Windows XP Service Pack 2

Windows XP Service Pack 2 is the update package for Windows XP after the release of Service Pack 1 and 1a.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 is designed with Advanced Security Technologies that helps to protect against viruses, hackers, and worms and many many more fixes that were causing great problems in Windows XP. Learn about the benefits of Windows XP SP2 here.

Service Pack 2 Overview

Providing a comprehensive collection of updates, innovations, and advanced security technologies, SP2 offers:

Improved Internet Web browsing and communication with new technologies designed to reduce unwanted content and downloads.

New security tools engineered expressly for Windows XP, so the process of managing security settings and staying up to date is less confusing and time-consuming.

Support for the latest computing experiences—whether you're a gamer, mobile user, or digital media enthusiast.

 

Directly From Microsoft

 

Safer Browsing and Communication
Feature How it helps you

Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker

Makes browsing the Internet more enjoyable by enabling you to reduce unwanted ads and content.

Internet Explorer download monitoring

Warns you about potentially harmful downloads and gives you the option to block files that could be malicious.

Internet Explorer Information Bar

Provides better information about events that are happening as you browse the Web, so it’s easier to know what’s going on and address potential security issues.

Internet Explorer Add-on Manager

Enhances security and reduces the potential for crashes by allowing you to easily manage Internet Explorer add-ons (programs which have been added to the Web browser).

Outlook Express privacy update

Helps reduce unwanted e-mail by limiting the possibility of your e-mail address being validated by potential spammers.

Attachment Manager

Monitors and disables potentially unsafe attachments, which could contain viruses that might spread through Internet Explorer, Outlook Express, and Windows Messenger.

 

Powerful Security Tools
Feature How it helps you

Windows Security Center

Allows you to easily view your security status and manage key security settings in one convenient place.

Windows Firewall update

Automatically turned on by default, this improved firewall helps protect Windows XP from viruses, worms, and other security threats that can spread over the Internet.

Windows Firewall simple compatibility setup

Lets you set up Windows Firewall to co-exist with your favorite Internet applications and home network.

Windows Firewall startup and shutdown support

Extends Windows Firewall protection to Windows startup and shutdown time, ensuring enhanced protection from the moment you turn your PC on to the moment you turn it off.

Automatic Updates enhancements

Helps you automatically stay up-to-date with the latest updates for Windows XP. Also includes new technology to help dial-up customers download updates more efficiently.

 

Improved Experiences
Feature How it helps you

Improved wireless support

Dramatically improves and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks.

Bluetooth technologies

Enables you to easily connect to the latest Bluetooth-enabled hardware devices such as keyboards, cell phones, and PDAs.

Windows Media Player 9 Series

Makes it easy to enjoy music, video, and broadband content with enhanced security.

DirectX update

Helps you enjoy advanced graphics and gaming with the latest DirectX technology from Microsoft.

 

Thus do not hesitate to get Service Pack 2 if you have Windows XP installed with no service Pack.

List of Fixes included in Service Pack 2

List of General Fixes

If you are still in the dark or want a simpler overview you may go here to know the

Top 10 Reasons to install Service Pack 2

 

List of Setup Fixes
List of Internet Explorer Fixes
List of Remote Desktop Fixes
List of Com+ fixes
List of the program compatibility problems and the update scenarios
List of Outlook Express Fixes
List of Shell Fixes
Release Notes for Windows XP

How to Obtain Service Pack 2

Now, where to download Service Pack 2?

Service Pack 2 will be available by

Windows Update or

Here for offline update