Time's About Up For Windows XP Service Pack 1
Microsoft Corp. will ship at least six patches later today to fix problems in its Windows operating systems, but those fixes will be the final set of security updates released for XP users who are still running their systems under an outdated patch roll-up known as Service Pack 1.
That's because Microsoft will end support for Service Pack 1 on Oct. 10, a deadline that has long been looming. The current patch roll-up for Windows XP is Service Pack 2, a bundle of updates and security enhancements that Microsoft released in Sept. 2004. Under the company's stated support policy, Microsoft "will provide 12 months of support for the previous service pack," support that "may be extended to 24 months for service packs if Microsoft believes customers will need additional time for testing and deployment." I checked with a Microsoft spokesperson: SP1 users will be able to download patches this month, but next month: no dice.
If you're using XP and have delayed installing SP2 for any reason, these next few days and weeks are a good time to stop procrastinating. Before you install, however, I'd strongly recommend backing up any and all data files, and making doubly sure that your system is free from spyware or adware, as many of the problems people previously reported in upgrading to Service Pack 2 were related to existing spyware infestations. You might also want to consult Microsoft's tips on upgrading.
XP users can download SP2 for free from Microsoft Update or order it on CD from Microsoft for a nominal charge.
By the way, the next Service Pack for Windows XP -- SP3 -- isn't due to be released until sometime in the second half of 2007.
By Brian Krebs |
October 10, 2006; 9:15 AM ET
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Posted by: JohnJ | October 10, 2006 10:08 AM
With my HP computer, I had to go to HP's web site, and install some HP-specific patches/updates before installing SP2.
Posted by: JohnJ | October 10, 2006 10:09 AM
Is there an easy way to tell what service pack I currently have on my computer? Thanks.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 10, 2006 10:14 AM
To see what service pack you have running, go to "Start," open "Control Panel," then "System". The service pack level should be listed in the system summary screen that comes up next.
Posted by: Bk | October 10, 2006 10:18 AM
I don't seem to have a "system" icon in my control panel. Folks in a similar situation can also see what service pack they're running by clicking "Start," then "Run..." and typing WINVER in the box that pops up (then click OK).
The service pack number will appear at the end of a line of text starting with something like "Version 5.1 ..."
Posted by: Kevin | October 10, 2006 11:47 AM
You can also right-click on "My Computer" and select "Properties".
Posted by: tallbear | October 10, 2006 2:02 PM
My home-user customers are being warned about this via a pop-up from the system tray... some of them think it's a bogus warning initiated by spyware. I have assured them that it's for real.
Some customers, who bought their machines from shady system builders, are unable to upgrade to SP2 because their Windows ain't valid. For those customers, I recommend a new entry-level Dell or HP replacement, or I rebuild their (higher-end) machine with a purchased retail license for about $400 delivered.
Without current security patches, it's only a matter of days or weeks before some exploit trashes the machine anyway...
Posted by: Bob Mitchell | October 12, 2006 9:01 PM
I have an eMachines T3092 tower I bought from Best Buy before SP2 came out, so it had SP1 installed. When SP2 was first available, I heard too many horror stories to trust it, so I waited. Now that the bugs are (mostly) fixed, I've tried to install SP2, especially with the warning icon in the system tray every time I start or restart my machine. My installation is through the Windows Update system, and the download of the file goes just fine, as does the beginning of the installation. About halfway through, though, I get an error message of "Access Denied" and SP2 runs an un-install of the installed files. I've verified that I have administrator privileges on this user (it's the only one I have), and before the download even starts, Microsoft confirms that I am running a genuine version of Windows XP Home. Contact with Microsoft resulted in finding out that because eMachines pre-installed Windows, Microsoft doesn't support it. My eMachines warranty ran out some time ago, so a call to them to find out what to do will cost me at least $25. And Best Buy wants $49 to find out what's wrong, plus giving up my tower while it sits in their back room waiting for a tech to get to it, which isn't acceptable: I'm a webmaster and use my system every day for employment. Ideas?
Posted by: izzardfan | October 14, 2006 2:56 AM
P.S. - I run anti-virus and anti-spyware programs religiously.
Posted by: izzardfan | October 14, 2006 2:59 AM
To izzardfan:
Perhaps the standalone versions of SP2 will work?
This version has all of the files on CD and does not require an internet connection during installation. You can still order a Service Pack 2 CD from Microsoft. It will cost you a few bucks ($5-$7 or so). Go to microsoft.com and search using a phrase like "Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD"
Posted by: Ken L | October 15, 2006 10:56 PM
I have E machine and since i have updated to SP2, i cannot use the Stand by mode. I bought it at future shop, still under warranty and they tell me that they hold no responsablity. apparently there is no compability with SP2 and emachine. I am very comfused. i bought the laptop with windows xp in it and all of the sudden it is no longer compatible?, i should not do any more updates ever again??? what the ....? this is great service at Future shop.
Posted by: confused | November 4, 2006 8:02 PM
The comments to this entry are closed.
With my HP computer, I had to go to HP's web site, and install some HP-specific patches/updates before installing SP2.