NWA-PCUG Newsletter Article, October 2004
Problems With Windows XP Service Pack 2
by Bettie Cummings Cook,
Southwest Indiana PC Users Group, Inc


Recently we have been reading about the debate over whether or not to install Windows XP Service Pack 2. The update has some bugs that cause problems in some software.

I am a firm believer in keeping software updated. The update is not created to cause you frustration but to make your software work better. Considering all the hundreds of software programs and hardware drivers, it is amazing updates work as well as they do. Your software is far more likely to work well if it is kept updated. Most problems are created by structure of the program compilation of non-Microsoft software.

When installing an update, it is important that you must read the update instructions carefully. I'm convinced failure to read and apply the instructions to your computer is the cause of some conflicts.

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 884130 (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130) provides a list of programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality when they run on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computers. If you have downloaded and installed SP2 and are experiencing error messages, this web site is for you.

SP2 includes Microsoft Windows Firewall that updates the firewall and replaces Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). If firewall is blocking a program, Knowledge Base Article 875357 provides the solution to unblock the firewall. Of particular importance to everyone who has updated to Windows XP SP2 is the caution that Norton's Anti-Virus 2003 may not be automatically scanning. You may not be getting an error message about this so it is vital to read the data regarding Norton's. Some of the popular software experiencing problems are the AOL toolbar, BlackICE, Norton's Systemworks 2003 GoBack, OmniPage Pro, Word Perfect Office, Yahoo Instant Messenger, and Zone Alarm. See the list for others not named here.

The web page lists the programs and a link to their maker's web site. Use the link to go to that site and download a patch to allow the software to work with SP2.

While I'm on the subject of Microsoft, did you know there is a Microsoft Products Public Newsgroup web page? (http://support.Microsoft.com/newsgroups/) Each product has a forum where one can post questions and answers. Solutions to MS problems may be found here.

There is no restriction against any non-profit group using this article as long as it is kept in context with proper credit given the author. The Editorial Committee of the Association of Personal Computer User Groups (APCUG), an international organization of which this group is a member, brings this article to you.

Click here to return to top



==================================================================