This Service Pack differs from  the typical Windows’ Updates in several ways:

1)      It is a much larger download- 70 – 200 megabytes depending on how well updated your Operating System was before getting the Service Pack,.

2)      Once downloaded, it takes a while to install SP2--; 25 – 40 minutes depending on the speed of your computer . During installation, it is not possible to do other work on the computer and the process should not be interrupted. You should be prompted by The Windows updater will prompt you to proceed  with the installation of SP2 or to delay.  Plan the installation for a time when you won’t be using your machine.  .

3)      Several noticeable new features have been added to the Windows Operating System. Most importantly, SP2:

a.        Installs the new Windows Firewall functionality automatically

b.      Adds the blocking of popup ads to Internet Explorer.

c.       Monitors Anti-Virus software on your system to keep you informed and updated.

Additional information on the Features added in SP2 are available here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/features.mspx

             WITS  recommends that you  download and install  SP2 as soon as you can, since it offers many security  enhancements to Windows XP.  We have been testing this update on various computers in the campus labs and have had very few problems.

            The following documentation is provided to help you make the most out of using SP2 while ensuring that your computer is still free to utilize the  resources on Willamette University’s network.  If you have any questions or problems, contact the WITS Help Desk. They will be glad to help you with any concerns you may have.

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Before you install.

1)      Be sure you have some time to let the installation run. You will not be able to perform other actions on your computer while this is running. It can take 30 minutes or more to install.

2)      As always, be sure to back up any important documents you have stored on your PC before doing any major changes to your computer. If you haven’t done so in a while, now is a perfect time to back up your files

When you first install.

After  installing SP2 you will need to restart your computer. The first time you reboot after installation will take a little longer than usual.

If you do not have your computer set to gather automatic updates from Windows Update, you will be presented with a screen asking you to enable the automatic updates before you can log-in as you normally do. WITS recommends that you do indeed enable automatic updates at this time

Known Issue: WU Logout (this only affects machines on campus utilizing the WUgina log-in program)

After you log-in to your computer you will be presented by the first evidence of SP2 on your machine.

 You will  see a window that looks like this:

This is the Windows Firewall at work.  WU Logout is an essential part of Willamette University’s log-in scheme. We recommend you check the box labeled “For this program, don’t show this message again” and click OK. This will  permit the Windows Firewall to allow the WU Logout progam to operate properly .

Using the Security Center:

When you get to your normal desktop you may be presented with the new Windows Security Center.

Here you will note that some of the new Windows features are active, namely the Firewall, Automatic Updates, and Virus Protections.

WITS recommends you have each of these features enabled ensure maximum protection of your computer

More information on using the new Security Center can be found here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/internet/sp2_wscintro.mspx

Known Issue:  Symantec Antivirus Corporate edition

If you Symantec Antivirus Program has not been updated to the newest version provided by Willamette, the Security Center will look like this:

This means that Windows cannot communicate with Symantec Antivirus to tell whether it is updated or not. Don’t worry. Your antivirus program is probably still running fine.  WITS is working to upgrade everyone to the newest version as quickly as we can.

Please call the Help Desk if you notice this issue, and they can ensure that your computer is set to be updated as soon as possible.

*note* After being updated to the newest version of SAV your computer may need to be restarted before it will begin working properly.

To check whether your Symantec Anti-virus Program is running properly just take a look in your taskbar (down by the clock) and look for the little yellow shield. Like this:

 

If you do not see that icon, your system may have been recently upgraded to the newest Symantec Anti-virus. Try restarting your computer. Once it has fully restarted, you should see that icon. If you do not, please contact the WITS Help Desk. They can help you determine whether the anti-virus program is properly installed on your computer or if you need assistance getting it installed and/or running.

Internet Explorer Popup Blocking.

            Also included with SP2 is an update to the Internet Explorer browser that adds a popup blocking feature. (This feature does not affect the behavior of the Netscape browser.)  We all know that blocking unwanted popups is good, but there can also be the unwanted side-effect of blocking “desired” popups. Several of Willamette’s services use popups (e.g. Webprint). To ensure that your system allows Willamette’s popups but not those from other websites, you can do this:

1.      Open Internet Explorer

2.      Click on the Tools menu.

3.      Click on Internet Options

4.      When the window comes up click on the tab labeled Privacy.

5.      You should see this:

6.      Click on the Settings button.

7.      This will open a new window where you can add exceptions to the popup blocker. Fill in the window as shown below and click Add.

8.      You should now see this:

9.      Click Close.

10.  Click Ok.

You should now be set to allow Willamette’s services that require popups while blocking from unwanted sites.

For more information about the Internet Explorer Popup blocking you can go here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/web/sp2_popupblocker.mspx

If you have any questions or run into trouble installing SP2 on your Windows XP machine, do not hesitate to call the WITS Help Desk at x6767.

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