How To Save an Hour (Or More) On XP Installs

Information Week ^ | September 20, 2004 | Fred Langa

[dennisw]

if you download SP2 you DO NOT need SP1.....


I know. I'll try and slipstream SP2 and load it onto unused hard drive as an experiment.

[dennisw]

Really? You don't need to install SP1 before SP2?......


Yup

[FesterUSMC]

Really? You don't need to install SP1 before SP2? (I ask because I haven't installed SP1 yet.

If you downlaod SP2 you have NO need to download SP1 as SP2 will have all the stuff inside of it...

[billorites]

I followed your directions precisely and now everything looks like this.

[no-s]

Dear linux and mac bigots (ps that's me too): This may shock you but some folks have a perfectly reasonable need to use windows xp and apply SP2 in an efficient way - that's what this article is all about. Your advocacy is trivial and clueless...please stifle it unless you have something valuable to add to the conversation....

Thank you Stoat! I am the de-facto system administrator for my clan and I will be sure to burn an updated XP install cd soonest to save myself from all of the pestering of "can you fix my computer (without installing linux)?"...

[coconutt2000]

Awww... I don't think humor constitutes calling someone a bigot, even if you are including yourself. I sometimes have a need for Windows XP, usually to run some random program.

I understand that, but this thread didn't leave much room for discussion since it was a how-to, not a how-do-i.

[Fresh Wind]

My screen looks like this. Did I do something wrong?

[js1138]

placemarker

[no-s]

Sorry...I see Coconutt2000 and and had a flashback to Bush2000 (see his posting history), don't want to go there again from the contrarian direction...

[coconutt2000]

Eheh, I'll look... but just so you know, I've been using this particular handle since 2000, just not here.

[BlessedBeGod]

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

[Alas Babylon!]

Bump!

[goodnesswins]

Okay....someone tell this dummie why I need SP2.....I have a hardwired firewall (this is a home where we have a router set up for a couple of computers).....

[Stoat]

"Okay....someone tell this dummie why I need SP2.....I have a hardwired firewall (this is a home where we have a router set up for a couple of computers)....." Most computer industry writers and pundits that I have read on this issue have agreed that if you have been pretty much up to date with previous patches, upgrades and fixes you are not facing any imminent danger or major threat that is addressed solely by SP2. Actually, I've been extremely aggressive about keeping up to date up to this point but I'm waiting with SP2 because one of my favorite programs is on Microsoft's list of programs that "may" experience conflicts with SP2. The developer of this program promises that the next release will be fully compliant, so I'm holding off for the moment. One big reason for SP2 is it's default activation of the XP firewall (an "okay" firewall....better than nothing but easily surpassed by third party products). Microsoft feels that by unleashing a giant marketing campaign for SP2 which will reach lackadaisical users, the users who are completely lax about security will at least have this minimal protection activated, which will probably help a lot in the grand scheme of things. If you're a coherent person who already has firewalls in place, you can easily deactivate the SP2 firewall after your SP2 install. Below is a list of reasons to install SP2 from Microsoft....as for myself, my biggest interest is in improvements to Outlook Express, as I'm managing a puter for someone who has barely learned OE and can't be expected to learn a different email client. Any security upgrades for OE will mean less worry for me in this instance. I'm guessing also that some future patches, security fixes and upgrades may be dependent upon the user having first upgraded to SP2. Anyway, here's Microsoft's rationale for SP2: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/topten.mspx

Top 10 Reasons to Install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)

 

Help protect your PC from harmful attachments.   By alerting you to potentially unsafe attachments, Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) helps guard your computer from viruses that can spread through Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Messenger.

Improve your privacy when you’re on the Web.   SP2 helps protect your private information by applying the security settings that guard your PC to the files and content downloaded using Internet Explorer.

Avoid potentially unsafe downloads.   Internet Explorer download monitoring and the Internet Explorer Information Bar warn you about potentially harmful downloads and give you the option to block files that could be malicious.

Reduce annoying pop-ups.   Internet Explorer Pop-Up Blocker makes browsing the Internet more enjoyable by helping you reduce the unwanted ads and content that pop up when you’re browsing the Web.

Get firewall protection from startup to shutdown.   The powerful, built-in Windows Firewall is now turned on by default. This helps protect Windows XP against viruses and worms that can spread over the Internet.

Take control of your security settings.   The new Windows Security Center allows you to easily view your security status and manage key security settings in one convenient place.

Get the latest updates easily.   Enhancements to Windows XP’s Automatic Updates feature make it even easier to access Windows updates. Plus, new technology has been added to help dial-up customers download updates more efficiently.

Help protect your e-mail address.   Improvements to Outlook Express help reduce unwanted e-mail by limiting the possibility of your e-mail address being validated by potential spammers.

Take action against crashes caused by browser add-ons.   The new Add-On Manager in Internet Explorer lets you easily view and control add-ons to reduce the potential for crashes and enjoy a more trouble-free browsing experience.

Go wireless without the hassle.   SP2 improves wireless support and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks in your home or on the road.

[sweetiepiezer]

LOL

[Fiddlstix]

BTTT

[Stoat]

"Thank you Stoat! I am the de-facto system administrator for my clan and I will be sure to burn an updated XP install cd soonest to save myself from all of the pestering of "can you fix my computer (without installing linux)?"..." You're quite welcome, and thank you for your kind words. I hope that this will be of some help :-)

[Stoat]

"I followed your directions precisely and now everything looks like this."


ROTFLMAO!!!

Are you sure that a Mac or Linux file didn't get into your install CD by mistake? (((evil grin))))

[techcor]

bttt

[Havoc]

Rofl. Mac, Linux, 386BSD, .... many options for saving time and trouble.