Windows XP Service Pack 2

In the later half of 2004 Microsoft issued a major update to Windows XP known as Service Pack 2 - or SP2.  If you haven't installed this service pack we highly recommend you do so!  Take a look at Microsoft's own top ten reason for installing this free update.  From there you will also find a download link to install it.  You should be aware that the download is huge over 60 MB (hours of download time over a dial-up connection), however Microsoft also offers the ability to order a CD.  They don't charge for the CD and in many countries don't charge for postage either.  So, what are you waiting for?... I should mention that although I personally don't know anyone that has had a specific problem with SP2, it is always worth backing up your system before you install any major update.  Of course we recommend you make a habit of backing up your own critical data regularly.

When you've installed SP2 you will have an updated basic firewall, an internet pop-up blocker in Internet Explorer, download protection to stop files being downloaded to your computer without your say-so, the wireless network connection wizard and several other features, including update many invisible changes to Windows XP and Internet Explorer to make them more resilient to attach.

Other Ways to Get Windows XP SP2

If you have Automatic Updates turned on, then its quite possible you have already downloaded it - especially if you are using a broadband connection.

SP2 CD's were also 'cover mounted' on lots of different computer magazines.  If you subscribe or regularly buy computer mags, you may already have disk.  If you don't subscribe, perhaps you have friends or colleagues that do.  Because this is an update to your existing product, its fine to borrow someone else's CD to do the update.

How Can I Tell If I Already Have SP2?

Take a look at your computer properties by right-mouse clicking 'My Computer' from the Start menu. 

In the General tab, the default one when the properties window opens, it will tell you the version of Windows you are running.  If it doesn't say 'Service Pack 2' under the 'System' heading, then you're not running SP2.