Posted on 12/15/2004 3:02:52 PM PST by RayChuang88
I need help with a Windows XP Professional installation.
A relative of mine gave me an unused (e.g., unactivated) fully-legal copy of Windows XP Professional (Full Install version) that is still on Service Pack 1, and they also gave me the full Network Install WinXP Service Pack 2 install file (all 275 MB of it!).
Given that Windows XP SP2 likely won't allow the installation of all security patches over a copy of Windows XP Professional that has not be activated, can anyone here tell me what are the most critical patch files I should install first so I can at least get onto the Internet safely before installing Service Pack 2? I know that the patches to prevent Blaster and Sasser virus attacks are a MUST, but I'm sure there are several other patch files I do need to install.
Why haven't you activated it? That would probably solve your problem right there.
Note: after I get everything installed I plan to install the current ZoneAlarm (5.5.062.004) and the current free version of AVG Antivirus (7.0.296) at the first opportunity, then install the SpyBot 1.3.1 with all the latest spyware definitions.
Try I haven't installed my copy of Windows XP Pro in the first place (the machine I'm supposed to install WinXP Pro on hasn't even been fully built yet!). I want to be able run WinXP on a broadband connection without being wiped out by the Blaster, Sasser or other nasty viruses that can be avoided by installing security patches before I install SP2.
I don't remember needing to be connected to the Internet to activate it. There should either be a license sticker with the code placed on your computer by the manufacturer, or a sticker on the green booklet that comes with the CD.
I think you're being just a tad overreactive there. Your CPU will not be tremendously inundated with superviruses the instant you connect to the internet. Trust me. I've built many computers and installed many copies of WinXP. Never had a problem. The only way you can get a virus like that is if you get a weird email with an attachment that you proceed to open w/out knowing its contents. Otherwise, you're fine.
Oh I almost forgot. If you really are that concerned about viruses/worms, just turn on the Windows firewall before you plug in the network.
I believe that XP has an option to register by phone. I wouldn't worry about doing it over the Internet as much as I'd be worried about using Zone Alarm. Zone alarm will not allow you to download "YEnc" Encoded files, pictures, music or what not. After installing XP, go to the services MMC panel and disable the Messenger service. That is one of the most important thing you can do :)
Good luck.
Zone alarm will not allow you to download "YEnc" Encoded files, pictures, music or what not.
I've noticed no such restrictions. Are you sure you've got ZoneAlarm configured properly?
Absolutely. It is common knowledge on Usenet that the latest version of Zonealarm will not allow the decoding of YEnc encoded files. I have personal experience with this and have read many, many articles about it. I was unable to download YEnc encoded files for weeks until I did the research and switched. I've been using Agnitum firewall, the personal version is free and does not block YEnc.
The ZoneAlarm website does not address it nor would they reply to my Email requesting help. Just my opinion :)
Brian M.
If he is not on the latest patches, he WILL be infected with some sort of malware within minutes (or seconds). The best thing to do would be to ensure that the built in firewall is enabled prior to connecting to the Internet.
Perhaps it's a change made in the latest version. The version I'm using gives no trouble in the precise respects you mentioned.
XP SP2 doesn't give a hoot if the previous version has been activated or not. Trust me....I know.
Except the Blaster and Sasser holes will be closed as soon as you apply SP2 - both those were closed pre-SP2. And, as someone else noted, you should be able to apply SP2 even before activating. Really, you'll be fine. If you have a NAT router handy, stick it behind the router as you activate it and grab the last few hotfixes, and that should cover the rather miniscule probability that you'll get hit while so doing.
Hmmm, I just fired up my copy of Xnews and grabbed some Yenc stuff just fine. Maybe the problem is your newsreader, rather than the firewall.
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