Hi,



Based on some past popular opinions, I put off installing the XP SP2 to my PC. But now that my mom and my daughter all have SP2 I am thinking maybe I should switch also. The reason being, I pretty much have to maintain their computers. Perhaps it would be best if we all were playing on the same game board?



I'd just like to get a feel of the pros and cons out there today before I make a switch.



Thanks for any input - Denise

I think all the cons have pretty much been ironed out now Denise. I've installed it on 7 systems now and only had one problem with a file opening on boot up. Quickly solved by unchecking it in msconfig.
It is vital to install sp2 on a 'clean' system though. Full antivirus,trojan,spyware,malware scans are the order of the day. As many scans as you can and preferably in safe mode.
When it comes to the install turn off everything you aren't using (antivirus,Firewall, instant messenger etc).
Everything will hopefully go well for you

Hi,

I am not what is called an "Atta Boy" poster just to increase a post count, but I wanted to tell you that Vidster has given you good advice. There is not a program, update, or service pack out there that does not have some problems from time to time, but the SP2 is now loaded on hundreds of thousands of computers and the failure rate of installation is very low. If fact, some of the failures are due to other computer problems and not the fault of SP2. My advice, get on the program and load it up, you won't regret it.

Hi Vidster.

I have Ad Aware Personal, Spybot, MS Anti Spyware, Spyware Blaster & Norton AV 2005. I've used Trend Micro and Panda virus checkers. Any other recommendations?

I have a SP2 disc that MS sent me about 1- 1/12 years ago. Should I use that or download form their website?

When turning off programs, should I disable them in my start up list or close them after I boot up in Safe mode? Is there a place I can check to make sure those type of programs aren't running?

Your system should be clean enough Denise
If you use the disk you will get the whole 'shebang' whether you need it or not. A lot of people would advise you to download it because you will only download the parts you need. I've learnt through using both methods that there really isn't that much difference. By downloading i only ever saved a few MB. I would use the disk.

My personal preference is to uncheck everything in msconfig (i only have my AV and Firewall checked anyway), and then to reboot. I then go into Task Manager and disable any other programs that might have slipped the net.
The main programs you don't want running are the programs you just used to clean your system
Don't forget to turn everything back on after installation though

Hi would not be without SP2 also once you have installed it, do all the updates that microsoft have issued your computer will tell you which ones you will need.:wave: :banana:

Thanks Vidster & Thedon. I have a few vacation days coming up in a couple weeks. Think I’ll wait until then to tackle this. Cross your fingers, maybe I’ll be back in a panic, but maybe not…



Thanks again - Denise