Windows XP Service Pack 2

If you have a Prescott CPU, STOP and check with the manufacturer before continuing. Installation of Windows XP SP-2 may not be possible at this time. Also see Your computer stops responding when you restart to complete the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2
Here is the patch:
Critical Update for Windows XP (KB885626)
Windows XP Service Pack 2 is not available to install from Windows Update and is not offered by Automatic Updates

Reduce the possibility of Windows XP Service Pack installation issues by using the Service Pack Installation Checklist

*******************************************
This is the preferred way to get Windows XP Service Pack 2
Starting 16 August 16 2004, Windows XP computers set to Automatically Update (AU) will start receiving Service Pack 2. Not all computers, just a limited number a day. This will continue until all Windows XP computers set to AU have SP-2 installed.
To set for AU:
Right click My Computer, click Properties
Click Automatic Update tab.
Check "Automatic (recommended)"
Click OK and follow prompts.
If you pay for bandwidth or you are limited on internet time, you may be better off using one of the options listed in Step 1 below. Otherwise AU may be the best and easiest way to get SP-2 installed.
If SP-2 is needed immediately or if you anticipate or experience any problems, follow the steps listed below.
*******************************************

PLEASE NOTE- IMPORTANT!!

	The pre-release versions of Windows XP SP2 and Windows Update were for testing purposes only!
	Please do not depend on the pre-release versions of Windows Update to keep your computer secure and up to date. If you are not a Windows XP SP2 Beta program participant, you can keep your computer secure and up to date by visiting the http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com site. If you are part of the Windows XP SP2 Beta program, please take extra care regarding computer security as you may NOT be able to go back to the Windows Update V4 site.
	Installing any Beta or Release Candidates is unsupported and strictly AT YOUR OWN RISK, do not install unless you know exactly what you are doing.
	All licenses to use the pre-release versions of Windows XP Service Pack 2 expired on the public release fo the final version of SP-2
	Any users of a pre-release build of SP-2 should make immediate plans to install the final release version of SP-2
	If you slipstreamed one of the pre-release versions, you may not be able to install the final version. If that is the case, you may need to perform a Clean Installation of Windows XP.

*******************************************
Invalid Product Key
If you get this message while installing or updating to Service Pack 2 any build or installing any update, verify validity of your Product ID.
For confirmation follow the instructions on the How to tell site:
How to Tell
If you suspect your version is not legitimate, contact Microsoft:
Reporting Microsoft Piracy

*******************************************

Known issues caused by Windows XP Service Pack 2

"Copy Error: Setup cannot copy the file Atapi.sys" error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1

How Windows XP Service Pack 2 Affects Gaming

Games and Windows Firewall

Programs that connect to IP addresses that are in the loopback address range may not work as you expect in Windows XP Service Pack 2

Update for Microsoft CRM 1.2 to Operate on Windows XP SP2

Web server functionality may not work correctly after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2

Pictures do not appear as expected, or you receive an error message when you open an HTML file on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer

Programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality when they run on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer

Some programs seem to stop working after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2

You receive a "Windows XP Setup is incompatible with this version of Windows" error message when you install Windows XP Service Pack 2 on a Hewlett-Packard computer

Your computer repeatedly restarts after you install Windows XP Service Pack 2

Q. I just installed Windows XP Service Pack 2, Now every time I open a new internet window, it tries to install Microsoft Money (or others). How do I stop this?
A. Use the Description of the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility

You receive a "Control ID not found" error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005

Your Windows XP-based computer stops responding if you install or upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 2

*******************************************

FAQ

1. How do I change the way Security Center alerts me?
Go to Security Center in Control Panel.
Click "Change the way Security Center alerts me" on the left side.
Check as desired.
WARNING: If you uncheck something, you may not get any warnings if there is a problem with that feature.

2. Why does my EULA state the license is valid for 180 days?
When The RTM (Final Release) version is installed over a pre-release version the EULA text is not always changed.
A few have experimented by setting the date more than 6 months ahead with no effects.
There appears to be nothing other than the 180 day reference so this is really a non issue.
Those installing SP-2 without a pre-release version installed may not have this issue.
Those uninstalling the pre-release version before installing SP-2 may not have this issue.

3. Do I need to install Service Pack 1 or any other updates before installing Service Pack 2?
No, Service Pack 2 is cumulative and includes all prior Critical Updates.
There is also no need to uninstall any previous updates.

4. Do I need to uninstall RC-1, RC-2 or any other Beta of Service Pack 2 before I install the final version?
Microsoft has stated SP-2 will install OK without uninstalling RC-1 or RC-2.
Microsoft does not support installing the final version with any other pre-release versions installed and suggests you uninstall other versions.
I suggest uninstalling RC-1, RC-2 and any other pre-release version to help make sure all Beta code is off the computer.
FAQ #2 (Why does my EULA state the license is valid for 180 days?) may result from remaining Beta code.

5. During boot my computer used to say "Microsoft Windows XP Professional" or "Microsoft Windows XP Home" and after installing Service Pack 2 it simply says "Microsoft Windows XP" What is the problem?
Nothing, all is well. Microsoft made that subtle change for reasons only they may know.

6. What is the schedule for releasing Windows XP Service Pack 2?
See Above "Approximate Release schedule for Windows XP Service Pack 2, Subject to change"

7. I get notified by Automatic Update that SP-2 is ready, I pressed the button and it seems like nothing is going to happen and I have already waited many hours.

This is normal. It is part of the process used in deploying SP-2 in an effort to keep from overwhelming the servers, both Microsoft servers and other servers, in the chain providing internet service to your computer.
Copied from Microsoft sends security update to home PCs: "Microsoft plans to cap the number of home PCs updated each day so that demand for the update does not overwhelm servers".

The other two options ("Automatic" & "Download updates") will not see this because SP-2 will be downloaded automatically and you will only be prompted to install SP-2 and to accept the EULA.

Think of it like this.
How many Windows XP computers are set to Automatic Update and do not have SP-2?
What would happen if they all attempted to get SP-2 at the same time?
No business including Microsoft could take that short term surge.
The entire internet would have major problems and be unable to deliver that much data at one time.

*******************************************

Visiting a Service Center to Get Service Pack 2 Installed (usually FREE)

Application Compatibility Testing and Mitigation Guide for Windows XP Service Pack 2

Windows XP Service Pack 2

Temporarily Disabling Delivery of Windows XP Service Pack 2 Through Windows Update and Automatic Updates

Service Pack Installation Checklist

Using programs and hardware with Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Learn About Windows XP Service Pack 2

Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2

What's New on Windows Update

Order Windows XP Service Pack 2 on CD

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Support Center