Installing the Windows XP Service Pack 2

SP2 is a collection of patches and updates for Windows XP. You can install SP2 either from the Service Pack 2 CD or from the Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 Web site. SP2 contains updates for the following areas of Windows XP functionality:

  • Enhanced security features
    • Security Center,
    • Windows Firewall,
    • pop-up blocker for IE
    • download protection for IE
    • attachment manager
  • Improved wireless support
  • Bluetooth support
  • Media Player 9
  • DirectX update

Important

·        You should back up all your critical data and files BEFORE installing SP2.

·        To install SP2, you must be logged on to your computer as a member of the Administrators group.

·        Be sure to close all open programs.

To install Service Pack 2 from the CD

1.      Before you begin the installation, stop any real-time virus checkers and firewalls that you have running.

This is important because if real-time virus checkers are running, they can cause problems with the installation.

2.      Insert the Service Pack 2 CD into your CD-ROM drive. Wait a few moments for a Web page to appear.

3.      If a Web page automatically appears when you insert the CD, click the link Install Now.

4.      Follow the instructions that appear in the Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup Wizard.

5.      If you do not want to create backup files, select the Do Not Archive Files option when the Setup Wizard displays it.

Important

If you select Do Not Archive Files, you will not be able to remove SP2 later. We recommend that you create backup files.

6.      When the computer restarts, turn on the Automatic Updates.

7.      Restart the virus checkers.

Make sure your security essentials are all marked ON by clicking Start, clicking Control Panel, and then clicking Security Center. Now you're ready to start using Windows XP SP2 with Advanced Security Technologies.