Windows XP update service pack

from WinCustomize Forums
Just wondering if anyone has updated their XP machines with that huge new "critaical update" on the update page?I ran it,it took 45 minutes to download and complete!!Our friends at TechTV had a show last night about it and there is some very useful info on their website about it.For instance ,the major concern is a hole big enough to drive a semi thru. When you click on a redirected link it first takes you to your help and support page then erases your critical folders.If you are dial-up you might consider doing that now.It is a specific file you must change the name of,or they say delete, although Delete dosen't sound good to me.I think the TechTV dudes put a .old on the end of the file to change it.This is only one of the many,many,many security issues this bodacious patch contains so please look into it XP users.It takes a bunch of disc space as well.It is also recomended to choose the "Archive" click when prompted.

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6,181 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thank you very much for your info brazil
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Also.just one last thing.If you have been keeping your machine updated regular, choose the Express choice,the second of the two.I have lots-o-speed and this thing brought me to me knees!!Freakin' torture.I might try a Mac soon,I'm really sick of this Micro$oft,"should have thought of that before"kinda of approach they seem to be taking.This is a HUGE overstite.One that has many PC owners scratching their heads.

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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Make sure you back up your important files! The first time I ran the update my system locked up and the only thing my computer could do is reboot time after time. Lucky I'm a bit of a freak so I didn't mind looking up every serial number I need to install all of my programs!

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Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
A friend of mine in the IT world, once told me to wait for SP2 or even 3...........to give them time to work the bugs out of SP1. I think I'll take his advice.
Anyway, youre scaring me, I'm on a dialup, this thing could take days.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
ctophermurray- I have a little notebook here on my desk, with the registration info for all my apps written in it..............does that make me a freak too?
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
yes,NO DIALUP!!This thing would take 6 to 8 hours even if your ISP could keep you connected that long,,,NOT!!Be sure to consider the BIG fix on the file name change.The TechTV show this was on is called The Screensavers and should be on yesterdays shows notes.That quick fix could save you a freaky situation sometime soon now the script kiddos and hacker buddies got the low down.It's a simple file search for a specific file, then a change,listed on the TechTV/Screensavers website.If nothing else maybe look into this for protection NOW ifn yer dial-up,,I'm not saying "do it",just give it a look-see.

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Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For what it's worth, I downloaded both the updates using dialup. I started at 5PM and at 2AM went to sleep with 267 hours, 45MB left. From 5PM to about Midnight; Microsoft bumped me a half dozen times but didn't have any trouble reconnecting to resume. So far everything works OK. I don't use the Restore, Microsoft's version of Gateway's Go Back which is really good on paper but in application not so good for the PC.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And don't forget that they check your registration key AFTER you downloaded the 30 MB file... My friend wonder how to bypass that
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Don't install SP1 if your copy of XP isn't legit.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i got em both too even with cable modem it still a long download time spread. So far so good but some programs seem to have started all over again. Plus the new windowblind update works very well after this download also in case some of you are wondering.

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Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can always order the CD from Microsoft if you have a dial-up connection. I believe it's free but you may pay for shipping. I have SP1 installed and there were no problems with installation. I have not noticed any problems since updating (I got the update a few days prior to 9/9 when it was oficially released). Actually, Outlook Express seems to respond more quickly, as does Internet Explorer. I really haven't tinkered "under the hood" yet since I've been busy working. I just think Windows XP Professional is the best operating system that I've ever used.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yes indeed,I too saw the cd version today as I looked for the list of everything on the Update.bmetelsky,,did you use dial-up??If so how long did it take?Just wonderin'.I have not had any trouble either,haven't noticed any speed differances though.Wish I did,

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Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
To Koasati, Yup, you're a freak just like me, but you're much more organized than I am. My serial numbers are every where, cd jewel cases, inside the manuals, slips of paper shoved into the pockets of my cd case holder....

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