Using programs and hardware with Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Hot topics about using programs and hardware with SP2

See if these popular articles can answer your questions. You can also read the most frequently reported issues and solutions to find out how address a problem.

Programs that may behave differently in Windows XP Service Pack 2
SP2 introduces a number of new features that help increase the performance and the security of your system. These changes also affect the operations and functionality of some programs. The programs that are listed in this article may experience issues after you upgrade to SP2.
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.

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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.

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Troubleshooting issues

Having problems with how your programs, games, drivers, and devices work? These Microsoft Knowledge Base articles and support topics can help you troubleshoot issues.

Use the Internet Explorer Information Bar
With SP2 Internet Explorer now displays an Information Bar (just below the address bar) where you can see information about downloads, blocked pop-up windows, potential security risks, and other activities. This information helps you to avoid potentially harmful files you might otherwise accept from the Internet.
"The product key used to install Microsoft Windows may not be valid" error message when installing Windows XP Service Pack 2
This article describes the steps you should take if you receive this error message when you try to install SP2.
"Access is denied" error message when you try to install SP2
This article describes methods to workaround the "Access is denied" error message when you try to install SP2.

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Related Resources

If you didn’t find exactly what you were looking for on this page, try these resources.

Description of the Windows Firewall feature in SP2
This article describes the Windows Firewall feature in SP2. Windows Firewall is the updated software firewall in Windows XP SP2 that replaces the Internet Connection Firewall (ICF) feature.
Description of the Internet Explorer Information Bar
The new Internet Explorer Information Bar is displayed when potentially dangerous actions on a Web page have been blocked. This article describes the different notification messages displayed by the Information Bar.
Description of the Data Execution Protection feature
SP2 uses a new data execution prevention (DEP) feature to prevent the execution of code from data pages. When an attempt is made to run code from a marked data page, an exception immediately occurs and prevents the code from executing. This prevents the attacker from overrunning a data buffer with code and then executing the code.

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