I just ordered the SP-2 CD, which by the way is free including shipping. Does this mean that all the negative comments or bugs have been worked out? I understand there is a list of programs that need tweaking in order to work with SP-2 installed. Where can I get that list?

Newspaper--Sept.3,2004(A.P.) Microsoft issues warning on Spyware: The basics of the article is to detect and remove Spyware from your computer before installing SP2. ...Spyware could cause computers to freeze up upon installation of the update... ------------------- This article may get bigger as more problems are found with SP2. Release notes for Windows XP Service Pack 2 What to do after installing Service Pack 2 (SP2) MS No charge Support for XP Service Pack 2 Give Mr. Gates a piece of our mind. -------------------- Maybe this also applies to SP2: How To prepare for an SP1 installation (from M$) 1. If you use Faster User Switching, make sure that all other users are logged off from the computer and that only you are logged on to the computer; you must be logged on as an administrator. 2. In the event that the installation fails, you need to ensure that you get the most out of data recovery. On computers running Windows XP Professional, to maximize data retrieval, create an Automated System Recovery (ASR) before you begin installation. For detailed instructions, see "To create an Automated System Recovery set using Backup" or "To recover from a system failure using Automated System Recovery" in Windows XP Help and Support Center.(XP Pro only) 3. Perform a full backup of the files that you keep on your computer. 4. Stop any real-time virus checkers before you install SP1 because they might interfere with your installation. (Be sure to restart the virus checkers after you install SP1.) Check the space requirements for installing SP1 on your computer. See article Q326583, "Hard Disk Space Requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 1," in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. Important Automated System Recovery (ASR) will not restore your data files. For more information, see "Backing up files and folders," "Restoring files and folders," and "To create an Automated System Recovery set using Backup" in the Windows XP Help and Support Center. Caution Before you begin the installation, remember to perform a complete back up of all your files on your computer and close all open programs.

Also you may need this if you have problems How to remove SP2 Print it for future reference.

In addition, to ensure that your PC is free of spywares mentioned by Chuck 2, other trojans and what not, look here SP2 Pre-Installation Recommendations i_XpUser