Windows XP SP2 Ate My Computer

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Well, it didn't actually eat my computer, but it messed up several things.
First, it kept conflicting with Norton Firewall. I turned off the windows firewall like those of you who responded to another post suggested. Then, everytime I turned on my computer I kept getting a message saying the status of my firewall is unknown and my computer may be at risk. Boy, were they right.
I started getting pop-up after pop-up. I also somehow mysteriously obtained several viruses and spy ware programs. Now, I have not gone to many websites aside from here, my bank, credit card sites and a few other sites I trust. I called Norton, and after paying the $60 or so for tech support per call, the guy tells me that SP2 has been causing some major problems with Norton.
I bought and installed an ethernet adapter for my computer. Ethernet card was working fine. But somehow I couldn't connect to the internet. Called my IP tech support. After trouble shooting and being sent to level 4 of tech support, was basically told the same thing, SP2 has been causing major problems as well.
Programs that normally worked fine, don't work. Anytime I try to play a media file, like a .wmv, it all messed up. It worked before SP2.
So, I am reformating my hard drive, reinstalling windows and will not be reinstalling SP2.

 

Well, i have installed SP2 to one comp, it wasn't so bad, but still, i wont do it again...

 

I can't believe noone warned you for Windows sp2, it messes up most of your games as well, they simply won't run anymore. Until Microsoft found a solution for this, everyone should stay clear from it. If you auto update your Windows system, make sure you DON'T install the sp2.

 

Mine seems to work just fine. I mean, I haven't installed any major problems, but both Norton and SP2 are running together nicely on my laptop.

 

Would you believe I actually picked up the SP2 disk from a well known computer store?

Well Tal, care to explain why I have the "Super Tal Search Bar" on internet explorer now? Just kidding.
Sad thing is, you don't even have to go to a certain web page, you can just have an open unprotected internet connection and stuff can get on your computer.
I've checked from several what I call reliable resources, you can't just uninstall SP2, even though the option is there in the control panel. Because SP2 updates so much, uninstalling only causes more problems. Grrrr

 

*huggles Elios*

There, thwere, it will be all right...

 

I've had no problems on my machine since installing SP2. I guess I've been fortunate.

Actually, upon reflection, I did have problems updating my Kodak Easyshare software after installing SP2. I thought that it was caused by something else, but now I'm not so sure...

 

I have to format again just to get rid of this pain in the arse sp2

 

The only problem I had with SP2 was I couldn't get access to FTP sites, but that was easy to fix.

I also use Norton Internet Security. I'm using the 2003 version and it seems to work fine.

 

Or even just for them. The major difference I noticed since installing the damned thing is that MS Word now needs about 2 minutes to load!

 

Ever hear of System Restore? It works wonders when you have kids, brothers, and the elderly messing with your computer...

One question I have, is: were all the games that are supposed to "not work" installed before or after SP2. Has anyone tried installing SP2 right after a re-format and THEN tried to install the games?

 

Always make a restore point before installing any Sp or series of updates from Microsoft. I have found this out the hard way. However, aside from some conflicts with NAV and the annoying way MS covertly updated my MP8 to MP9, I haven't had any problems yet.

 

SP2 should fix several security gaps of XP and indeed it does but has a tremendous security gap itself.

 

SP2 is a real issue. It makes a lot of changes to some low-level drivers and distributed libraries that some programs just absolutely cannot handle. To be honest, I'm not sure all of it is necessary; I honestly think there's some DRM and anti-pirating measures tucked in there, but I don't know that for certain. What I do know is that it is mostly a new operating system because of it. Whether that's good or bad is your own opinion.

If you abosolutely cannot use SP2 (like myself), I'd suggest a dual-boot with Linux. Or a seperate machine, altogether. Personally, my Windows machine isn't even hooked up to the internet; it's almost strictly an offline gamer.