Windows Security: Still Patchy, With or Without SP2

I upgrade to SP2 and it damn near shut my machine down. Lost taskbar, start button etc... Unistalled it finally. Piece of crap Microsoft, piece of crap. Definitely not my American Idol.

I installed SP2 and all my problems went away. Thanks Bill Gates!

I installed SP2 and all my problems went away. Thanks Bill Gates!

I've updated 5 different computers, 1 laptop, 2 home builds and 2 shopbought (1 dell, 1 something else) and had no problems whatsoever. In fact I found in every case the computer performed better after the update, although that may have had somthing to do with the fact I gave each machine a thorough springclean first to remove all spyware etc.

Installed SP2 and my system slowed to a crawl. Thank goodness for system restore points that allowed me to undo it. The clean install of XP w/SP2 on my new machine worked great, but an SP2 add-on to my current machine didn't hunt.

I installed sp2, it created more problems than it solved. I blame the Government for letting a company introduce a product with that many flaws to be sold. If a car company has a problem with its products it is recalled and the problem is fixed. Microsoft and any product for that matter should be forced to do the same thing. A patch is a temporary fix to a permenant problem.

I installed SP 2 and no crash anymore . Bill Gates is COOL !!

Just updated to SP2 and computing could not be better. No problems, nothing, nada! Of course I put it off for sometime waiting for the problems to be fixed.

"Are the other 75% just being lethargic?". Well no, maybe they've heard the SP2 horror stories from the 25% who jumped in feet first.

Pushed out SP2 to about 415 users computers ranging through desktops, laptops and tablets through SUS with no problem. At most we had maybe 8 machines that had problems.

After I installed SP2, I can no longer see all my installed programs in the add and remove part of my control panel. Anyone have any ideas?? Preferrably good ones of course

Microsoft has some interesting recent stuff about their "security development lifecycle" at http://msdn.microsoft.com/security/sdl

I'v installed SP2 on 2 laptops and 3 desktops the 1st day it was available. Had absolutely no problems during installation or after it. I feel great my computers are much better protected now.

your computer dont have walls and fences so why do you need windows and gates i got one word for you LINUX

When I first installed SP2 on my machine it stopped working properly. After reformatting the computer I tried again and succesfully installed SP2. Now it is running fine :)

Why don't you guys just get real instead and buy yourselves a Mac??

I have a Mac so I don't care. Hahaha

We have already installed SP2 on almost all the systems and it works fantastically and earlier bugs has been removed from the system after updating to SP2. Everybody pls do install SP2 c'sos its very helpful and keeps your computer from various bugs and flaws..

installed sp2 update on my sons pc and "tada" no more desktop nothing more than the desktop picture and no way to put it back to how it was.
Thanks Micr$oft ur unreal

If you want a problem free machine, do a new install of XP Pro, add the service pack 2, then add McAfee 2005. No problems at all, if you want ongoing problems, add SP2 to a machine that is full of garbage without a new install of XPPro. I have installed this on around 30 or so machines from 250 megs on up. The new installs do 100% better. The more memory the better.

I INSTALLED SP2 IT STRAIGHTENED MY COMPUTER IT IS FASTER AND THERE HAVE BEEN UPDATES SINCE NO COMPLAINTS !!!!!

SP2 has worked like a dream for me. The firewall is a pretty nice feature and I'd like to see MS continue its development of their MS Antispyware.

Instead of installing SP2 I switched browsers to Firefox, email client to Thunderbird and am running anti-spy stuff and anti-ad stuff regularly. No problems. Who needs it!

I installed SP2 found that it killed a bunch of programs I used to access the internet with. Had to reinstall windows in order to get back usage of said programs.

Some comments written mention that many problems occur after installing SP2. But, I've been running XPHome with SP2 for three months with nary a problem. My laptop uses a P4 chip and everything is stock, off-the-shelf. With live antivirus and MS's Antispyware, and a regular sweep with SpyBot and Adaware this system runs like a clock. No hay problemo.

i'am amazed how microsoft gets away with their "lemon products". just imagine this product (say would be a car ie. Lexus/BMW/Merceds...these manufacturers would go out of business!

all MS is doing is manipulating 0 and 1's and can not get that right, horrible thought.

n.b. and when i ring MS for info, the first question i was asked was: to access support sir, please ensure you have your credit card details ready", just imagine car manufacturers ask the same????

SP2 made networking (even simple networking) hell for me. It's not as easy anymore, and if I were to format soon I'd stick with SP1.

I have upgraded a lot of machines to SP2 in both my personal and customers PCs and in all of them, I have found a bit of performance increase.

Thanks god i live in Pakistan. No copyrights. i can get any 6 versions even the latest with code in just 0.25 $. i will recommend to the other 75 % to install it for free. plz contact me for a free copy. hahahahha

I do a clean install about once a year on my primary computer. I held back the reinstall last year until SP2 came out so that I could minimize the conflict. I would say this is best practice when it comes to major service packs or installing new operating systems. Clean install is a hassle, but losing access to all of your data at a critical point in time is worse.

"The firewall is a pretty nice feature" The firewall is terrible. It allows for programs without authority to turn it off. That includes viruses. Zone alarm (a shareware/freeware program) only allows the user of the computer that authority. Check out zone alarm if you are insitant on using windows. Anti-spy ware from ms is a joke, download firefox and adblock then go to http://gauret.free.fr/adshare/adshare.php and download the lastest block list.

I installed SP2 on my laptop and it works fine and dandy. I think the majority of the people who have problems afterwards either don't know what they're doing, or have crappy computers... or both. Hopefully, though, Microsoft will get things right the first time with their future versions of Windows.

SP2 killed my computer to the point where it wouldnt even boot to safe mode, then I re-installed windows overtop of it, then re-installed sp2 again and everything came back perfectly. Thanks for nothing Bill.

I just got this great patch that fixed all my Microsoft related problems...it's called Mac OS X

I've tried twice to install SP2 and each time had to go back to a restore point. Nevermind! I;m happy with how my system performs without it, and have absolute confidence in my non-MS security software.

If you want to go to all that trouble of installing SP2, why not spend the time getting a real operating system: Linux. Not only there are no viruses.spyware there, but it's FREE. Forget Wincrap and Gates

If you want to go to all that trouble of installing SP2, why not spend the time getting a real operating system: Linux. Not only there are no viruses or spyware there, but it's also FREE. Forget Wincrap and Gates.

Thanks Microsoft, when are you bringing out service pak 3?
Ive made a small fortune fixing machines that thier owners installed service pak 2 on.
Its well named cause after you install this "service pak" you are going to need a service technician to fix it. My recommendation - AVOID IT LIKE A COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

Everyone who complains about Microsoft being so crappy, then why do you use it? You probably have some hacked version anyway.

You users of Windows OS bring its horrors onto yourselves by continuing to buy that crap while the VIRAL writing on the wall has been there for now years.

As long as all of you continue to reward Microsoft's innappropriate OS for the Internet, you'll get hosed or be under the constant threat of being hosed by viruses, spyware, adware, and malware, written by teenagers no less.

Windows was conceived & designed for a CLOSED NETWORK architecture (ie. NT Domains). Unfortunately, a little thing called the INTERNET came along and spoiled the Windows World NT Domain Dominance party. By then, it was too late to alter the core code of Windows.

If Microsoft was smart, they’d ditch Longhorn and do what Apple did: write a slick, proprietary GUI-front end to a UNIX OS. That way, they’d leverage all the bennies & Internet-strength security that come with *NIX, while retaining their marketshare strangehold with Windows APIs.

Instead, the ‘Doze hangerons will buy into this disaster known as Longhorn, rationalizing (somehow) that a Mac is still more expensive.

Idiots.

"if security ever truly stops being a massive, pricey, annoying timesink". What are you dreaming of. Security does not matter what platform you are running PERIOD, Windows happens to be on 90% of the systems out there so it's the biggest target. Understand computers attacks are a buisness now, and will not go away. Real Changes to the Win Platform are limited because we want it to be compatable with anything and everything. As for SP2, if you install it on a computer less than 3 years old no problem. Otherwise Buy a new computer, because you will not be able to use the new programs required to secure you machine PERIOD. No conspericacy here, actually the Hacker / Crackers would love for you to keep using that Win Me, Apple OS 9, or un pacheted Linux system connected to an ADSL modem so they can use your system as a Bot.

Oh great, Real World M., one has to buy a new PC every third year in order to have BASIC SECURITY on the Web. Sounds like a PC manufacturers' conspiracy made in heaven.

And nice try dragging in & slandering Apple with your specious claim that OS 9 (it's called 'Mac OS 9', not 'Apple OS 9') is somehow a hacker bot. OS 9 is the most secure of all personal computer OSes. And it's on 4 year or older Macs for which the vast majority connect to the Internet via a modem! In other words, botless. Ironicially. these very secure OS 9 Macs are being fazed out with less secure Mac OS X machines. (hee hee)

I am so sick of paying to be a beta tester for Microsoft windows. SP2 is just another bandaid on a bloated and badly designed operating system. And this is from a guy who has been doing this since DOS was considered an innovation.

Military command and control systems have serious problems when running XP SP2... so far we (a developer of such systems) have opted not to upgrade our test machines.

SP2 installed with no problems, although my laptop appears to be slower than ever.

Looking forward to buying a Mac when I get the dough.

Best thing I've ever done...thanks microsoft.
Put a good computer on line and use auto-up
dates.....no problems and after changing a few
email addresses by 1 character...no spam
Chief McCurry
USN Retired

SP2 made my curtains fade !

I stopped patching and bought a MAC.

LIfe is good.... no more patching, no more virus updates. It works.

Ive installed Windows XP SP2 and still very fast that about 13-16 seconds to boot up Windows that same with my dad - that much cool and very fast also rid of bugs, etc.. as our PCs still on all time as no problems such as freezing, etc.. that same with my laptop as well excellent!!! I dont see any problems with SP2 but will upgrade to XP-64 soon as I used A64-939

Installed a new Hard Disk to forestall ?? a warning by an applet
that told me "your disk is overheated". Increased my C Disk from
15GB to 20GB to prepare for more patches patches patches from
BIG BROTHER. Bush is not the only Dictator in USA.
Was contemplating 25GB yesterday, but you MAC FANS may
be right. The original outlay may be large in case of a MAC but
in the long run you folks may be right.
The Gullible Old Man

Install Firefox, and Thunderbird... and stop using IE and Outlook (express).

You'll notice that you will not get new spyware, adware, malware, or virus infections when you surf the web... not to mention no popups, popunders, or even any ads if you want to block them all... and Thunderbird won't spam all your contacts, the next time your friend, gets infected with a virus, because Firefox, and Thunderbird don't support ActiveX, VBScript, or JScript... which is used to spread almost ALL Malware these days.

HELP - DOES ANYONE HAVE A SOLUTION?

I am an avid game player. After the Service Pack was installed, I could not play Pogo's Dominoes.

Twice I installed the Service Pack 2 and twice I deleted it. Now it seems I will soon have no choice if I want to use Microsoft.

I upgraded about 150 computer to SP2 and really had never any trouble.
Ok sometimes I lost Network connections or had a small problems with some drivers.
But after updating drivers and reconfiguration of network connections everything runs fine.
Some programs are not compatible with SP2 but That is not only the fault of SP2.
However I think SP2 is fine but a novice could run into trouble easily.
Still SP2 is not secure!
Internet explorer is the weakest point because it is to integrated into windows.
I think they should really change that system.
Always update your virus and spyware scanner and disconnect from the net before installation of SP2.

I am running Windows XP SP1 and have had no
security issues. The security of an OS is
ultimately the responsibility of the end user.
I have used all the knowledge I could garner
and along with a little common sense have
gotten this computer to a usable state.
The old addage, "if it ain't broke don't fix it"
applies here. I heve only installed the most
critical updates and they are enough.

Service pack 2 should be broken up into
categories that the user can choose to install
or not depending on his/her circumstances.
I want some of what SP2 offers but I don't
want the rest shoved down my throat.

If MS will issue the different portions of SP2 as
standalone installs then I will definitely join in.

Until then, no thank you.

I've upgraded our six computers to SP2 with absolutely no problems. I suspect those actively avoiding it are like one of my consulting clients from several years back (a major insurance company). They wouldn't upgrade to a newer version of IE because it was 'buggy'. Turns out their network was buggy. An in-house app didn't play by the rules and bound them to an old set of DLLs. They'd gerry-rigged their entire corporate network around it. The company eventually fired the networking staff and spent a year cleaning up the mess.

Well, if you folks want security, then I suggest a good old-fashioned pen and paper that you conceal from those around you. Let us face facts that no computer system can be made completely secure. A tri-source code is a possiblity with Longhorn. This tri-source code would include the best of 9x (98SE in my opinion), the best of NT (XP PRO. I guess), and the best of the Unix/Linux source code which is actually open and not a closed source code. I suggest that those of you that want real security then just disconnect critical operations from the Internet. The problem is that Bluetooth is not secure, ActiveX is not secure, wireless technology is not secure, LinkSyS modems can easily be hacked with Admin and Admin after interupting the signal which shows that all Hardware routers should have their own special and unique default password assigned to them. In my opinion, 98SE is awesome if you protect it with ZoneAlarm PRO., Norton Antivirus and SpySweeper by Webroot. Adaware SE, Spybot Search and Destroy, SpywareBlaster are good tools but make sure you get them from safe sites. I hope this helps you and in the meantime consider Mozilla Firefox and Thunderbird as temporary open source solutions to better but of course not completely protect your operating system(s).

I installed XP SP2 and it caused a number of issues. The control panel icons did not display and within "My Computer" the drive references were missing. It didn't recognize symantec antivirus as a known antivirus program and I had to grant premission to all third party applications that access the internet. In my opinion for the average user this upgrade could be a potential nightmare.

I installed SP2 and when it rebooted after a very long download and installation process all I got was a background screen, no start bar and no desktop icons. After restarting in "safe mode" and uninstalling SP2 from add/revome programs thankfully my PC came back to normal. It's no wonder 3 out of 4 people are avoiding this upgrade.

I installed SP2 when it was launched ...
and took long time to donwload from the new ... no cd media was provided ..
when it rebooted after a very long download and installation process all I got was a good secured SYSTEM ...

Well folks I have read all of your feedback. Daniel; your concept is a great idea, but at this point in time it's not going to happen, sadly! Bought a new computer with XP Home-SP2 pre-installed. Seems to work great, although I really liked my old operating system; 98SE better. So; as a means to an end, I'm going to partion my hard drive and install 98SE back on my new computer. By the way Daniel; I used the combination of firewall and anti-virus you mentioned in your feedback and my system was very secure. Good advice Daniel.

Goodness.. all these whiners on here.. I have added SP2 to at least half a dozen machines around the house. I have yet to experiance any problems with it. I have run Windows since the days of 3.0 and see know reason to change. All in all, it's still the best out there for all around use and compatability.

Most of those who have problems with SP2 have corrupt systems. Don't install it on systems that: Have viruses, have spyware, have incompatible drivers for hardware, have numerous registry problems from massive amounts of unused software.

Plain and simple.

For those who strictly say, "You should use Linux/Mac" instead of providing a well thought-out and coherent reply, you don't add anything to this discussion. SP2 provides numerous security fixes. Mac and Linux have security holes as well, EVERY OS DOES.

The "security" problem lies in the fact that people are still looking at porn on their PCs, clicking in pop-ups, and d/l viruses through screensavers. If people were slightly educated about safe surfing, we wouldn't have these "security" problems.

Installed Sp2 again on another computer and in both cases everything is fine for about a day then i start getting corrupt cookies warnings run chkdsk it says...I run chkdsk fixes the problem then one day the computer want boot into windows. This has happen on more than 3 computers for me. No more SP2. SP2 might be the worst update ever. Just upgrade to a different brower and use counter spy works for me. :-)

I installed SP2 and my computer went boom. It took 5 minutes to turn on the computer. Nothing would function and I couldn't even turn it off. I went to safe mode, uninstalled SP2, and my computer went back to normal. ( For some very strange reason, it went even faster and better than it used to be.)*Phew*

You can't put sp2 over junk. Have done numerous upgrades,but have cleaned up the computer beforehand.

i bought a hp pavilion d1000e. it was loaded with xp pro. i have had no problems. maybe some of you all might upgrade to xp pro.

I know thzat SP2 is updated time and again with new bits that are supposed to improve it and help it to help you BUT IT STIL IS NOT WORKING!! Each time I have tried to download it, I manage with no problems and then my computer refuses to shut down and sits there on the exit blue screen. Switching off and then on is no hassle but I want to protect my computer, not damage it by flicking the switch because Microsoft's "wonderful" update doesn't work with my system. If they auto install on mine, I'll kill the auto updates and just chcek more often! Annoying as hell.

Windows ? Hmmm never gave much thought on wasting time and dough on something that ****py. its so pathetic watching the m$ fans in here lie about their beloved pc's running glitch infested windows when they can run a secure and superior mac.

Ordered the CD instead of downloading from Internet and had no problems whatsoever. Love it.

The University I work for installed it system wide and only crashed all our laptops. That was a long night of starting from scratch due to OS and hardware disputes. But my home PC's do great, as long as I fdisk format first.....

I have never had any issues with XP even without theservice pack. I just keep clear of danger!! BUt i do have sp2 and ihave no issues

Viruses and Spywares are the problems you have with the upgrade.
Even if you have removed Viruses or Spyware.
They still leave some damages in the registry and other system files.
Also some hardware is not compatible with SP2.
Do your research before you upgrade.
I did upgrade lots of computer to SP2
Old Machines, new Machines and did not have any trouble like you.
Aah..ok
I was properly Lucky.LoL
Let's play lottery than.....Yippieeeeeeee
By the way.
The hacked version of XP works better than the original.
Another thing
You can do whatever you like but Windows Version can not be secured.
Users bring themself into trouble because they are careless on the net.
And many others they just do not read the read me files.
By the way.
Mac and Linux have Security risk too.
The problem is that many just don't know it.
I know several poeple who had stolen information on Mac or Linux systems.
And this was only happening because they thought that Mac or Linux are safe and secure.
LOL
Computer systems secure.
Who does believe that should wake up from his dream.

The only computer that does not run SP2 is the one running a 64-bit chip. Hates it. Even after a fresh install of Windoze. Haven't upgraded to XP 64 because not enough drivers for it yet.

This SP2 very stabel and nomore crash . I use McAfee firewall and Antivirus :))

What you talking about SP2 does not run 64bit chips?
I got several 64bit machines and And they all run fine with SP2.
Like I said.
People themself creating problems it is not the service pack what is the issue here.

Ugh..Where do i start With this..When it first came out, It auto installed on my mothers computer..Well..it turns out that, It started to crash her computer, VERY badly, It was running about about 1/4th of what it used to..Then..Rabit's peed on the outlet and it got fired..Though the slow down and other problems could be cause by that..I just think it's like firday the 13th..Bad news..

I have powerful 3 PCs: -
1 x Win XP home SP1 (twin 3.0 Ghz)
1 x Win XP home SP2 (single 2.96 Ghz)
1 x Win 98SE (single 1.8 Ghz for minesweeper)
I have less trouble with the 98SE OS than either of the others.
On each I use AD-Aware, Spyware Blaster, SPyBOt S & D, AVG & Zone Alarm.
I use the internet regularly and do agfree that internet security is unltimately the responsibility of the user, not the OS manufacturer.
Ah well, roll me back to WIN 95 !

All Operating Systems have security issues. With nearly 80% of the market share, it ia no wonder Microsoft is a very frequent target. I run XP w/ SP2 on a Celeton M 1.8 GHz and 256 MB memory, and it runs excelently. The key is compatiblity. If you don't have SP2, then get the upgrade advisor from the XP website. And of course you have to show it what internet programs to use, with th average incompetent computer user, downloading whatever all day, its pretty much an anti-spyware tool.