XP SP2 worked great.

Hello all,

Too often only the complaints make it to the group and the celebrations of
success are too far removed for the waffling masses to use in their
decisions.

Three computers - 1 Dell, 2 HPs

One was an ME Computer upgraded to XP without benefit of a reformat. (I like
to live dangerously)
One was an XP Factory Load from the OEM(With all the gunk associated with
that)
One built from the ground up two months ago with XP from the start.

Downloaded the XP SP2 from CNet. Burned to CD. Converted the OEM load and
watched it closely for three days. Satisfied I converted the other two on
Saturday. Verdict. Two Flawless upgrades and one had to do an automatic
repair of MSN Messenger on its own with no prompting.

No flakey program performance, no problems accessing the net or the 6
computers on the network. The only thing I notice is the boot time on the
two machine on which I didn't build from the ground up is 30 seconds longer.
The third machine exhibits no issues. As I reboot every couple of days or
so. It is not an issue.

Take heart yee of little faith. The upgrade can work.

Good luck.

CW

You are fortunate. Dell has an SP2 WARNING at the Dell site, asking people with systems
that have a specific display adapter NOT to install SP2 at this time. The present drivers
for that display adapter are not compatible with SP2, and new SP2 compatible drivers are
not available yet. Dell advised to check for the updated drivers in the future. Again,
I'm happy for you that your Dell system didn't have problems after upgrading to SP2. That
should NOT however give the green light to upgrade all Dell Windows XP systems to SP2.
Other Dell owners should go to the Dell Support web site, and do a search for SP2, and
find whether or not they have the display adapter with drivers that are incompatible with
SP2. I'm sorry that I didn't save the name and model number of the display adapter. My
only concern at that time was that none of my clients who had it, would do the SP2
upgrade, until the new drivers were available for download, and that they had upgraded
those drivers before attempting the SP2 upgrade.
--

T.C.

Remove [NoSpam] to reply


"The Celtic Warrior" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

Too often only the complaints make it to the group and the celebrations of
success are too far removed for the waffling masses to use in their
decisions.

Three computers - 1 Dell, 2 HPs

One was an ME Computer upgraded to XP without benefit of a reformat. (I like
to live dangerously)
One was an XP Factory Load from the OEM(With all the gunk associated with
that)
One built from the ground up two months ago with XP from the start.

Downloaded the XP SP2 from CNet. Burned to CD. Converted the OEM load and
watched it closely for three days. Satisfied I converted the other two on
Saturday. Verdict. Two Flawless upgrades and one had to do an automatic
repair of MSN Messenger on its own with no prompting.

No flakey program performance, no problems accessing the net or the 6
computers on the network. The only thing I notice is the boot time on the
two machine on which I didn't build from the ground up is 30 seconds longer.
The third machine exhibits no issues. As I reboot every couple of days or
so. It is not an issue.

Take heart yee of little faith. The upgrade can work.

Good luck.

CW




---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/19/2004

There is NO easy to find warning about using SP2 at the Dell site.

"t.cruise" wrote in message
...
You are fortunate. Dell has an SP2 WARNING at the Dell site, asking
people with systems
that have a specific display adapter NOT to install SP2 at this time. The
present drivers
for that display adapter are not compatible with SP2, and new SP2
compatible drivers are
not available yet. Dell advised to check for the updated drivers in the
future. Again,
I'm happy for you that your Dell system didn't have problems after
upgrading to SP2. That
should NOT however give the green light to upgrade all Dell Windows XP
systems to SP2.
Other Dell owners should go to the Dell Support web site, and do a search
for SP2, and
find whether or not they have the display adapter with drivers that are
incompatible with
SP2. I'm sorry that I didn't save the name and model number of the
display adapter. My
only concern at that time was that none of my clients who had it, would do
the SP2
upgrade, until the new drivers were available for download, and that they
had upgraded
those drivers before attempting the SP2 upgrade.
--

T.C.

Remove [NoSpam] to reply


"The Celtic Warrior" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

Too often only the complaints make it to the group and the celebrations
of
success are too far removed for the waffling masses to use in their
decisions.

Three computers - 1 Dell, 2 HPs

One was an ME Computer upgraded to XP without benefit of a reformat. (I
like
to live dangerously)
One was an XP Factory Load from the OEM(With all the gunk associated
with
that)
One built from the ground up two months ago with XP from the start.

Downloaded the XP SP2 from CNet. Burned to CD. Converted the OEM load
and
watched it closely for three days. Satisfied I converted the other two
on
Saturday. Verdict. Two Flawless upgrades and one had to do an automatic
repair of MSN Messenger on its own with no prompting.

No flakey program performance, no problems accessing the net or the 6
computers on the network. The only thing I notice is the boot time on
the
two machine on which I didn't build from the ground up is 30 seconds
longer.
The third machine exhibits no issues. As I reboot every couple of days
or
so. It is not an issue.

Take heart yee of little faith. The upgrade can work.

Good luck.

CW




---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/19/2004

I did a search at Dell Support and found it right away:

What to Do Before You Download Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)

You will need to follow some easy steps to prepare your Dell computer before you download
and install Windows XP Service Pack 2.

NOTE: If you have an Inspiron™ 9100 or XPS with the ATI Mobility® Radeon™ 9800 video
card you should not install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) at this time. Currently the
video driver loses functionality when Service Pack 2 is installed. Dell is working to
provide an updated video driver as quickly as possible. You can sign up with the Dell File
Watch program to be notified via e-mail when the updated driver is available.
--

T.C.

Remove [NoSpam] to reply





"root" wrote in message
...
There is NO easy to find warning about using SP2 at the Dell site.

"t.cruise" wrote in message
...
You are fortunate. Dell has an SP2 WARNING at the Dell site, asking
people with systems
that have a specific display adapter NOT to install SP2 at this time. The
present drivers
for that display adapter are not compatible with SP2, and new SP2
compatible drivers are
not available yet. Dell advised to check for the updated drivers in the
future. Again,
I'm happy for you that your Dell system didn't have problems after
upgrading to SP2. That
should NOT however give the green light to upgrade all Dell Windows XP
systems to SP2.
Other Dell owners should go to the Dell Support web site, and do a search
for SP2, and
find whether or not they have the display adapter with drivers that are
incompatible with
SP2. I'm sorry that I didn't save the name and model number of the
display adapter. My
only concern at that time was that none of my clients who had it, would do
the SP2
upgrade, until the new drivers were available for download, and that they
had upgraded
those drivers before attempting the SP2 upgrade.
--

T.C.

Remove [NoSpam] to reply


"The Celtic Warrior" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

Too often only the complaints make it to the group and the celebrations
of
success are too far removed for the waffling masses to use in their
decisions.

Three computers - 1 Dell, 2 HPs

One was an ME Computer upgraded to XP without benefit of a reformat. (I
like
to live dangerously)
One was an XP Factory Load from the OEM(With all the gunk associated
with
that)
One built from the ground up two months ago with XP from the start.

Downloaded the XP SP2 from CNet. Burned to CD. Converted the OEM load
and
watched it closely for three days. Satisfied I converted the other two
on
Saturday. Verdict. Two Flawless upgrades and one had to do an automatic
repair of MSN Messenger on its own with no prompting.

No flakey program performance, no problems accessing the net or the 6
computers on the network. The only thing I notice is the boot time on
the
two machine on which I didn't build from the ground up is 30 seconds
longer.
The third machine exhibits no issues. As I reboot every couple of days
or
so. It is not an issue.

Take heart yee of little faith. The upgrade can work.

Good luck.

CW




---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/19/2004






---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/19/2004

Sorry, I didn't realize that there were other recommendations for preparing Dell systems before installing SP2. (I know that HTML posts are usually flamed in non-binary news groups, but the list has links that many Dell users might need. So please don't flame me for the HTML format) Here's the rest of the list:

What to Do Before You Download Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)

You will need to follow some easy steps to prepare your Dell computer before you download and install Windows XP Service Pack 2.

NOTE: If you have an Inspiron™ 9100 or XPS with the ATI Mobility® Radeon™ 9800 video card you should not install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) at this time. Currently the video driver loses functionality when Service Pack 2 is installed. Dell is working to provide an updated video driver as quickly as possible. You can sign up with the Dell File Watch program to be notified via e-mail when the updated driver is available.


1.. Update your anti-virus software.
Use the automatic update feature or visit the update web site for your anti-virus software manufacturer to ensure you have the most up to date software engine available.

2.. Update your firewall software.
Use the automatic update feature or visit the update web site for your firewall software manufacturer to ensure you have the most up to date software engine available.

NOTE: If you are using Dell SecurityCenter by McAfee® visit the following web site for important update information:
McAfee Update Information
If you are using Symantec™ Norton Internet Security™ visit the following web site for important update information:
Symantec - Windows® XP Service Pack 2 information center


3.. If your Dell computer has an internal Bluetooth card, you will need to download and install an updated driver from the Dell File Library.

Network: Dell TrueMobile 300 Bluetooth Internal card driver

For information from Microsoft regarding what you should do before you install Windows XP Service Pack 2, refer to the following Microsoft link:

What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
Return to Overview
--

T.C.

Remove [NoSpam] to reply



"root" wrote in message ...
There is NO easy to find warning about using SP2 at the Dell site.

"t.cruise" wrote in message
...
You are fortunate. Dell has an SP2 WARNING at the Dell site, asking
people with systems
that have a specific display adapter NOT to install SP2 at this time. The
present drivers
for that display adapter are not compatible with SP2, and new SP2
compatible drivers are
not available yet. Dell advised to check for the updated drivers in the
future. Again,
I'm happy for you that your Dell system didn't have problems after
upgrading to SP2. That
should NOT however give the green light to upgrade all Dell Windows XP
systems to SP2.
Other Dell owners should go to the Dell Support web site, and do a search
for SP2, and
find whether or not they have the display adapter with drivers that are
incompatible with
SP2. I'm sorry that I didn't save the name and model number of the
display adapter. My
only concern at that time was that none of my clients who had it, would do
the SP2
upgrade, until the new drivers were available for download, and that they
had upgraded
those drivers before attempting the SP2 upgrade.
--

T.C.

Remove [NoSpam] to reply


"The Celtic Warrior" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

Too often only the complaints make it to the group and the celebrations
of
success are too far removed for the waffling masses to use in their
decisions.

Three computers - 1 Dell, 2 HPs

One was an ME Computer upgraded to XP without benefit of a reformat. (I
like
to live dangerously)
One was an XP Factory Load from the OEM(With all the gunk associated
with
that)
One built from the ground up two months ago with XP from the start.

Downloaded the XP SP2 from CNet. Burned to CD. Converted the OEM load
and
watched it closely for three days. Satisfied I converted the other two
on
Saturday. Verdict. Two Flawless upgrades and one had to do an automatic
repair of MSN Messenger on its own with no prompting.

No flakey program performance, no problems accessing the net or the 6
computers on the network. The only thing I notice is the boot time on
the
two machine on which I didn't build from the ground up is 30 seconds
longer.
The third machine exhibits no issues. As I reboot every couple of days
or
so. It is not an issue.

Take heart yee of little faith. The upgrade can work.

Good luck.

CW




---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/19/2004






---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/19/2004

I got that warning several days ago (before my upgrade to SP2) via Dell's support alerts. Since it only applied the the Inspiron 9100 and XPS with a specific graphics card (I have an Inspiron 8600 with a different ATI card) I upgraded my Dell desktop and Inspiron laptop along with a second home built desktop without a problem. I think Dell was right up front with the potential problems. If you do your homework and update programs before installing SP2 is an excellent and very easily installed update.

--
Lew
"t.cruise" wrote in message ...
Sorry, I didn't realize that there were other recommendations for preparing Dell systems before installing SP2. (I know that HTML posts are usually flamed in non-binary news groups, but the list has links that many Dell users might need. So please don't flame me for the HTML format) Here's the rest of the list:

What to Do Before You Download Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)

You will need to follow some easy steps to prepare your Dell computer before you download and install Windows XP Service Pack 2.

NOTE: If you have an Inspiron™ 9100 or XPS with the ATI Mobility® Radeon™ 9800 video card you should not install Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) at this time. Currently the video driver loses functionality when Service Pack 2 is installed. Dell is working to provide an updated video driver as quickly as possible. You can sign up with the Dell File Watch program to be notified via e-mail when the updated driver is available.


1.. Update your anti-virus software.
Use the automatic update feature or visit the update web site for your anti-virus software manufacturer to ensure you have the most up to date software engine available.

2.. Update your firewall software.
Use the automatic update feature or visit the update web site for your firewall software manufacturer to ensure you have the most up to date software engine available.

NOTE: If you are using Dell SecurityCenter by McAfee® visit the following web site for important update information:
McAfee Update Information
If you are using Symantec™ Norton Internet Security™ visit the following web site for important update information:
Symantec - Windows® XP Service Pack 2 information center


3.. If your Dell computer has an internal Bluetooth card, you will need to download and install an updated driver from the Dell File Library.

Network: Dell TrueMobile 300 Bluetooth Internal card driver

For information from Microsoft regarding what you should do before you install Windows XP Service Pack 2, refer to the following Microsoft link:

What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
Return to Overview
--

T.C.

Remove [NoSpam] to reply



"root" wrote in message ...
There is NO easy to find warning about using SP2 at the Dell site.

"t.cruise" wrote in message
...
You are fortunate. Dell has an SP2 WARNING at the Dell site, asking
people with systems
that have a specific display adapter NOT to install SP2 at this time. The
present drivers
for that display adapter are not compatible with SP2, and new SP2
compatible drivers are
not available yet. Dell advised to check for the updated drivers in the
future. Again,
I'm happy for you that your Dell system didn't have problems after
upgrading to SP2. That
should NOT however give the green light to upgrade all Dell Windows XP
systems to SP2.
Other Dell owners should go to the Dell Support web site, and do a search
for SP2, and
find whether or not they have the display adapter with drivers that are
incompatible with
SP2. I'm sorry that I didn't save the name and model number of the
display adapter. My
only concern at that time was that none of my clients who had it, would do
the SP2
upgrade, until the new drivers were available for download, and that they
had upgraded
those drivers before attempting the SP2 upgrade.
--

T.C.

Remove [NoSpam] to reply


"The Celtic Warrior" wrote in message
...
Hello all,

Too often only the complaints make it to the group and the celebrations
of
success are too far removed for the waffling masses to use in their
decisions.

Three computers - 1 Dell, 2 HPs

One was an ME Computer upgraded to XP without benefit of a reformat. (I
like
to live dangerously)
One was an XP Factory Load from the OEM(With all the gunk associated
with
that)
One built from the ground up two months ago with XP from the start.

Downloaded the XP SP2 from CNet. Burned to CD. Converted the OEM load
and
watched it closely for three days. Satisfied I converted the other two
on
Saturday. Verdict. Two Flawless upgrades and one had to do an automatic
repair of MSN Messenger on its own with no prompting.

No flakey program performance, no problems accessing the net or the 6
computers on the network. The only thing I notice is the boot time on
the
two machine on which I didn't build from the ground up is 30 seconds
longer.
The third machine exhibits no issues. As I reboot every couple of days
or
so. It is not an issue.

Take heart yee of little faith. The upgrade can work.

Good luck.

CW




---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/19/2004






---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 8/19/2004