Windows SP 2 any good?

Galaril · 08-20-2004, 09:59 AM

I was going to download the sp2 windows home edition.Has anyone got it yet is it ok?

gstelmack · 08-20-2004, 10:22 AM

I had the beta and the final and it's been pretty solid. Only issue I've had so far is that Firebird hangs trying to transfer IE settings. Given Firebird's in beta, I blame Firebird.

Blackadar · 08-20-2004, 10:23 AM

I've heard it creates some problems with some games.

hxxp://www.gonegold.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=007986

hukarez · 08-20-2004, 10:28 AM

Hmm. I checked last night, and didn't see anything new show up in my windowsupdate yet...guess it'll be awihle longer for me.

hoosierdude · 08-20-2004, 10:33 AM

My DSL hoster sent out an email to wait for downloading SP2 since they are still trying to work out fixes for problems that SP2 created, when upgrading.

So if my DSL hoster says wait.. and Windows gurus like Scot Finnie and Fred Langa say wait.. I wait.

Mac Howard · 08-20-2004, 10:37 AM

I believe the improved firewall is the major cause of problems but then firewalls always are. You can disable it but then you're removing much of the advantage in security that is its justification.

gstelmack · 08-20-2004, 10:43 AM

Yup, Microsoft was pretty big about warning software developers that this SP might break some things, and was very big on making sure they had copies of the SP well in advance to test their software against in case patches were needed.

In other words, stuff it's breaking on release is far more likely to be the developer's fault than Microsoft's at this point.

Franklinnoble · 08-20-2004, 11:39 AM

Here's the list of affected programs, from Microsoft:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242>>

> One other thing to note... if you use RDP to remote connect to your PC, it may fail after SP2... not sure if the firewall settings need to be tweaked or what...
>

scooter · 08-20-2004, 01:50 PM

I've been debating if I should install this as well. I came across a news item on Gamespot:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/08...s_6104980.html

A lot of those games are not on the list on Microsoft's site, so I'm not sure if Gamespot did some of their own testing or what. I do know that a number of those games have been out for quite some time, so to blame the developers for their not functioning properly is not fair.

MizzouRah · 08-20-2004, 02:00 PM

When I got home from Chicago last night, windows update told me SP2 was available for d/l, I clicked to d/l and nothing has happened since.

Todd

scooter · 08-20-2004, 02:11 PM

Maybe SP2 is like those sugar pills doctors give out to make you think you're being cured. Maybe this thing isn't real, but is just to make everyone think that the security problems with XP are fixed?

GrantDawg · 08-20-2004, 02:55 PM

A friend burned me copy from his work, but I'm hesitant to load it. I remember the myriad of problems SP1 caused. I don't want to go through that again.

Ryan S · 08-20-2004, 03:00 PM

I have been using SP 2 for over a month (a release candidate) and not had any problems with any software. I disabled the firewall as I have a hardware firewall and I run zonealarm on my PC just in case anything gets through.

I would upgrade ASAP.

sterlingice · 08-20-2004, 03:02 PM

Man, the more and more I look at all the stuff that SP2 has in it, the more and more it looks like it was horribly rushed and thrown together. There are a ton of hugely popular applications that don't work with it and some that just look like Microsoft put in code just to screw competitors over (again, ala Front Page). Practically every firewall crashes with it, Word Perfect Office can't update, and Yahoo Messenger has problems. What a piece of crap.

Yet, as consumers, we're in trouble because we have to bide our time and figure out when to download XP SP2. Basically, I keep asking myself: "how long can I hold out before the virii writers reverse engineer the patch?" holding out hope that maybe Microsoft can fix some of the problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gstelmack

Yup, Microsoft was pretty big about warning software developers that this SP might break some things, and was very big on making sure they had copies of the SP well in advance to test their software against in case patches were needed.

In other words, stuff it's breaking on release is far more likely to be the developer's fault than Microsoft's at this point.

That's such a fallacy. You can't tell me that it's all these developer's fault that MS can't get their shit together. It's not like this is a list of programs that includes 5 year old games and productivity software created by 3 year old startups. These are some of the biggest and most popular programs out there. When you go and rewrite the OS and aren't telling everyone explicitly what you're changing, there are going to be a ton of problems and that falls on the OS maker not the application makers.

SI

gstelmack · 08-20-2004, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sterlingice

That's such a fallacy. You can't tell me that it's all these developer's fault that MS can't get their shit together. It's not like this is a list of programs that includes 5 year old games and productivity software created by 3 year old startups. These are some of the biggest and most popular programs out there. When you go and rewrite the OS and aren't telling everyone explicitly what you're changing, there are going to be a ton of problems and that falls on the OS maker not the application makers.

Fine, don't believe me. I'm just telling you that these software makers have had MONTHS to look into any incompatibility issues, and the betas have been out for months as well. Microsoft clearly documented what they were changing it, what things that might break, and what the recommended changes were to fix issues. But hey, Microsoft makes a strong attempt to fix security problems, and all the people bashing them for security loopholes will now find some new way to bash them for trying to close them.

As I said earlier, the only program I'm having issues with is a beta OpenSource browser. Everything else (Rise Of Nations, Warcraft, Rainbow Six, Rogue Spear, Eudora, FOF, a Sesame Street game, McAfee VirusScan, etc) are running just beautifully. And no more stinkin' popups.

Galaril · 11-27-2004, 01:17 PM

Now that this has been out for 3 months are people having problems.I think finally I will download it.

Schmidty · 11-27-2004, 01:23 PM

I consider it to be a virus.

McSweeny · 11-27-2004, 02:47 PM

installed on the new computer i just built and everything seems to be running fine

MizzouRah · 11-27-2004, 03:13 PM

Been running it since it came out.. no problems here.

Todd

Fidatelo · 11-27-2004, 03:18 PM

Works fine for me at home, caused MASSIVE issues for my 2 co-workers that decided to install is at work. Both of them ended up having to either roll-back to before the install, or in one guys case reload the entire OS altogether (he had restore points off). They said the big issues revolved around IIS and SQL Server, if that matters to anyone thinking of installing it.

A couple friends of mine had trouble FTP'ing via IE after installing SP2, but there was an easy fix found via google for that issue.

Dutch · 11-27-2004, 03:48 PM

I just upgraded my primary PC to XP Pro with SP2 already built into the installation and it's been running rock solid for a month now.

But I only currently have 4 games on the machine right now: FOF2k4, TCY, Rome:TW, and Icewind Dale II.

gstelmack · 11-27-2004, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch

I just upgraded my primary PC to XP Pro with SP2 already built into the installation and it's been running rock solid for a month now.

But I only currently have 4 games on the machine right now: FOF2k4, TCY, Rome:TW, and Icewind Dale II.

Half-Life 2 and Star Wars: Battlefront are running well here on it.

GrantDawg · 11-27-2004, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fidatelo

Works fine for me at home, caused MASSIVE issues for my 2 co-workers that decided to install is at work. Both of them ended up having to either roll-back to before the install, or in one guys case reload the entire OS altogether (he had restore points off). They said the big issues revolved around IIS and SQL Server, if that matters to anyone thinking of installing it.

A couple friends of mine had trouble FTP'ing via IE after installing SP2, but there was an easy fix found via google for that issue.

I had to completely re-install after loading SP2. Haven't had a problem with it on the new install, though.

sterlingice · 11-27-2004, 10:28 PM

Hm... I'll be building a new computer after Christmas. Maybe it'll be time to try it then, finally, on the fresh install.

SI

Galaril · 11-28-2004, 03:21 AM

After doing a little research I think I will wait. I am finishing up my Masters degree in Information Security ,ironically and don't see a pressing need to patch my home computera and risk screwing it up irreparably. I will be buying a new PC and getting rid og the one I got now so i am not overly concerned with this. The risk of screwing up the computer is not worth the vulnerabilities that are "supposedly" patched with SP2. The resources on my home pc are not much in the way of risks. I guess if you have files on your pc at home such as work that you take home patching could be a good idea. If you got a good firewall/IDS/Antivirus solution combo most peoepl should be ok.Business' should patch there systems.Thanks to everyone, though, for there opinions and feedback it was appreciated.

08-20-2004, 10:22 AM	#2
gstelmack Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cary, NC	I had the beta and the final and it's been pretty solid. Only issue I've had so far is that Firebird hangs trying to transfer IE settings. Given Firebird's in beta, I blame Firebird. __________________ -- Greg -- Author of various FOF utilities

08-20-2004, 10:28 AM	#4
hukarez College Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Chula Vista, CA	Hmm. I checked last night, and didn't see anything new show up in my windowsupdate yet...guess it'll be awihle longer for me. __________________ ...what we have here is a man who looks like Tarzan, but fights like Jane! My VG collection \| Xbox 360 Gamertag: ManThol \| PS3 Network ID: hukarez Doce Pares International - San Diego Council Filipino Martial Arts Digest tweet tweet twitter

08-20-2004, 10:33 AM	#5
hoosierdude High School Varsity Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Indiana	My DSL hoster sent out an email to wait for downloading SP2 since they are still trying to work out fixes for problems that SP2 created, when upgrading. So if my DSL hoster says wait.. and Windows gurus like Scot Finnie and Fred Langa say wait.. I wait. __________________ TC Dale "Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud - Sophocles"

08-20-2004, 10:37 AM	#6
Mac Howard Sick as a Parrot Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Surfers Paradise, Australia	I believe the improved firewall is the major cause of problems but then firewalls always are. You can disable it but then you're removing much of the advantage in security that is its justification. __________________ Mac Howard - a Pom in Paradise

08-20-2004, 10:43 AM	#7
gstelmack Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cary, NC	Yup, Microsoft was pretty big about warning software developers that this SP might break some things, and was very big on making sure they had copies of the SP well in advance to test their software against in case patches were needed. In other words, stuff it's breaking on release is far more likely to be the developer's fault than Microsoft's at this point. __________________ -- Greg -- Author of various FOF utilities

08-20-2004, 10:23 AM	#3
Blackadar Retired Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Fantasyland	I've heard it creates some problems with some games. hxxp://www.gonegold.com/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=007986

08-20-2004, 11:39 AM	#8
Franklinnoble Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Placerville, CA	Here's the list of affected programs, from Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242>> > One other thing to note... if you use RDP to remote connect to your PC, it may fail after SP2... not sure if the firewall settings need to be tweaked or what... >

08-20-2004, 01:50 PM	#9
scooter High School Varsity Join Date: May 2004 Location: Camano Island, WA	I've been debating if I should install this as well. I came across a news item on Gamespot: http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/08...s_6104980.html A lot of those games are not on the list on Microsoft's site, so I'm not sure if Gamespot did some of their own testing or what. I do know that a number of those games have been out for quite some time, so to blame the developers for their not functioning properly is not fair.

08-20-2004, 02:00 PM	#10
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	When I got home from Chicago last night, windows update told me SP2 was available for d/l, I clicked to d/l and nothing has happened since. Todd

08-20-2004, 02:11 PM	#11
scooter High School Varsity Join Date: May 2004 Location: Camano Island, WA	Maybe SP2 is like those sugar pills doctors give out to make you think you're being cured. Maybe this thing isn't real, but is just to make everyone think that the security problems with XP are fixed?

08-20-2004, 02:55 PM	#12
GrantDawg World Champion Mis-speller Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Covington, Ga.	A friend burned me copy from his work, but I'm hesitant to load it. I remember the myriad of problems SP1 caused. I don't want to go through that again.

08-20-2004, 03:00 PM	#13
Ryan S Quarterback Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: London, England	I have been using SP 2 for over a month (a release candidate) and not had any problems with any software. I disabled the firewall as I have a hardware firewall and I run zonealarm on my PC just in case anything gets through. I would upgrade ASAP.

11-27-2004, 01:17 PM	#16
Galaril Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2004	Now that this has been out for 3 months are people having problems.I think finally I will download it.

11-27-2004, 01:23 PM	#17
Schmidty Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Early, TX	I consider it to be a virus. __________________ Just beat the devil out of it!!! - Bob Ross

11-27-2004, 02:47 PM	#18
McSweeny College Starter Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Somerville, MA	installed on the new computer i just built and everything seems to be running fine

11-27-2004, 03:13 PM	#19
MizzouRah Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Troy, Mo	Been running it since it came out.. no problems here. Todd

11-27-2004, 03:18 PM	#20
Fidatelo Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, MB	Works fine for me at home, caused MASSIVE issues for my 2 co-workers that decided to install is at work. Both of them ended up having to either roll-back to before the install, or in one guys case reload the entire OS altogether (he had restore points off). They said the big issues revolved around IIS and SQL Server, if that matters to anyone thinking of installing it. A couple friends of mine had trouble FTP'ing via IE after installing SP2, but there was an easy fix found via google for that issue. __________________ "Breakfast? Breakfast schmekfast, look at the score for God's sake. It's only the second period and I'm winning 12-2. Breakfasts come and go, Rene, but Hartford, the Whale, they only beat Vancouver maybe once or twice in a lifetime."

11-27-2004, 03:48 PM	#21
Dutch "Dutch" Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Tampa, FL	I just upgraded my primary PC to XP Pro with SP2 already built into the installation and it's been running rock solid for a month now. But I only currently have 4 games on the machine right now: FOF2k4, TCY, Rome:TW, and Icewind Dale II.

11-27-2004, 10:28 PM	#24
sterlingice Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Back in Houston!	Hm... I'll be building a new computer after Christmas. Maybe it'll be time to try it then, finally, on the fresh install. SI __________________ Houston Hippopotami, III.3: 20th Anniversary Thread - All former HT players are encouraged to check it out! Janos: "Only America could produce an imbecile of your caliber!" Freakazoid: "That's because we make lots of things better than other people!"

11-28-2004, 03:21 AM	#25
Galaril Pro Starter Join Date: Jan 2004	No thanks After doing a little research I think I will wait. I am finishing up my Masters degree in Information Security ,ironically and don't see a pressing need to patch my home computera and risk screwing it up irreparably. I will be buying a new PC and getting rid og the one I got now so i am not overly concerned with this. The risk of screwing up the computer is not worth the vulnerabilities that are "supposedly" patched with SP2. The resources on my home pc are not much in the way of risks. I guess if you have files on your pc at home such as work that you take home patching could be a good idea. If you got a good firewall/IDS/Antivirus solution combo most peoepl should be ok.Business' should patch there systems.Thanks to everyone, though, for there opinions and feedback it was appreciated. Last edited by Galaril : 11-28-2004 at 03:23 AM.

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