From XP pro to XP pro with service pack 2+more(protection etc)

cormie

Just installing XP pro on new laptop.

Is it worth getting service pack 2? Can I download it on this computer as a file and transfer to new comuter? what do I need to do?

What else should I get before using computer properly to protect it well.

Thanks!

Wertz

I'd say it depends on what you're primarily using the comp for; SP2 is 99% security updates. If the comp will be on the net a lot then it's worth having. If it's gonna be used for gaming/music/video/image processing then I think there are a lot of features on SP2 that could well inhibit speed/functionality.

You should be able to d/l SP2 and burn it on a disc then use it to patch the newer comp...

cormie

do you know how I can download it without updating the comp im downloading it from? is there a direct link anywhere/
thanks for info!!

vibe666

SP2 can be notoious for messing up PC's that have lots installed on them, but normally works flawlessly if it's the first thing to go on after windows itself.

if you haven't installed anything on the laptop yet apart from XP then go for it. you can always roll back the SP2 install if it doesn't work out well and be no worse off than before.

for future reference if you have a CD burner, broadband and some free time, you can 'inject' SP2 into an SP1 XP CD. well, you'll have to copy the CD to your hard drive then inject SP2 and then burn it back to a new CD, but you get my meaning. it's called slipstreaming and there's a guide here: http://www.thetechguide.com/articles/slipstream.html

oh, and you can get SP2 as a single file download from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/win2000platform/SP/SP2/NT5/EN-US/W2KSP2.exe

edit: plenty of people have no problem with SP2 at all, but I've installed it on several desktops and laptops (before i got a slipstreamed CD) and it can be problematic on some laptops, both from my own experiences and what I've read elseware on the net. in any case rolling back the installation will leave you no worse off, and a fully slipstreamed XP Pro SP2 CD will serve you well in the future.

oh, also occasionally, if you have circumvented (not saying you have, just warning you) the activation process in XPSP1 SP2 will undo what you've done and put you back to your 30 day activation timeout thingy. just thought it might be worth mentioning. there's ways around it but you might have to spend time looking unless you know the right people.

cormie

thats very kind of you, much appreciated.

Unfortunately I have started the process of installing SP1 on the laptop now. I had it as a file and dumped it onto the laptop and its updating now. I chose not to archive files for a rollback. This is the first thing I have put on the laptop. Well, besides software for a Playstation 2 controller to USB adaptor and it recognised my iRiver MP3 player (no software or drivers needed, just plug and play)

so what do you suggest I do? Go for sp2?? thanks:)

StickyMcGinty

cormie wrote:

do you know how I can download it without updating the comp im downloading it from? is there a direct link anywhere/
thanks for info!!

i've a link somewhere... i'll dig it up for ye..... its about 200 megs though!

cormie

VinnyL wrote:

i've a link somewhere... i'll dig it up for ye..... its about 200 megs though!

thanks, but is the one vibe mentioned not the same one? 101MB, I'm downloading it now. Which is better? thanks

StickyMcGinty

i'm talking about sp2

i got it on to my laptop through the DCU LAN network, i take it you have broadband or dont bother!!

SP2 is one of the most popular downloads, just download the developers sp2 from microsoft.com

cormie

vibe666 wrote:

oh, and you can get SP2 as a single file download from here: http://download.microsoft.com/download/win2000platform/SP/SP2/NT5/EN-US/W2KSP2.exe

That's what Vibe linked me to. SP2. You say your talking about SP2 also. Is it a different SP2 you're talking about? I have broadband yes:)

weemcd

ah dude you want an ipod

vibe666

**** wrong sp2, sorry. that one was for win2k. sorry.

cancel it.

i'll find you the right one in a sec.

edit: sorry bout that. i did a google for slipstreaming SP2 and for some reason the first thing that popped up was one for slipstreaming SP2 for windows 2000. very odd.

anyway, the one for XP is in this post here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=049C9DBE-3B8E-4F30-8245-9E368D3CDB5A&displaylang=en

cormie

No problem, I downloaded it but didn't set it up yet or anything, 266MB, sounds like the one Vinny was talking about, Thanks to all:)

vibe666

sorry bout that anyway. should have checked the link. the first one was wrong too (the one about slipstreaming). you can find out more if you google anyway, just mind out for those outdated windows 2000 pages!

cormie

No prob at all, sure 15% done already:) thanks again!