Re: SP 2 questions

From: Shenan Stanley (news_helper_at_hushmail.com)
Date: 09/27/04 

Date: Mon, 27 Sep 2004 01:03:52 -0500

> My computer is completely virus free, ad-ware free, spyware free,
> cookies, temp folders and recycle deleted/emptied. It's just been
> defragged and the disk is only using 16Gb on a 60Gb drive. A printer
> and a wireless adapter are all the hardware that is installed and
> both are on the xp approved products list - drivers up to date. I
> have all the sp1 updates installed.
>
> If I install the XP Service pack 2 will it:
>
> 1 - Change the View - Layout setting in OE

No

> 2 - Change any of the OE Tools - Options settings

One obvious change I saw was in SP1 there was (under the Maintenance tab) an
option to "compact messages in the background" and that is missing after SP2
was applied.
Also under the Security tab, there is a new section once SP2 is installed
for "download images" where you can "Block images and other external content
in HTML e-mail".

> 3 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in OE

Who knows? Didn't seem to.

> 4 - Change any Toolbar Customized settings in IE

May add an option..

> 5 - Change any Cookies and/or Custom Level Security settings in IE

Well, yeah. Since they added more security and a popup blocker.

> 6 - Add any items to my Links folder in IE

Another update did this - yes - and I believe it is done in SP2 as well.

> 7 - Add any Items to my Favorites folder in IE

Actually, other than under the links subfolder, I do not think so.

> 8 - Add any Toolbar items in IE

None that I saw. Options for more - possibly.

> 9 - Change my Home Page in IE

No.

> 10- Enable/Install Windows Messenger and/or MSN messenger and/or
> Windows Messenger Service

Three different things. You already have the Windows Messenger Service -
although it may disabled. It stayed disabled for me. I already had MSN
messenger and as for the original Windows Messenger, I had made my own
directory and put the old executable in there a long time ago (nothing else)
and have never been bothered by it.

> 11- Add any items to my start sequence (Startup folder and/or
> Msconfig Start Tab items

Startup items? Technically - the Security Center service gets added and
will be started each time you boot up unless you disable it.

> 12- Add any icons to my task and/or system tray(s)

No - unless the security center detects something wrong or cannot do
something (like monitor your antivirus software) - but again this can be
turned off..

> 13- Make any changes to my Folder Options - General, View or File
> Types settings

No.

> 14- Enable the firewall

By default - yes.

> 15- Add Sample Music and/or Pictures to my folders

None that I got.

> 16- Enable Automatic Updates

It will ask on the first reboot.

> 17- Effect my wireless network in any way

Yes.

> 18- Effect my Internet connection in any way

Well, possibly - as the firewall is on and some network components have
changed looks.

> 19- Have any effect on the way my AV functions

Yes - it monitors your AV - if you let it and the AV software supports it.

> 20- Require constant attention to system checks and notices

Require - no - nothing gets added you cannot turn off/ignore. 

---
Why not just backup your system and try it?  Seems ridiculous to ask some of 
these questions so particular to certain applications.  I can understand 
your anxiety, I suppose - but SP2 will still be the same SP2 in 6 months and 
sooner or later you will either install it or start not being able to update 
your PC - possibly making it insecure.
I assure you - the changes (when they are applied correctly) are minor.  For 
someone who seems as prepared as you are to do this should be a minor 
annoyance - as long as you know how to find the answers you need - which I 
suppose you do or your system would not be as ready as you claim it to be.
-- 
<- Shenan ->
-- 
The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
responsible for your actions/problems/solutions.   Know what you are
getting into before you jump in with both feet.

Relevant Pages

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