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Installing WindowsXP SP2

After several months of beta testing, Microsoft has finally released the latest Service Pack for Windows XP - Service Pack 2 (SP2) with Advanced Security Technology. The most notable difference is the new emphasis on security, which some are calling a significant advance for secure computing at the desktop level.

Although SP2 is not perfect, it is one of the most significant service packs ever released and has many improvements over SP1. The new update provides protection against viruses, hackers, and worms and includes Windows Firewall, Pop-up Blocker for Internet Explorer, and the new Windows Security Center.

This week’s Tech Tip deals specifically with the new firewall feature within SP2.

Please Note: For those using RemoteScope on any systems with Windows XP SP2 there is more information later in this article with instructions on how to configure the Windows Firewall to enable RemoteScope to communicate with other computers on your network.

Before Installing Windows XP SP2

Whenever you update your operating system, it is prudent to back up key files and personal data in case unexpected glitches arise. Additionally, it has been reported that if you have spyware on your PC and then update your operating system with SP2, your computer could possibly freeze.

Microsoft is warning users to check and remove any spyware before downloading the SP2 security update. Although SP2 comes with a wide variety of security updates to protect systems from worms and viruses, as well as spyware, it cannot do anything to remedy current spyware already installed on your system.

During installation, SP2 will set up a "restore point" enabling you to roll back your PC to a previously working state if you do run into problems.

Applications Malfunction After SP2 Install

Microsoft has published a list of applications (about 50 of them) known to malfunction in some manner when running on an SP2 machine. Those applications include Web servers, remote desktops, file-sharing applications, FTP clients, multimedia streaming software, and e-mail notifications. A number of systems-management applications and games also require manual modification in order to work properly with SP2, according to Microsoft.

To view the list of applications, click here List of Problem Applications

RemoteScope and SP2

After installing SP2, Windows Firewall is enabled by default and is arguably the most significant aspect of the software. There are problems, however, such as preventing certain programs from running and, surprisingly, even some Microsoft products are blocked.

The XP Firewall also blocks the RemoteScope network connections to your computer and requires some manual manipulation to allow the program to run. If you have disabled the SP2 Windows Firewall, you can skip the instructions below for adding a program to Windows Firewall.

Note: You may consider turning off the Windows XP firewall if you are already protected by a third-party hardware or software firewall.

How to Configure Windows Firewall to Run RemoteScope

Note: This only applies to RemoteScope client nodes.

1. On the Client machine, go to View Network Connections.
2. Select Local Area Connection and right click. Then choose Properties.
3. Go to the Advanced tab.
4. Click the Windows Firewall Settings button.
5. On the Windows Firewall window, click on the Exceptions tab. The Exceptions tab displays common Microsoft Windows components and allows you to add a program or select the ports to open.
6. Click Add Program.
7. In the Add Program window, click Browse. Then go to Program Files > RemoteScope Client folder and select Client.
8. Click Open then OK to close the Add Program window.
9. The Exceptions tab will now display CLIENT in Programs and Services with a check mark.
10. Click OK to close the Windows Firewall window.

Once you have finished the configuration, RemoteScope can now connect to the client nodes.

Additional Information

Microsoft has extended the deadline for the complete delivery of its Windows XP SP2 update to April 2005. Originally, Microsoft planned to automatically install the update to all Windows XP and XP Service Pack 1 systems by mid-December. However, Microsoft has modified their schedule to give businesses more time to prepare.

Microsoft is offering their more cautious customers a tool kit to temporarily disable the delivery of SP2 via Windows Update or Automatic Update, while still allowing critical security updates to be delivered, until businesses have had a chance to validate and test it. The tool kit will be available until April 2005.

For more information and to download the tool kit, click here Download Tool Kit.

If you would like to know more about the Windows XP Service Pack 2 update, please refer to the Microsoft site: http://support.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2.

For additional help with Remote Scope, click here.

Disclaimer - The Micro 2000 Tech Tip is a free service providing information only. While we use reasonable care to see that this information is correct, we do not guarantee it for accuracy, completeness or fitness for a particular purpose. Micro 2000, Inc. shall not be liable for damages of any kind in connection with the use or misuse of this information.