Installing WinXP SP2 is a risk

Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

I have installed it on 8 systems without a hitch.

--
Murray

"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

Just another post in support of Jason's comment. I had exactly the same
problem

"Jason" wrote:

Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

On the basis of sample of one you are willing to advise all users? And, you
have even done problem determination? Sorry - shame on you.
"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

I wish I had know this about three hours ago. I
experienced exactly the same situation. I get the same
error screen in an endless loop. How did you fix things?

LB

-----Original Message-----
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason
.

You are way off base and either had a frigged up computer to begin with or
don't know what you are doing!

--
Regards:

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard :-)

"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

It is possible that you are seeing the following issue, to confirm please
run the utility mentioned below.

If your machine is using Intel Prescott processors, the BIOS on the machine
may have not supplied an appropriate (production - level) microcode update
for your processor(s). You will need to get a new BIOS for your machine
that supplies at least the minimum production level microcode update as
shown in the table below (contacting your machine vendor if necessary). The
machine should not have been shipped with less that these minimum
(production level) microcode updates provided in the machine's BIOS.



Family 15 (0xF), model 3, stepping 4: Must have a microcode update signature
of at least 8. Latest microcode update signature is E.

Family 15 (0xF), model 3, stepping 3: Must have a microcode update signature
of at least 7. Latest microcode update signature is B.

Family 15 (0xF), model 3, stepping 2: Must have a microcode update signature
of at least 7. Latest microcode update signature is A.



Check your processor details using the utility from Intel:



http://support.intel.com/support/pro...s/frequencyid/



The field reported as "Revision" is the microcode update signature.



After you install a correct BIOS on your machine, the machine will then boot
on up and your install should proceed.



Of course, if you have not already hit this problem, the best advice is to
run the frequencyid utility from Intel before installing XP SP2. If your
processor does not have a revision of at least the minimum shown in the
table above, get a new BIOS for your machine and then run the frequency
utility again and do not install XP SP2 until you have an appropriate BIOS
that installs at least the minimum production level microcode update.


This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

I have installed SP2 on over 30 machines over the last week or more
(including today's autoupdate release) and I have yet to have ANY problems.
I believe that if your hardware and software are both in good shape you
should be fine. I have also spoken to many friends and colleagues who are
in the same boat at as me and saying that this is the most solid SP that
Microsoft has ever released. As long as the systems have been kept up
properly this SP seems to install and run great (except for one processor).




"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

Many users have installed it without a problem!!! You see more complaints
for those who it isnt working for then those of us it works for cause we dont
post.... IT DOES WORK, not a single problem here, every application runs
like it should........



"Greg Lirette [MSFT]" wrote:

It is possible that you are seeing the following issue, to confirm please
run the utility mentioned below.

If your machine is using Intel Prescott processors, the BIOS on the machine
may have not supplied an appropriate (production - level) microcode update
for your processor(s). You will need to get a new BIOS for your machine
that supplies at least the minimum production level microcode update as
shown in the table below (contacting your machine vendor if necessary). The
machine should not have been shipped with less that these minimum
(production level) microcode updates provided in the machine's BIOS.



Family 15 (0xF), model 3, stepping 4: Must have a microcode update signature
of at least 8. Latest microcode update signature is E.

Family 15 (0xF), model 3, stepping 3: Must have a microcode update signature
of at least 7. Latest microcode update signature is B.

Family 15 (0xF), model 3, stepping 2: Must have a microcode update signature
of at least 7. Latest microcode update signature is A.



Check your processor details using the utility from Intel:



http://support.intel.com/support/pro...s/frequencyid/



The field reported as "Revision" is the microcode update signature.



After you install a correct BIOS on your machine, the machine will then boot
on up and your install should proceed.



Of course, if you have not already hit this problem, the best advice is to
run the frequencyid utility from Intel before installing XP SP2. If your
processor does not have a revision of at least the minimum shown in the
table above, get a new BIOS for your machine and then run the frequency
utility again and do not install XP SP2 until you have an appropriate BIOS
that installs at least the minimum production level microcode update.


This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.

"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

I'm happy that your 30 computers have all been updated successfully and happy
for everyone who has had success in installing the SP2, but I think both
Jason and I would appreciate more helpful replies.

I was unsuccessful in my attempt to install the SP2, in fact it seems to
have caused my hard drive to fail. I have kept up to date with all the XP
updates, have updated virus software, don't have any strange or illegal
programs on the machine and the machine was supplied by Dell.

I'm off to check to see if perhapse my machine had the "one bad process",
but even with that one bad processor Microsoft shouldnt have sent the update
through the automatic update system, they should have just informed people it
was available for download and stated the known problems a bit more clearly.


"Johnny Lingo" wrote:

I have installed SP2 on over 30 machines over the last week or more
(including today's autoupdate release) and I have yet to have ANY problems.
I believe that if your hardware and software are both in good shape you
should be fine. I have also spoken to many friends and colleagues who are
in the same boat at as me and saying that this is the most solid SP that
Microsoft has ever released. As long as the systems have been kept up
properly this SP seems to install and run great (except for one processor).




"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

Well easy give information about you pc.. Brand, model #, processer, speed,
amount of ram, hard drive size and so on....

"UserZero" wrote:

I'm happy that your 30 computers have all been updated successfully and happy
for everyone who has had success in installing the SP2, but I think both
Jason and I would appreciate more helpful replies.

I was unsuccessful in my attempt to install the SP2, in fact it seems to
have caused my hard drive to fail. I have kept up to date with all the XP
updates, have updated virus software, don't have any strange or illegal
programs on the machine and the machine was supplied by Dell.

I'm off to check to see if perhapse my machine had the "one bad process",
but even with that one bad processor Microsoft shouldnt have sent the update
through the automatic update system, they should have just informed people it
was available for download and stated the known problems a bit more clearly.


"Johnny Lingo" wrote:

I have installed SP2 on over 30 machines over the last week or more
(including today's autoupdate release) and I have yet to have ANY problems.
I believe that if your hardware and software are both in good shape you
should be fine. I have also spoken to many friends and colleagues who are
in the same boat at as me and saying that this is the most solid SP that
Microsoft has ever released. As long as the systems have been kept up
properly this SP seems to install and run great (except for one processor).




"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

The opening poster seemed to be more advising people to not install rather
than asking for help!


"UserZero" wrote in message
...
I'm happy that your 30 computers have all been updated successfully and
happy
for everyone who has had success in installing the SP2, but I think both
Jason and I would appreciate more helpful replies.

I was unsuccessful in my attempt to install the SP2, in fact it seems to
have caused my hard drive to fail. I have kept up to date with all the XP
updates, have updated virus software, don't have any strange or illegal
programs on the machine and the machine was supplied by Dell.

I'm off to check to see if perhapse my machine had the "one bad process",
but even with that one bad processor Microsoft shouldnt have sent the
update
through the automatic update system, they should have just informed people
it
was available for download and stated the known problems a bit more
clearly.


"Johnny Lingo" wrote:

I have installed SP2 on over 30 machines over the last week or more
(including today's autoupdate release) and I have yet to have ANY
problems.
I believe that if your hardware and software are both in good shape you
should be fine. I have also spoken to many friends and colleagues who
are
in the same boat at as me and saying that this is the most solid SP that
Microsoft has ever released. As long as the systems have been kept up
properly this SP seems to install and run great (except for one
processor).




"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

Dell Dimmension 8300 Pentium IV 256 MB Ram, 40 G HD, nvidia video card


"Huskers" wrote:

Well easy give information about you pc.. Brand, model #, processer, speed,
amount of ram, hard drive size and so on....

"UserZero" wrote:

I'm happy that your 30 computers have all been updated successfully and happy
for everyone who has had success in installing the SP2, but I think both
Jason and I would appreciate more helpful replies.

I was unsuccessful in my attempt to install the SP2, in fact it seems to
have caused my hard drive to fail. I have kept up to date with all the XP
updates, have updated virus software, don't have any strange or illegal
programs on the machine and the machine was supplied by Dell.

I'm off to check to see if perhapse my machine had the "one bad process",
but even with that one bad processor Microsoft shouldnt have sent the update
through the automatic update system, they should have just informed people it
was available for download and stated the known problems a bit more clearly.


"Johnny Lingo" wrote:

I have installed SP2 on over 30 machines over the last week or more
(including today's autoupdate release) and I have yet to have ANY problems.
I believe that if your hardware and software are both in good shape you
should be fine. I have also spoken to many friends and colleagues who are
in the same boat at as me and saying that this is the most solid SP that
Microsoft has ever released. As long as the systems have been kept up
properly this SP seems to install and run great (except for one processor).




"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason

Are you kidding? If there is a risk of this happening to
others, then I think I should let people know in the
hopes that they won't go through what I went through. I'm
glad to hear there are so many success stories, and I'm
sure the success stories out-weigh the disasters by 100-
1, but the fact of the matter is there is still a chance
that your PC will not function after this update. For the
average home user, this is a risk they should be aware
of. As an IT professional I believe I am doing my due
dilegence.
All this being said, based on an earlier post, maybe the
bios update is the answer, but again I refer back to the
avergae home user. If Microsoft is going to put out a
service pack, then everyone should be able to install it
problem-free, otherwise they should advise the general
public.

Jason

-----Original Message-----
On the basis of sample of one you are willing to advise
all users? And, you
have even done problem determination? Sorry - shame on
you.
"Jason" wrote in
message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many
security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth
it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC
no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100%
solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living
so
it's not like this is the first time I work with
Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will
be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason


.

Zero,

Did you apply the latest flashbios update released on 07/19/2004 and many of
the other updates listed?

"UserZero" wrote:

Dell Dimmension 8300 Pentium IV 256 MB Ram, 40 G HD, nvidia video card


"Huskers" wrote:

Well easy give information about you pc.. Brand, model #, processer, speed,
amount of ram, hard drive size and so on....

"UserZero" wrote:

I'm happy that your 30 computers have all been updated successfully and happy
for everyone who has had success in installing the SP2, but I think both
Jason and I would appreciate more helpful replies.

I was unsuccessful in my attempt to install the SP2, in fact it seems to
have caused my hard drive to fail. I have kept up to date with all the XP
updates, have updated virus software, don't have any strange or illegal
programs on the machine and the machine was supplied by Dell.

I'm off to check to see if perhapse my machine had the "one bad process",
but even with that one bad processor Microsoft shouldnt have sent the update
through the automatic update system, they should have just informed people it
was available for download and stated the known problems a bit more clearly.


"Johnny Lingo" wrote:

I have installed SP2 on over 30 machines over the last week or more
(including today's autoupdate release) and I have yet to have ANY problems.
I believe that if your hardware and software are both in good shape you
should be fine. I have also spoken to many friends and colleagues who are
in the same boat at as me and saying that this is the most solid SP that
Microsoft has ever released. As long as the systems have been kept up
properly this SP seems to install and run great (except for one processor).




"Jason" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I want to put out a general warning to users to not
install SP2. Yes, I realize that there are many security
advancements and all that, but the risk is not worth it.
I have just installed SP2 on a clean install and my PC no
longer boots up. Not in Safe-mode, not "last known good
configuration". I am now restarting the installation
again.
I do not know why it doesn't work, and I'm sure for
many users it did work, but I know it is not 100% solid.
The fact that there is a risk should be enough for you
not to do it. I should add that I do this for a living so
it's not like this is the first time I work with Windows.
It is the first time I have installed SP2, and it will be
the last until Microsoft can get it right.
For all users out there who are debating, do not
install it. Keep the regular updates going, but do not
install this as a complete update or you may be stuck
with 4 hours of work and lost data.

If only Microsoft could do things right the first time.

Best of luck to those who attempt it, you'll need it.

Sincerely,
Jason