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General discussion

SP2 and Windows Automtic Updates

Oct 28, 2004 3:36AM PDT

Will Windows Automatic Updates automatically install SP2 in my XP computer at the appointed time, so that I might want to shut it off till I am sure my computer is ready for SP2? I would not think so but I can't find anything that says one way or the other. grandpaw

Discussion is locked

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Re: SP2 and Windows Automtic Updates
Oct 28, 2004 3:55AM PDT

From what I understand Grandpaw, SP2 will download automatically if you have that option enabled but will ask you if and when you want to install it. I opted to order the disc instead and installed it that way because I'm on dialup and found it easier for my situation. I check Windows Update often so I don't have the Auto Updates enabled but that is just personal preference.

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Thanks, Roddy
Oct 28, 2004 10:36AM PDT

I also have the disk and I will install from it. I've turned off the automatic updates, but since I'm the kind of person who forgets to check, I'll turn it back on after installing SP2. grandpaw

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Re: Thanks, Roddy
Oct 28, 2004 10:53AM PDT

You're welcome Grandpaw and I know the feeling. I should have stock in Post-its. I would be totally lost without them. LOL

PS: Until you turn Auto Updates back on, don't forget to check Windows Updates occasionally for any other Updates that you might need. Even after you DO turn it back on,it will only download the critical ones so it's good to check Windows Update then also. Sometimes there will be software or hardware updates that are not critical which you can pick and choose from. The ones that you DON'T want, you can choose the "Hide Option" and they those won't show up anymore unless you change your mind and decide to download them anyway in which case, you can click on the "Hide Option" and download them any time. I have also seen quite a few of the gurus in here warn about Microsoft Drivers from Windows Update which would show up as "Hardware" so what I do in that case is check and see what the driver update is for and go to my computer manufacturer's web sites and locate and install the update from there instead.

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SP-2 is about 250 Meg in size. . .
Oct 28, 2004 6:19AM PDT

If you're on dial-up this could take a while. If you're on cable it'll be much faster. I downloaded the update (I'm on cable) and burned it to CD so I could update the wife's PC too.

If you have automatic updates set, XP will download while you are on line. Again, if you're on dial-up, you'll need to stay on line for possibly hours for that size of a download.

If you're on broadband, it will be much faster. Just leave the PC on and try not to surf as this will interfere with the download.

Good luck,
Telephony facts, analog/digital explained.
See the CNet faces behind the posts.

I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We've created life in our own image. - - Stephen W. Hawking

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Thanks, Wayne
Oct 28, 2004 9:27PM PDT

Actually, I have the SP2 CD. Am I right to figure that it doesn't take very long to install from a CD? grandpaw

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Re: Thanks, Wayne
Oct 29, 2004 9:24AM PDT

Hi grandpaw7,
I also have dialup so decided to use the SP2 CD. After making sure my computer was clean and ready for SP2 I downloaded from the CD which took about 20 minutes and have not had any problems at all. By the way I am also over 65 and have 6 Grandchildren.
Best of luck to you.
Larry

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Thank you Larry
Oct 29, 2004 9:43PM PDT

I hope to replicate your statement "have not had any problems at all". But, then, I guess I shouldn't expect miracles.

I hope you're enjoying the grandkids as much as I am. My daughter and two granddaughters are living with me right now. Nothing quite as good as a seven year old coming into my bedroom in the morning to tell me Good Morning with a hug, unless it's a seven year old coming into my bedroom at night to say Good Night with a hug. I think I'd die without children in my life.

grandpaw

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Re: SP2 and Windows Automtic Updates
Oct 28, 2004 7:48AM PDT

Hi Grandpaw,
With a new computer from Dell, I would expect that SP2 would already be installed. Have you check in
Add/Remove Programs to see what is listed there?

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Thanks, Ernie
Oct 28, 2004 9:28PM PDT

No, mine came with only SP1. grandpaw

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Re: SP2 and Windows Automtic Updates
Oct 28, 2004 8:36AM PDT

Grandpaw,

Like the rest, I recommend using the SP2 CD or the downloaded installer file from the link below to install XP Service Pack 2. Windows Update will do it at IT'S descretion. I choose do the installation at MY descretion. Because the downloaded installer file is large, make sure to download it from a broadband connection, then burn it to a CD for later use.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers

Using the CD or installer file above allows you to clean up the computer, run Error Checking, then defrag, then shut down all background programs, before running the install. Do it on your own terms.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Thanks, Grif
Oct 28, 2004 9:39PM PDT

I'm in the process of going through the exercise provded in MajorGeeks, including the HiJack This. I've wondered if having MajorGeeks check the HiJack this is as good as taking it to WebIntegration, the program provided by Spybot at http://www.net-integration.net/tools/procedure.html ? I used that once to deal with something or other and it seemed to be pretty through (to a nontech); my tech seemed quite conscientious. Anybody have an opinion? grandpaw

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Grandpaw......Please....
Oct 28, 2004 9:06AM PDT

could you click on your profile and give info pertaining to your computers, to include if you have dial-up.
You have been posting in:

Computer Newbies
Computer Help
Windows 95/98
Windosw XPC Applications & Utilities
Browsers
Communications and Messaging
Virus & Security Alerts
Feedback
Speakeasy

I have read just about all of your 400-500 different post, and think you are giving a good service to all by your questions, which prompt answers that may be of benefit in general. So, encourage you to continue, but really give a little info about your computer(s)(plural).

Sometimes I think you may be a "Shill" to further the computer comprehension/knowledge of everyone. :^O

JR (Also a grandpaw with great grandkids & was over 65 yrs old before operating a keyboard or getting a computer other than abacus/adding machine.)

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Re: Grandpaw......Please....
Oct 28, 2004 8:29PM PDT

Very good idea John.

I've just updated mine.


Mark

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John, you missed some
Oct 28, 2004 9:43PM PDT

The count is really closer to 1,000. Good idea about updating my profile. I guess I should automatically include some basic computer info with each post, but I have a hard enough time remembering where the bathroom is in the morning. Thanks, grandpaw

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Re: SP2 and Windows Automtic Updates
Oct 28, 2004 8:51PM PDT

The automatic update usually not in ready status unless a critical issue has come up. In other words, it will not automatically download a patch to your PC unless it is critical according to Microsoft. Usually Microsoft will send you a email to notify you ( Provided you have subscribed it from Microsoft ). I always go to Windows Update and system restore everyday before I turn off my PC.
I would like to suggest to all subscribers of cnet.com to re-install Windows XP at least four times a year as if giving blood. You will be surprised each time when you re-install Windows XP as every time is a new experience. In other words, Windows XP SP2 is not far from perfect BUT the staff of Microsoft are the best in the world.

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Re: SP2 and Windows Automtic Updates
Oct 28, 2004 9:52PM PDT

Hi,Mr. Chan. MS Updates shows SP2 as a critcal update, so I presume it would be installed automatically at some point, No? OR Yes? Perhaps Maybe?

Do you go to Updates every day because Automatic Updates may not keep you sufficiently current, or because you want the non-critical updates?

So, on System Restore, do you establish a new point every day? Do you then delete a new point every day? I'm not very familiar with System Restore. I do know I was wishing there were a way to get some idea of what shape my computer was in at each of the points, or some idea of why a point was established.

With respect to the reinstall of XP, I presume a person should order a new CD each time if he wants to install from a CD? Yes, no or maybe?

Thanks, grandpaw

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Re: SP2 and Windows Automtic Updates
Oct 28, 2004 10:26PM PDT

There is no reason to reinstall WIndows XP 4 times a year. I know many who will restore/refresh their computer including reinstalling the operating system once a year. And I'm sure the overwhelming majority of computer owners never do. You need the operating system CD and product key number to reinstall any Windows operating system.

Depending on your computer manufacturer, you may have a restore CD set that includes all of the drivers and factory installed software. Companies like Dell provide separate CDs for everything. That means you will have to format and reinstall everything manually. Before you even attempt to do this, get instructions. Although the process isn't difficult, it does take considerable time and patience.

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Re: SP2 and Windows Automtic Updates
Oct 29, 2004 2:09AM PDT

Hi Grandpaw,

You asked, "... it doesn't take very long to install from a CD?". I have dial-up so used the SP2 CD and it took exactly a total of 42 minutes. I've read where others have taken less time to install on their computer. Windows Update indicated to me it would take 4+ hours if I downloaded through them over the net with dial-up.

BTW, thanks for the update of your profile, it is very impressive. Err....are you on dial-up, cable, or broadband?

I have three desktop computers each with a different operating system of Win98se, WinME, and WinXP and have never had a reason to reinstall the operating system going on years now.

I do not use the MS "System Restore" so cannot comment on establishing a restore point everyday. From what I understand the MS System Restore is licensed from Symantec 'GoBack' but not as "restorable" as GoBack. In other words GoBack will restore more than System Restore. I purchased the "roxio GoBack 3 Deluxe" before the program was sold by Roxio to Symantec and used it on my old Win98se computer. When the WinME computer came out it had the MS System Restore. When the WinXP came out I disengaged the MS System Restore, and I had to get a patch from Roxio for 'GoBack' to work on my WinXP desktop. GoBack automatically makes numerous restore points where you can 'go back' several minutes, hours, days, weeks.

Regards,

JR

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Thanks, John,
Oct 29, 2004 4:43AM PDT

When my head clears up, and as one needing all the help can get, I want to look into getting Go Back. I just did something that disabled me from going online. But this time System Restore, to an earlier time today, did the trick. grandpaw

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John, I have Dial-Up
Oct 29, 2004 4:48AM PDT

grandpaw

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Re: SP2 and Windows Automtic Updates
Oct 29, 2004 11:04AM PDT

Hello Grandpaw, This is Mr. Chan from Vancouver, Canada. Regarding the Automatic update on Windows, it will not update anything to your PC automatically UNLESS it is a critical issue from Microsoft standpoint as I set my automatic update everyday at 3 AM. Nothing had happened BUT once Microsoft sent you an email telling you there is something to be updated; I then went to Windows Update, the Update would be downloaded successfully. I remember when SP1 was around, there was a small icon on the right hand corner telling you that the update was in prograss, not any more since the SP2 had been released.
Regarding the " system restore ", I just create a new date after I finished using Norton Anti-Virus, make sure that no virus in my PC say 7PM on 29th October, 2004. Then you go to " Program ", you will see whole bunch of programs bounce up. On top of it, you will see, " Accessibilities ", once you point your cursor to that, on your right at the bottom, you will see " system restore ", once you open the "system restore ", you create the date which will be 7PM of 29th October, 2004. Then you are done. Say three days later, you find something on your PC is not running as it used to be. You go to the " system restore ", on the calender, click 29th October, 2004. Your PC will be back in shape as 29th October, 2004 within minutes and it will not affect any new program that you have installed after the 29th October, 2004.
I use the " system restore " mainly to capture the " Windows Start " sound as very often that click sound is disappeared though I went to the sound categories and worked on it. To save the time and trouble, I simply use "system restore " to get back the "Windows Start sound".

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I Disagree ! Don't Reinstall XP Unless Necessary
Oct 29, 2004 10:26AM PDT

In fact, as long as you keep your computer clean from malware, keep the registry clean, and frequently run Scandisk/Chkdsk and Defrag, I don't think routine reinstalls of ANY Windows operating system are necessary for most users. I've got office machines that have been running Windows 95, 98, and 2000 for many years without ever needed to reformat and reinstall. My daughter has a family heirloom computer, Wink), which required reformatting and reinstalling immediately after we purchased it 6 YEARS ago, but it hasn't had a reinstall since. It runs GREAT!

Since Mr. Chan's particular suggestion was about Windows XP, please remember that XP requires validation and after 3 easy validations, Microsoft starts asking you to talk with their representatives. In addition, each time you reinstall XP, you've got to go through the reinstallation of all your programs, their updates, plus reinstall all Windows Updates. All that takes a lot of time and the improvements which might occur by a reformat and reinstall might be unnoticeable in many instances. And sometimes, reinstalling all your original programs can start NEW problems of their own.

I recommend ONLY reinstalling your operating system IF you're having problems that can't be fixed with normal clean up methods.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re: I Disagree ! Don't Reinstall XP Unless Necessary
Oct 29, 2004 2:37PM PDT

Please go to www.winguides.com or www.pctools.com and download the free " Registry Mechanic " to see how many things are wrong of your Windows regardless they are 98, 2000, me and XP. If the " Registry Mechanic " checked out there is nothing wrong of your Windows, please accept my sincere apology. But I am pretty sure at the end of the day, there are at least 40 items are not right in the Windows Registry as they have HKEY_Currentusers, HKEY_Localmachine, etc, etc... Each time you use a program, the registrey of Windows can go wrong. That is why the Longhorn is not ready until 2008 as Windows XP still has a long way to go to be perfect. I will say SP4. SP2 just have a better Firewall, pop up blocking than SP1a. SP2a or SP3 might have a better virus protection but the core remains unchanged. Windows XP is an unstable software than any other previous product from Microsoft as it has more features than any other Windows in Microsoft history. Microsoft is a great corporation but Windows XP has lots of problems which is a fact.

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Mr. Chan, If You Are Advising To Use A Registry Cleaner???
Oct 30, 2004 7:24AM PDT

....then I will support that suggestion. Even though I support the use of a registry cleaner by EXPERIENCED users, some users, depending on how they user their computers, may NEVER need to use a registry cleaner. The computer should function fine without their use. Most large corporations function without EVER running a registry cleaners and without reformatting their computers.

It was your suggestion of reinstalling Windows XP on a quarterly basis that I disagreed with. It's not necessary and in some cases can be harmful to the computer. Although I don't use Registry Mechanic, (I prefer a couple of others that aren't so intrusive), I frequently use a registry cleaner to keep things clean.. NONE of the machines I take care of have the problems you are referring to. CLICK HERE To Read Some Reg Mechanic Reviews NOt all of them are good and like other registry cleaners, it can cause severe damage if you aren't careful.

ONE suggestion...If YOU are getting 40 incorrect registry entries EVERY DAY, (and they are important registry issues) then YOU'VE got a problem with your machine. Running a program WILL NOT normally cause any thing to go wrong with the registry. If YOU are having that type of problem, then YOUR machine needs some serious work. I oversee a large number of computers and when I run registry cleaners on them, they very seldom have major issues. Of course, the first time a registry cleaner is used, there are frequently a large number of entries that can be cleaned. But after that, normally, if no major changes are made to the computer, then there shouldn't be a large number of important registry problems.

I've never indicated that Windows, of any version, is perfect, but reinstalling it is entirely unnecessary unless problems occur which can't be fixed by normal methods.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Re: Mr. Chan, If You Are Advising To Use A Registry Cleaner?
Oct 30, 2004 11:26AM PDT

First of all, I would like to thank Grif to point out certain things are not necessary to undertake such as re-install Windows XP on a quarterly basis. However, since you are the advanced user of PC, perhaps you can tell me which Registry Cleaner is good and free and can be available to the cnet.com subscribers.
Keep in mind, Microsoft is the best corporation in software but Windows XP Home and Professional SP2 are still far from perfect. People I know all telling me that they need to re-install Windows XP every now and then. My PC works fine as far as the hardware are concerned. I had it just for a year and always the software that caused me to re-install Windows XP Professional. Just awhile ago, my 2004 Norton Internet Security was in trouble as the ' Auto Protection " was disabled. I thought that I need to re-install Windows XP again. Fortunately, the " System restore " save my neck. You know why Norton got into trouble because someone from other forum suggested me to download the " Spy Guard " and " Spybot Search & Destroy ". I had tried the " SpyBlaster " and it came with so many spyware. In other words, the freeware usually are unreliable.
This message has no intention to start an arguement with you but simply ask you to recommend several good freeware to all the cnet.com subscribers.

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Re: I Disagree ! Don't Reinstall XP Unless Necessary
Nov 2, 2004 2:02AM PST

Hello Mr. Chan,
where did you find the Registry Mechanic by PcTools for free? I paid a little over Can.$40 for it, but I am very happy with it and would recommend it to anyone who wants to clean up the registry and repair etc.
regards,
sabina.

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Re: I Disagree ! Don't Reinstall XP Unless Necessary
Nov 2, 2004 1:56AM PST

Thank you, Grif, it certainly helps. I will delay the instalment of SP2, unless I am desperate further down the road.

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Sabina, You'll Need To Install SP2 Sooner or Later
Nov 2, 2004 8:36AM PST

...and my discussion with Mr. Chan was about reformatting and reinstalling Windows XP. I'm guessing that it won't be very long till the Windows Updates won't be supporte on XP SP1 so you may need to install it sooner, than later. ACtually, I've been successful at installing SP2. No problems so far, and in fact, I've notice a little speed increase on many of the machines. By reading other posts on these forums, not everyone has been so lucky.

It's extremely important to "prepare" the compute before the installation. Clean out spywar/Viruses/etc., then clean out the Temporary Internet Files folder, delete all .tmp files, clean out the "Temp" folders, then run Error Checking and Disk Defrag to optimize the hard drive. Restart the computer, shut down all background programs and install the service pack. It's worked for me.

It's your choice when to do it, so good luck, and keep up the safe computing.

Grif

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The SP2 CD
Nov 2, 2004 11:44AM PST

Sabrina, I was advised to get the SP2 CD from Microsoft, which I did. You may want to do the same. One of these days, I hope to use it, but right now I'm too scared; maybe it's Hallowen fever. grandpaw

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Re: The SP2 CD
Nov 2, 2004 7:32PM PST

To be honest Grandpaw, I haven't upgraded to SP2 yet either. I'm scared to, Happy

Mark