More Than One Deadline In April-SP2 Forced on April 12, 2005
By Trey James, President/CEO of Xcentric (March 24, 2005)

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) set to auto-install on April 12, 2005.  Prepare your network and your users for change.

If your firm uses Windows XP, and Service Pack 2 (SP2) has not been installed, time is of the essence. Just as you wrap up those final returns for your clients, Microsoft will force SP2 to automatically download and install itself on April 12, 2005. Microsoft’s goal with this latest service pack is to introduce very tight security at the desktop-level; specifically in the areas of network protection, memory protection, email handling, web browsing, and PC maintenance downloads.  

Features and Functionality in Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/plan/xpsp2ff.mspx

Be prepared. These enhancements to security create conflicts with some software programs and will ultimately change the way you use certain applications.  For instance, SP2 includes a pop-up blocker that really blocks ALL pop-ups -- the undesirable pop-ups and good ones alike. If you visit web sites, portals, online accounts, etc. that require pop-ups for authentication or system verification, you will be required to add each site to your Trusted Sites profile found within Tools/Internet Options. View the video below to learn how this feature works.

Video: How to configure Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker

http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=http%3a%2f%2fsupport.microsoft.com%2fservicedesks%2fshowmehow%2f072604_2.asx

CPA-specific vendors like CCH, Creative Solutions, Best, Intuit, and the rest worked very hard to provide resolutions to the issues caused by SP2, but some may still exist.

According to a Creative Solutions spokesperson, Windows XP Service Pack 2 is currently supported with all products. If you have encountered an issue with a Creative Solutions application that appears to be caused by this update, you may contact the CSI support line at (800) 968-0600.

Non-CPA specific application vendors have also made great strides in preparing for SP2.

Check out the following link that lists the applications with known conflicts
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/884130

Applications with known issues when SP2 is installed

1. Citrix ICA Clients prior to Version 8.

2. F-Secure Antivirus without “Windows XP Service Pack 2 Support Patch” installed
   Patch: http://support.f-secure.com/enu/corporate/supportissue/general/xpsp2.shtml

3. CCH ProSystemFX Engagement – troubleshooting process is underway.

4. Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition is unable to "push" the client software to workstations while the firewall is enabled.  Symantec support document and resolution: http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/ent-security.nsf/529c2f9adc...

How to prepare correctly :: Test install of Windows XP Service Pack 2 on Several PCs

1. Check your computer for unwanted software.
   You can detect and remove unwanted software from your computer using a variety of tools available from other companies, including Lavasoft Ad-aware, or try out Microsoft's own beta anti-spyware software.
2. Get the latest PC manufacturer updates for SP2.
   As one of the steps to ensuring you have all of the support information you need to install SP2, we recommend that you visit your PC manufacturer's Web site first and search for any information about SP2 that might apply to your computer.
3. Protect your important files.
   We strongly suggest you back up or make a copy of your important and irreplaceable personal information, such as pictures, documents, music, and financial data.
4. Verify application compatibility.
   See the "Applications with known issues when SP2 is installed" section of this document to see known issues.  Note:  this is a list of issues Xcentric Consultants have encountered but is not intended to be comprehensive because of the ever growing list of applications and versions.  The best practice is to verify with each software vendor before installing any updates. 
5. Choose several workstations as a test environment.
   Ideally these workstations would be workstations that get used on a daily basis.  This will ensure a good test environment. 
6. Install SP2 from Microsoft's website in a test environment.
   Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com to download and install SP2.  Note: you will also have the option of ordering an installation CD from Microsoft.  Either of these options are sufficient.
7. Deploy SP2 to remaining workstations.
   We recommend installing SP2 on a limited number of PCs at a time.  This will insure you have enough time between updates to resolve any issues that arise without compromising the entire firm’s productivity at once.
8. Train users on how to use new Security Enhancements in SP2.
   Encourage users to read the articles on Windows SP2.

Recommended reading

Manage Your Computer's Security Settings - 
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wscintro.mspx

Pop-up Blocker
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/web/sp2_popupblocker.mspx

Understanding Windows Firewall
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wfintro.mspx

Additional SP2 How-To's
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/howto/default.mspx

             Additional Resources for additional information on Windows XP SP2

Microsoft: Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Support Center: This site is full of information on how to install SP2 and what to expect.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=windowsxpsp2  

Microsoft: Programs that may behave differently in SP2:
This site has a list of applications with known issues.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130&product=windowsxpsp2  

Microsoft: Some programs seem to stop working after you install SP2:

This site gives you recommendations on how to test applications that no longer appear to work after installing SP2.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242&product=windowsxpsp2

Trey James is the President and CEO of Xcentric, LLC, a technology consulting group that provides “Certified Networks for CPAs”.  With offices in Oklahoma, Alabama, and headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, Xcentric specializes in the accounting industry. You can reach this author or any member of Xcentric by calling 866-XCENTRIC or via email at info@xcentricgroup.com.

We’re online at www.xcentricgroup.com.

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