[Ham-Computers] SP2 cautions, not myths!

[jandlmiller at bellsouth.net]

Yes!  Wait awhile and let at least the issues with major computer manufacturers be resolved before you think about SP2.  Then, when you do be sure all the patches and so forth have been applied to the SP2 as released by Microsoft.

Dell is advising at least users of their 8300 Dimension equipment not to add SP2 at this time.  There appear to be several broken files that cause many and various issues with Dell customers.  Apparently, both Dell and Microsoft teams are working the problem now in TX and WA.  They recommend leaving the Automatic Updates in the Home Edition turned off "for several days more."  For me that may mean several more weeks!

Actually one of the things broken apparently is the Home Edition's Automatic Updates routine.  When you say anything other than ON or OFF you may be distressed to learn that your selection really made little difference.  I got caught with this issue!  I said "Notify me, but don't download or install."  No notification was received and SP2 was downloaded but (whew!) was not installed.  One of the techs at Dell told me that some had complained that the choice "Download but don't install" resulted in a notification and not a download.

If the same thing that happened to me happens to you, and you have the pesky icon in the systray telling you your download is ready to install, simply set the Automatic Updates choice to off.  Then power your machine down, leave it off for a safe, power it up and the pest should be gone.

My plan is to wait about a week, then contact Dell Support to see if ALL the known issues have been satisfactorily resolved.  Then I will ask for their input as to whether or not to proceed, and balance their response with all other thermometers I have set, one being this list.

The Professional Edition has different choices for Automatic Updates, and may well have other problems.

GL, John, W0IKT
> 
> From: ham-computers-request at mailman.qth.net
> Date: 2004/09/06 Mon AM 04:00:44 EDT
> 
> Today's Topics:
> 
>    1. Win XP Service Pack 2 installation stories (John Burch)
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Message: 1
> Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 07:24:16 -0600
> From: "John Burch" <occupant at rushmore.com>
> Subject: [Ham-Computers] Win XP Service Pack 2 installation stories
>
> Do any of you XP users have any cautionary tales to 
> share before I download the upgrade?
> 
> Thanks de John