How to use SP2 features

Not sure why your program or driver isn’t working with SP2? Get step-by-step directions for updating software, changing settings, and more.

• Block Pop-up Windows with Internet Explorer
  Many legitimate advertisers on the Internet use windows that pop up in the middle of your screen to display a message. They might also open when you click a link or button on a Web site, and they might open either over or under the window you wish to view. Some pop-ups are helpful. For example, if you click an image to see a larger version, it might open in a pop-up window. Unfortunately, some pop-up windows can contain inappropriate content or can be a way for you to accidentally download dangerous software (called spyware or adware) onto your computer.
• Control Internet Explorer Add-ons with Add-on Manager Control Internet Explorer Add-ons with Add-on Manager Control Internet Explorer Add-ons with Add-on Manager
  Add-ons are typically fine to use, but sometimes they slow down your computer or force Internet Explorer to shut down unexpectedly. This can happen if the add-on was poorly built or created for an earlier version of Internet Explorer. SP2 you can use the new Internet Explorer Add-on Manager to help make the add-ons that you do want function properly and to easily get rid of the ones you don't want.
• Understanding Windows Firewall: Introduction
  Windows Firewall, previously known as Internet Connection Firewall or ICF, is a protective boundary that monitors and restricts information that travels between your computer and a network or the Internet. This provides a line of defense against someone who might try to access your computer from outside the Windows Firewall without your permission.
• Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One Place: Make Automatic Updates Work for You
  Windows Security Center allows you to easily manage security settings for Automatic Updates. When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer against attacks. High-priority updates include security updates, critical updates, and service packs.
• Understanding Windows Firewall: Using the Exceptions Tab
  If you're running SP2 the Windows Firewall is turned on by default. This means that most programs will not be allowed to accept unsolicited communications from the Internet unless you choose to list those programs as exceptions. Because firewalls restrict communication between your computer and the Internet, you might need to adjust settings for some other programs that prefer an open connection.
• How to Disable Antivirus Alerts
  If you're running SP2, Windows Security Center should tell you the status of your antivirus software and display an alert if it stops working. However, if you use an antivirus program that Windows doesn't recognize, you may want to disable the antivirus Security Center alerts.
• How to Disable Firewall Alerts
  Windows Firewall will automatically be enabled in SP2 and Windows Security Center will tell you the status of the firewall and display an alert if it stops working. If you install and run another firewall, you should turn off Windows Firewall.
• Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One Place: Monitor Your Firewall and Antivirus Software
  If you connect your computer to the Internet, you can be vulnerable to viruses, worms, hackers, and other Internet intruders. To help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats, you need to have a firewall and updated antivirus software running at all times. But you don't want to waste time always checking to make sure those programs are doing their job. With the Windows Security Center, you don't have to.
• Video: How to configure Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker
  This short video walks you through configuring the Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker.
• Video: How to use the Windows Security Center to help protect your computer and keep it updated
  This short video walks you through configuring the new Windows Security Center feature in Windows XP SP2.
• Video: How to manually add programs or services to the Windows Firewall exception list
  This short video walks you through manually adding programs or services to the Windows Firewall exception list so that your programs can communicate successfully over a computer network or the Internet.
• Video: Using Outlook Express to fight SPAM
  Video: How to use new security features in Outlook Express to help block SPAM This short video describes how to configure Outlook Express to help block unwanted junk mail.
• How to enable the Remote Desktop Sharing feature of Microsoft Windows NetMeeting after you install SP2
  In SP2, to run the Remote Desktop Sharing feature of Windows NetMeeting when Windows Firewall is turned on, you have to configure Windows Firewall by following the steps in this article.
• Understanding Windows Firewall: Adjust Your Firewall Settings
  If you're running SP2 the new Windows Firewall is turned on by default. To help protect your computer against viruses or security threats, we recommend that you keep Windows Firewall on. However, you might need to adjust settings for some programs that prefer an open connection.
• How to configure automatic download prompts
  With SP2, a new visual feature called the Information Bar is added to Internet Explorer. You may notice the Information Bar alerts you to files that are blocked from being downloaded when you visit a Web site. This article explains how to configure Internet Explorer to prompt you about downloading the files.
• How to use the Data Execution Prevention dialog box in SP2
  This article describes how to use the Data Execution Prevention dialog box when you receive the "A Windows security feature has detected a problem and closed this program" error message.
• Some programs seem to stop working after you install SP2 Some programs seem to stop working after you install SP2
  After you install SP2, some programs may seem not to work. By default, Windows Firewall is enabled and blocks unsolicited connections to your computer. This article discusses how to make an exception and enable a program to run by adding it to the list of exceptions.
• How to use the Security Alert dialog box when it appears on your screen
  When a program tries to use the resources or the ports on your system that are covered by Windows Firewall, a Security Alert dialog box appears. This article describes how to use the Security Alert dialog box when it appears on your screen.
• Security Help and Support for Home Users
  Microsoft Security Help and Support for the home user is dedicated to help you obtain support for security-related issues such as viruses and security updates.
• How to Perform Basic Internet Explorer troubleshooting in Windows XP SP2
  After you upgrade to Windows XP SP2, some SSL-secured (128-Bit) Web pages and Web sites may not work correctly in Internet Explorer. This article describes methods for troubleshooting these issues.
• How to install and configure Bluetooth devices in SP2 WinXP.jpg WinXP.jpg Programs that may behave differently in Windows XP Service Pack 2
  This article describes how to install and configure Bluetooth devices in SP2.
• How to remove SP2 from your computer
  This article describes several different methods you can use to remove SP2 from your computer.
• How to troubleshoot wireless network connections in SP2
  This article describes methods for troubleshooting wireless network connection problems in SP2.