Early thoughts about XP SP2 (XP SP1, surprisingly)

[JohnGray]

For those who don't get Paul Thurrott's WinInfo Daily Update (actually for 19 December!), I reproduce the relevant section below, for your interest:

Investigating Windows XP SP2
I've been looking at the new Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) beta, and a few things stand out. First, when the system reboots for the first time after installation, the OS gives you the option to enable Automatic Updates immediately, before you log on. Microsoft has significantly updated Windows Update with a new Express Installation option that downloads and installs all the critical and security updates your computer needs. The new Internet Connection Firewall (ICF), enabled by default, now appears prominently in the Control Panel Network and Internet Connections applet, and ICF now comes with a multitab configuration window that contains numerous options. (In the original version, the only obvious UI was one check box, which let
you turn ICF on or off.) Microsoft has updated IE 6 to version 6.0.2900.2055, and IE now includes pop-up ad blocking, a feature that will announce itself the first time a Web site attempts to launch a pop-up ad. You can also easily manage the way IE handles pop-up ads, which is useful. Also, IE now includes a Manage Add-ons configuration utility that lets you enable or disable the new types of plug-ins this browser supports. And Microsoft Outlook Express (also version 6.0.2900.2055), like Microsoft Office Outlook 2003, now blocks images in HTML email by default, offering a button that you can click to enable the images on a case-by-case basis. Overall, SP2 has the look of a major XP update, and I'll be previewing it soon on my SuperSite
for Windows.
http://www.winsupersite.com

[cowboydawg]

Have you had any problems using Windows Updates with WinXP SP2. I couldn't get the updates to install with the new Windows Update.

[JohnGray]

No, no problems at all since I haven't actually been playing with the SP2 beta! <img src=/S/grin.gif border=0 alt=grin width=15 height=15> The message was purely for info. Maybe SMBP has tried the betas? I've got enough trouble with NT4!

[SMBP]

I was pleasantly surprised that Winupdate V Beta seems to work beautifully--like "Dallas charm"--never thought I'd put those words in the same sentence Winupdate and beautifully that is, I don't mean Dallas and charm--ever--and it installed them quickly, without a hitch, you didn't even have to watch a slow plodding dialogue box or progress bar I used to make it a point to avoid, but just mouseover the little baby icon in the notification area/system tray while you watched the percent installed run down fast. As you know they don't have all the components on it yet--soon.

You can PM me or mail me anything connected you're seeing--I'd be interested to hear what you're seeing what you think. I'm gathering my issues and the crashes to send them and going to spend some time on NG's I hope in the next 2-3 days to catch up on all the issues.

When I put my stuff together I'll send it to you or anything useful I learn in connection with anything you send or issues I have I'll be sure to send you.

SMBP

[cowboydawg]

OK I found the answer.

I found the fix for the update problem in SP2.
Go to Network Connections and install the Client for Microsoft Networks if it isn't already. Then go to services and start Workstation, Background Intelligent Transfer, and Automatic Updates. Reboot and your problem should be no more, The updates should then install.

All I had to do was Start the Background Intelegence Transfer Service and I was ready to go.

I really like SP2 so far. I have had no other problems besides the one I just fixed. I already feel more secure and my system feels stable.