Windows XP Service Pack 2 -  Benefits and Known Issues

The world of Windows XP users have long awaited the release of Service Pack 2 (SP2), not only because it incorporates dozens of critical updates and upgrades to the popular operating system all in one package but also promise to improve Windows Security and slow the spread of viruses. In addition SP2 improves the security configuration options of Windows XP and provides better security information to help users faced with security decisions.

After finally being released the Service Pack does seem to promise many advances in security to help your organization or personal computer protect itself from malicious code or attacks. However a number of compatibility issues with other software, applications, and hardware means you must carefully test and evaluate SP2 before deploying it on a number of systems.
Top Ten Benefits
Security updates, new firewall and pop up blocker, plus improved internet and email (outlook express) security configurations are among the key new benefits.

Top Ten Reasons to install:

1 Protect your PC from harmful attachments - By alerting you to potentially unsafe attachments, Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) helps guard your computer from viruses that can spread through Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Messenger.
2 Improve your privacy when you’re on the Web -SP2 helps protect your private information by applying the security settings that guard your PC to the files and content downloaded using Internet Explorer.
3 Avoid potentially unsafe downloads.-Internet Explorer download monitoring and the Internet Explorer Information Bar warn you about potentially harmful downloads and give you the option to block files that could be malicious.
4 Reduce annoying pop-ups - Internet Explorer Pop-Up Blocker makes browsing the Internet more enjoyable by helping you reduce the unwanted ads and content that pop up when you’re browsing the Web.
5 Get firewall protection from startup to shutdown. - The powerful, built-in Windows Firewall is now turned on by default. This helps protect Windows XP against viruses and worms that can spread over the Internet.
6 Take control of your security settings.- The new Windows Security Center allows you to easily view your security status and manage key security settings in one convenient place.
7 Get the latest updates easily - Enhancements to Windows XP’s Automatic Updates feature make it even easier to access Windows updates. Plus, new technology has been added to help dial-up customers download updates more efficiently.
8 Help protect your e-mail address - Improvements to Outlook Express help reduce unwanted e-mail by limiting the possibility of your e-mail address being validated by potential spammers.
9 Take action against crashes caused by browser add-on - The new Add-On Manager in Internet Explorer lets you easily view and control add-ons to reduce the potential for crashes and enjoy a more trouble-free browsing experience.
10 Go wireless without the hassle - SP2 improves wireless support and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks in your home or on the road.
Known Issues
There are two types of known issues, software and hardware. A number of the software problems have already been documented but new ones are certain to show up as more people deploy SP2 at home and across organizations. That is why testing before deployment is critical.  For the most part problems will only occur with specific versions and there updates can often be made. An official list of known application issues can be found HERE

There is another know issue that causes certain systems using Prescott 3.0E processors to freeze up during or after installing Service Pack 2.  First try updating the motherboard BIOS, you may need to change the CPU to a non-Prescott processor first. Second read this article from Microsoft where a critical patch can be downloaded.
The main hardware issues we have seen happen when Windows XP Service Pack 2 is installed on certain model motherboards with Prescott core processors and upon every reboot after that the system locks up at the logo screen. The only want to resolve this is to change the CPU to a non-Prescott or update to the very latest BIOS.
Deployment and Testing
Windows XP SP2 can be installed three different ways. It can be downloaded online through windows updates, it can be downloaded as installation package, or you can order it on a CD from Microsoft. As a system builder or reseller we suggest you download the full SP2 installation package onto your hard drive then burn it on CDR disc. This will make it quicker to test and deploy to new system builds.

The main SP2 download page is here (link opens new window). The size of the complete service pack is about 266MB.  

You can also order the WIN XP SP2 CD from Microsoft (link opens new window).

Once you install it you should thoroughly test all applications, internet and networking connections, hardware and peripherals work correctly. If you do encounter serious application compatibility problems that cannot be resolved then you can uninstall SP2 using the add/remove programs utility in control panel.
New Security Center

After Service Pack 2 is installed you will see the new "Security Center" that warns of potential security risks by not having firewall, automatic updates, or virus protection installed. The settings are self-explanatory.
Additional Technical Resources