University of
ConnecticutWindows XP Service Pack 2
- General Information about Windows XP Service Pack 2
- What you need to know about Service Pack 2
- UConn Applications and Service Pack 2
- Summary of Steps Needed to Install SP2
- Links and other resources
General Information about Windows XP Service Pack 2
Microsoft has recently released a security update for all computers running Windows XP. This update is called Service Pack 2 (SP2).
As with most patches for Microsoft Windows, the additional security features included in SP2 make the patch critical to install. University Information Technology Services recommends that you install the Service Pack after reading the information below and preparing your computer's environment. However, although the patch fixes some problems with known security problems with Windows there is a possibility that some programs may have problems running after the patch is applied. For this reason, it is important to make sure your computer is ready for the update before applying it.
Microsoft typically releases Service Packs for their latest Operating System on a yearly basis. Service Pack updates contain updates for system reliability, program compatibility, as well as security. They include all security patches since the inception of the Operating System. Because of this, the time it takes to download and to install service packs is considerably longer than downloading typical security updates. The Service Pack 2 update for Windows XP is one of the largest patches ever released and will take time to download and to install. UITS recommends that you exit all programs as the Service Pack installs. Although this will take some time it should help in avoiding additional probelms
What you need to know about Service Pack 2
The following information can help you understand some of the impacts of applying Service Pack 2 to your computer
Automatic Updates
- Service Pack 2 is available via Windows' Automatic Updates feature. This means that your computer may download and install Service Pack 2 without asking you or without any prompts
- It is recommended that you leave Automatic Updates enabled to ensure your computer is protected with the latest security patches from Microsoft
- To learn how to turn Automatic updates on or off, click this link
- To learn how to leave Automatic Updates enabled but disable Service Pack 2 from installing, click this link
Applications
- Some Applications may not work properly after applying Service Pack 2 to your computer
- University ITS has tested the applications which ship on the HuskyPC, as well as other University Applications. See the tables below for more information
- Microsoft has listed a number of applications known to stop working after SP2 is applied. See the following web page for more details: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242
- If you use a software application which has not been tested by UITS, it is recommended that you call the software vendor to get more information about the impact of SP2 on those applications
- It may be necessary for you to upgrade your software for compatibility with Windows XP Service Pack 2
Security
- Much of the work done on Service Pack 2 is in regards to security
- University ITS recommends that all users of Windows XP apply the patch to ensure that their computer is secure
- Service Pack 2 WILL NOT protect your computer from viruses. As always, it is essential to install Antivirus Software on your computer and update the virus definitions daily
- For more information on Antivirus for UConn, please see click here
- There are some potential Configuration Changes necessary in order for some of your programs to work properly
- It is important to ensure that your computer has the latest version of Symantec Antivirus Installed along with the latest virus definitions (See table below for information on upgrading)
- You should do a full system virus scan before installing SP2 to ensure your computer is virus free
- Spyware and Adware have also been known to cause problems for Windows XP users who upgrade to Service Pack 2
- Your computer should be clean of all spyware and adware before applying SP2 or your computer may not run properly after installing SP2
- To learn more about adware and spyware visit the following links:
UConn Applications and Service Pack 2
University ITS has tested Service Pack 2 with the applications below in an effort to assist in determining if applying the update is appropriate for you. Check back for information on applications with pending results
If you use a software application that is not on the list below you are encouraged to contact the vendor of the application to ensure the application will work after applying the patch.
HuskyPC Software |
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| Application Name | Version | Upgrade Information | Test Results | Comment |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | 6.0.1 |
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| Host Explorer | 10.0 |
ftp://ftp.uconn.edu/restricted/hostexplorer/ | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| Internet Explorer | 6 (SP1) |
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| Macromedia Flash Player | 6 | http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| Microsoft Office | 2003 |
http://software.uconn.edu/mscampusplan.html | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| Quicktime | 6.5 | http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| Roxio EZ CD Creator Basic | 5.3.5.10 |
http://www.roxio.com/en/support/software_updates.jhtml | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| Secure Shell (SSH), Secure FTP | 3.2.5 |
http://www.ssh.com/support/downloads/secureshellwks/non-commercial.html | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| Symantec Antivirus | 10.0 | http://software.uconn.edu/nortav.html | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| FileZilla | 2.2.29 | ftp://ftp.uconn.edu/huskypc/windows/filezilla/ | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
Other UConn Software |
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| Application Name | Version | Upgrade Information | Test Results | Comment |
| Ad Astra |
Compatible | Tested by Vendor | ||
| ADSM/TSM | Pending | |||
| BRIO | Pending | Pop-Up Blocker; Firewall | ||
| Citrix | 8.0 | http://www.citrix.com/site/SS/downloads/downloads.asp?dID=2755 | Pending | Vendor statement Pending |
| HIPPA/PyraMed | Pending | Vendor statement Pending | ||
| ImageNow | Pending | Vendor statement Pending | ||
| Microsoft Exchange (Outlook) | 2003 | http://software.uconn.edu/software/software_detail.php?softid=campusplan | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| Microsoft Outlook Web Access | 2000 | https://exchange.uconn.edu/exchange | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| NetWare Client | 4.90 SP2 | http://download.novell.com/ | Compatible | Tested by Vendor |
| PeopleSoft Peopletools | Pending | Vendor statement Pending | ||
| UConn TAS System | N/A | https://applications2.controller.uconn.edu/payroll/uctas.nsf | Compatible | Tested by University ITS |
| WebCT | http://webct.uconn.edu | Compatible | Pop-Up Blocker | |
| Winja |
Compatible | Tested by Vendor | ||
Summary of Steps Needed to Install SP2
It is recommended that you follow the following steps in order to apply Service Pack 2 to your Windows XP computer
- Back up all data on your computer to a server or to a CD. This includes (but is not limited to) your My Documents folder as well as any folders where you typically save files
- Download and install the latest version of Symantec Antivirus
- Do a full system virus scan and remove all virus files from your computer
- Ensure that your computer is free of Spyware and Adware
- Ensure you have the latest versions of all HuskyPC software
- Contact vendors of additional software products not listed on this page to ensure compatibility with Windows XP SP2. If necessary, install new versions of software for compatibility with SP2
- Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com to download the update
Links and other resources
Informational
- List of Security Updates fixed with Service Pack 2
- All Updates installed with Service Pack 2
- What to Know Before You Download and Install Windows XP Service Pack 2
Vendors
Support
- Microsoft Windows Update
- Windows XP Service Pack 2 Support Center
- How to Protect Your Computer from Spyware and Adware
Spyware/Adware Links
Configuration Changes
There are 2 main configuration changes
Pop-Up Blocker
A new security feature within Service Pack 2 is a Pop-Up Blocker for Internet Explorer. In order to use certain UConn Applications with this new security feature you will have to configure the setting. Follow the steps below to ensure your computer works with these applications
- Open Internet Explorer
- Click on Tools->Pop-up Blocker-> Pop-up Blocker Settings....\
- In the box labeled Address of Web Site to Allow, type *.uconn.edu
(Click on Image for a Larger version)
- Click Close
(Click on Image for a Larger version)
Firewall
After applying SP2 to your computer you may notice that you are asked whether to allow or deny programs access to the internet. The Windows firewall has been modified to allow this functionality
- If you have started a program or web page which needs internet access you should see this prompt
- If you recognize the program name, you should be able to safely allow access for the application
- If you do not recognize the program that the firewall is asking about you may not want to allow it to have access to the internet
- In order to allow the program to have access each time you can choose more options, then click Always Allow
Updated: 08.29.2006:ldg