SP2 Update

[kitagal55]

I just would like some advice on whether to keep sp2 update or uninstall it..I have only a 10 gig HD and when I installed the sp2 update it sure took up a lot of my space..What I want to know is, is it necessary to have sp2..I have a firewall (ZoneAlarm) I have a Popup Blocker (Yahoo! Companion with AntiSpy) and I have a good antivirus (Rogers Yahoo! Online Protection).Please can someone tell me why I really need sp2 update???Any advice appreciated!! :rrg:

[Bluvertigo]

Learn About Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/preinstall.mspx

[Exmortis]

You can always remove the backup done by SP2 when installed. Will free up lots of space. However, you'll have to set Windows Explorer to show hidden system files under Tools -> Folder Options.

[Bluvertigo]

Consider slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2

Slipstreamed Windows XP CD Using SP2
http://www.theeldergeek.com/slipstreamed_xpsp2_cd.htm

[kitagal55]

How do I go about getting rid of the backups in sp2??

[Bluvertigo]

You can always remove the backup done by SP2 when installed. Will free up lots of space. However, you'll have to set Windows Explorer to show hidden system files under Tools -> Folder Options.

How to Remove SP2 Backup files?
You can safely delete the C:\Windows\$NtServicePackUninstall$ folder.

[kitagal55]

There was another question I have about the reliabilty of sp2 firewall..I just wondered if I could use the sp2 firewall alone..I mean is it as trustworthy as ZoneAlarm etc:

[Fezzik]

There was another question I have about the reliabilty of sp2 firewall..I just wondered if I could use the sp2 firewall alone..I mean is it as trustworthy as ZoneAlarm etc:
The Windows firewall is fine for monitoring incoming traffic but it will not check for outgoing traffic.

Zonealarm will warn you when a program tries to access the Internet but the Windows firewall will not.

You might want to invest in a router, that way you can dump all software firewalls safely.

Fezz