a LOT to do with your PC savvy, common sense, and your awareness of your current configuration, so don't say I didn't warn you), even the Network Installation version of the service pack is a complete no-brainer. Press the Next button, accept the EULA, and leave it alone until it has finished and prompted you for a restart. This may take the better part of an hour, depending on your drive size, and what else you have installed.

For the average user, there will be a lot of new/different things to contend with. New prompts in IE, new prompts in OE, a different connection icon in the system tray, you name it. If you haven't read up on what to expect, don't install it. There are no criminal penalties for waiting until you know what you're in for, and there's no reason for dozens of the same threads here regarding "What's this 'Outlook Express has blocked images to prevent outside users from identifying your system?'" messages. Educate yourself first, then install it, and look for the best information from trusted sources, i.e., MS. They engineered it. They distributed. They support it. If you know anyone else who can make that claim, you can probably trust them implicitly. Otherwise (and particularly since Dell isn't going to be of much help on anything you install after you buy the system), don't install it until you know what to expect.

rickmktg · Answer

@lawnmowerguy wrote:
I read a post on another newsgroup that it would be a good idea to unplug the cable modem before installing SP2. Does that sound like a good idea? I definitely plan to disable the anti-virus software, as well as my pop-up blocker.

That sounds pretty silly. Why would anyone recommend that? It always amazes me how people on sites like you refer to invent more issues than the software had to begin with. If MS wants you to disable the cable modem, they will tell you to. Further, to install it outside of the normal Windows Update process, which some are suggesting, is also silly IMHO. Just wait for the update to come, set a Restore Point, make sure you're imaged with Ghost, and let er rip.

lawnmowerguy · Answer

I read a post on another newsgroup that it would be a good idea to unplug the cable modem before installing SP2.  Does that sound like a good idea?  I definitely plan to disable the anti-virus software, as well as my pop-up blocker.

alegator · Answer

Rick, I installed SP2 from an official distributable for IT Pro's install file that I downloaded from the Microsoft site...is that 'silly'?

alegator · Answer

Lawnmowerguy,

I was about to write the same advise Rick gave you, let Windows Update install SP2 BUT create a restore point BEFORE leaving on Monday, then after you come back late Monday test your system/programs, reboot, etc...if something is critically wrong you can always use System Restore to rolll back to SP1 so you have nothing to lose.

As with my experience with patching with SP2 I only had to update Norton Internet Security and reinstall Nero for both to work fine. So far everything is working smoothly.

Good luck.

rickmktg · Answer

@alegator wrote:

Rick,

I installed SP2 from an official distributable for IT Pro's install file that I downloaded from the Microsoft site...is that "silly"?

I just don't understand why everyone is in such a rush to install an unproven update to XP that provides little additional functionality...

rickmktg · Answer

Denny Denham wrote:I understand that SP2 is a cure for male pattern baldness. Results of a test on erectile dysfunction are not yet complete.LOL    ROTFLMAO.  I hear it cures hunger and dysentery too.

Denny Denham · Answer

@rickmktg wrote: I just don't understand why everyone is in such a rush to install an unproven update to XP that provides little additional functionality... I understand that SP2 is a cure for male pattern baldness. Results of a test on erectile dysfunction are not yet complete.

alegator · Answer

I think that SP2 will cure cancer, AIDS, hunger, amnesia, Parkinson, Hodgkin's disease, and most other diseases. In fact, SP2 is vital to the survival of the human species.

alegator · Answer

Rick,

I agree with you, the SP2 Update has almost no new functionality (popup blocker in IE, and warning reminder signs, :)). But Microsoft claims it adds new core security technology to the OS which makes PC's safer, specially if you're online most of the time. If true then this alone justifies the update. I wish though that it were not only a security update but that it would add new features....guess we'll have to wait until Longhorn.

Regards.

Flooby · Answer

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=811113 I guess they included a bit more than a popup blocker and 'warning reminder signs.'

dogfish3000 · Answer

LOL NO MORE UPDATES FROM MICROSOFT ON ANY OF MY MACHINES.  Everytime I put them on, it is botched up good.  Now, I am really p\o'ed.  10 min to boot up on a 3.4GHz P4......

lawnmowerguy · Answer

Speaking of SP2, I had thought I would be given the option to install Windows Update version 5 before SP2 was available.  I just checked, and my system continues to load v.4.  Now it looks as though WU v.5 and SP2 will be downloaded together.

Windows General

Automatic Updates and SP2

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