Merged: Windows XP SP2 - discuss it here!

[Richard M]

MICROSOFT IS SET to release the new Windows XP service pack (SP2) for all XP users †“ that includes users with pirated copies.

Product manager Barry Goffe told Computer Times that Microsoft "haven't explicitly done anything to SP2 to exclude it from pirated copies". Whereas SP1 had features built in to prevent pirates from downloading it, the SP2 patch can be installed on all XP computers.

One of the main reasons Microsoft is making the SP2 patch open to all users is the increasing risk of trojans and worms being spread online. Not only does this have an effect on the infected computer, but on the rest of the internet as a whole, Microsoft says.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=15812

Good move, at least people running dodgy versions will be able to update and it helps the internet community.
BTW - I bought my copy of XP Pro new, so I'm not being biased here.

[Jon M]

If I was being cynical I'd expect to see a new "phone home" service appear magically along with the service pack that the updated integrated firewall somehow lets through without a peep

[ZrByte]

So when is SP2 available anyway??

[maverick]

What they don't tell you is there's a little bit of code built in to SP2 that can track if you are using a pirated copy or not.

[willie]

Originally Posted by maverick

What they don't tell you is there's a little bit of code built in to SP2 that can track if you are using a pirated copy or not.

Well they do have to protect their investment the simple way to avoid this if you are using a (Ahem) evaluation copy is not to install the service pack.

I did install it in RC form but had to remove it as it messed up my settings somewhat i just hope it is sorted for the final release.

[andygrif]

Originally Posted by maverick

What they don't tell you is there's a little bit of code built in to SP2 that can track if you are using a pirated copy or not.

Really? What would be the point of this, apartb from gauging how many copies are out there - which I suppose is quite useful info for future releases.

Personally I can see the logic on this, as there are so many 'unofficial' installs of XP out there, it would cause a problem if the security was not watertight - this would lead to widerspread infections of worms and trojans etc.

Personally I think the operating system is one area you don't mess with in terms of illegal software. It's vital that you have a valid product, and support where needed.

[Bifta]

Meh, I'm not keen on the RC, it took a good 3 or 4 minutes for my machine to fully boot up, reinstalled XP with SP1 and it's back to it's normal < 1 minute. I also had all sorts of bother with whatever they did to Internet Explorer, i.e. trying to view javascript/flash locally, they've locked it down tighter than a gnats chuff, which is all very well until it starts to lose functionality.

[willie]

That is just some of the symptoms that i suffered with it

[andygrif]

Guess this may be why they have delayed its release.

Does it remove MS Java or leave it there ?

[andygrif]

I don't think it is included, but it's not clear (to me anyway as I haven't installed it) whether it remove existing installs. I thought that MS and Sun had come to some sort of arrangement that would allow MS Java to be distributed for the next few years, albiet with no enhancements.

[Defiant]

Originally Posted by Pem

Does it remove MS Java or leave it there ?

It updates the java if its MS

[ZrByte]

Originally Posted by andygrif

Personally I think the operating system is one area you don't mess with in terms of illegal software. It's vital that you have a valid product, and support where needed.

I used to agree, however I was one of those poor soles you hear about who actually bought Windows ME, wouldnt work on my system without blue screening every 10 mins or so, and the shope I bought it from wouldnt take it back because it had been opened (How else are you ment to know if it will work or not).
since that tragic time I wont even think of buying an OS I havent allready tried out first on my machine, Sadly the only way to do this is with pirated software, or to borrow a mates copy like I did (though that is just as illegal according to the EULA, wich I have read )
I do own legal copies of Windows XP Pro & Home now, XP pro I tried out first and XP home came with my laptop so no purchase needed

[Defiant]

I'd say myself that there wouldn't have been as many pirated copys of Windows Xp about as prevous windows just because of the activation. There just arnt that many people about who know how to get around it. Most go on about cracks but there rubbish because if the computer fails/crash's your goosed because the activation can then click in. There are ways around this without using a crack of course but I wont get into this. Ps I got my OS with the computer from new

[andygrif]

Originally Posted by ZrByte

I used to agree, however I was one of those poor soles you hear about who actually bought Windows ME, wouldnt work on my system without blue screening every 10 mins or so, and the shope I bought it from wouldnt take it back because it had been opened (How else are you ment to know if it will work or not).
since that tragic time I wont even think of buying an OS I havent allready tried out first on my machine, Sadly the only way to do this is with pirated software, or to borrow a mates copy like I did (though that is just as illegal according to the EULA, wich I have read )
I do own legal copies of Windows XP Pro & Home now, XP pro I tried out first and XP home came with my laptop so no purchase needed

Ah OK....well ME was a whole different story....personally I think that OS should ONLY have been available for free

I can see the point, and you sound like one of the good guys who will buy the product if it works for you - which is fine.

It's everyone to their own....I'm a bit of a coward really!!