Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics (
More info?)
On 10/10/2004 10:13 AM, Phil McCracken wrote:
> Michael wrote:
>> 1. I dual boot w. W2k. One person issued a not to subtle threat to the
>> effect: I can't wait til you try to install SP2? Why would W2k enter
>> into the equation? (it has SP4)
>
>
> SP2 is for XP, it's a separate issue. 2k doesn't enter into the
> equation. Also, that sounds like a warning, not a threat.
First off, Phil, whatever you're taking? Keep it up---increase the
dosage, I'm actually sensing cooperation.
No, I saw not issue with dual (triple actually) booting. But is was
brought up. If not a threat, why should it even serve as a warning?
Warning against what as concerns SP2? Is W2k any part of the equation in
an XP Service Pack? I'm stumped. Does SP2 care about another OS?
>> 2. I wrote back that I'd booted W2k with Dos, NT, 95 9, and SE---no
>> prob--Was that an empty threat? (My setup has a DOS partition, XP,
>> and W2k follows.)
> Makes no sense. There's no reason why you shouldn't be able to have
> multiple operating systems on their own partitions.
Good! I was only repeating and seeking clarification on something that
seemed unrelated. Glad for you to confirm my skepticism.
>> 3.Is it a standard SP install where one can designate a partition to
>> "store" the setup?
>
>
> Is *what* "a standard SP install"? To store *what* setup? If you have
> XP on its own partition, you can install the service pack and then
> uninstall it if you choose, assuming you follow the instructions the
> install program gives you. If you've downloaded the full "network" SP2
> package (also good for individual computers) you can store it where ever
> you want.
I have the disk (I thought I mentioned it arrive days after I
applied--they said several weeks---I'd suggest go the disk route as it's
free and well, we know the advantages) Anyway, when I installed SP4 on
W2k it gave me the choice of "storing" (not sure of the term) the
install. I recall it not being the back-up as it wouldn't proceed
without the necessary space for that.
One thing I didn't like, SP4 gave me a dllcache folder---a hundred meg.
I don't know why...either replace dll's or not. Why have a duplicat
folder taking up space---put them where they belong and get rid of the
old one's. My concern is that SP2 would give me a bunch of stuff (or
retain is the better word) I no longer need. I wish the SPs would do a
better job of cleaning up after they leave. One doesn't know what is
needed or what is not. 100 meg dllcache...don't they belong somewhere
else---System32 folder...So, seeing the space necessay for SP2, I'm
thinking, how much will it leave behind that I won't need?
>> 4. Who is so much space necessary for SP install (900 meg) if the whole
>> package is under 300 meg?
>Because of temporary files. The final install won't be that big. In
> fact, if you're up to date with XP patches, it won't even be 300mb.
So, a good part of the system is backed up...fine. That's about three
times the amount SP4 required and I stopped at SP1---I needed SP4 for
IE6---that's what the CD said when I went to install IE6...
>> 5. Does it really take two hours?
>
>
> It shouldn't. 20-30 minutes seems to be the norm. Again, it depends on
> how much of SP2 you already have. (Many of the patches in SP2 were made
> available between the release of SP1 and the release of SP2 as a whole.
Well, I'm told to read the documentation, and it says 2 hours. Damned if
I do, damned if I don't. Yes, with my XP build being late August, I
already have a lot.
>> 6. My XP is very current---I have the new Media Player and do
>> not use IE6, OE and my firewall is better than the MS version---I
>> have good spam blocking, anti-popup, antispy, AV....What is SP2
>> giving me that I'm missing?
> Probably not much, although there are some patches included that weren't
> available individually prior to SP2 release. This is a matter of some
> controversy. Take a look at the MS SP2 site and what SP2 includes, and
> make your mind up for yourself.
I did look at the site. I mentioned what I have in the way of security.
Thus my question. The cryptic term "improved performance" is
attractive---if I knew how, why and if my "late" build is already
"improved". The site is either vague or overly (maybe not) cautious.
Forget the readme. I realy don't know what folks do who are unaware of
USENET. And contrary to what you obviously believe, I've been around.
Jeeze, some of the people I run into...I really don't know how their
machines function. Well, of course some barely do...
>> 7. If I am *only* missing the final KB...can someone be concise and
>> let me know my benefits? Name five?
I ran Belarc Advisor, it is a great picture of one's system. If you
don't know about it, check it out. It goes into great detail. Anyway,
it says I have SP1---Then, under "SP2" it show a list of hotfixes, etc.
Only one, a KB is missing. I figured I was most of the way there.
(Again, considering my third party security measures and the new Media
Player...)
> Question makes no sense. What is "the final KB"?
As I said, it's the only item missing on a list of "SP2" items as shown
by Belarc. I said final as it is the last and only item on the list
>> 8. I realize we only hear the bad news here. Then again, my stories
>> have not been explained (XP repair gave me a fresh install---twice?).
>> (Not to mention that I went in and out of the Activation routine---
>> and never needed to re-activate?!)
>> What are the top 3 risks and consequenses one faces with SP2?
>
>
> There is some risk that despite your best efforts to prepare, SP2 will
> render your system inoperable. It happened to me. It appears that the
> chances of this happening are very small, however. I installed on two
> computers, a laptop and a desktop, both *very* well prepared, and the
> install went south on the desktop, but there are no issues to date with
> the laptop. My advice is to have a viable disk image before you install
> SP2.
No, it's clear as mud. Some say "don't touch it with a ten foot pole"
and yesterday "Colin?" gave me the sense to slap it in, no sweat, it is
the Holy Grail.
Image the entire disk or only the XP partition? Is my 40 gig drive at risk?
>> There ya go, buddy. Questions that dependon on one's point of
>> view--but question. I'm here to *not* get the standard company line.
>> Unless one beieves the the Man is never wrong...which would require a
>> leap of faith.
>
>
> Personally, I've decided not to install on the desktop system and leave
> well enough alone on the laptop. Preparation is important, but there is
> still a chance that something bad will happen. If you're prepared for
> that, then recovery shouldn't be more than an annoyance, and God knows
> we've come to be used to that with XP.
>
No, life is not certain. I'm less concerned about an instant failure--I
simply re-install. I don't like hearing about lingering problems. Long
after SP2 seemed to be a success, I hear of a problem and the answere
is, well, you know. I can put up with a day or two of hell, I don't
want to suffer for the life of the OS. Hell, it's a month old, running
well and I really don't need to throw sand in the gears.
Even you, quite loyal isn't secure enough to try it on your desktop. I
don't consider that a vote of confidence or a strong reference. If you
don't "believe"...one wonder what you know that I don't? (yes, that's a
question)
Anyway, Phil...thanks for being mostly nice. I did have some odd
problems and I don't believe they could be laid at my feet. I followed
instructions and my first three experiences with XP didn't result in the
outcome MS predicted.
So, I really don't like being mean any more than I like being insulteed.
But I was already in a corner and not in the mood to be told what was
happening wasn't supposed to happen. I knew that...I wondered why.
And, I haven't booted to W2k in over a week. While it's working XP is
great. My problem occurred when a simple fix force me to start afreash,
twice. I won't be going into a "repair" with any confidence til I see
that it doesn't have me starting from scratch. Phil, it really did. I
wouldn't think of making that up. Yeah, and it happened twice in two
weeks. Phil, if you were me, you'd be a bit nervous going into a repair.
Lead, follow or get of of the way.
I'll help you if I can.
If you don't have a solution? I don't want to hear from you.
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