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Windows XP SP2. Are you ready?

2007 - DeckerWright’s  Windows XP SP2 for New Jersey Businesses

XP Service Pack 2 is more then updates, it is a major Upgrade

Microsoft XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is not your typical Microsoft service pack.  SP2 is a major upgrade with built-in features that can bring your business to a standstill if you aren’t prepared.  XP SP2 was designed to significantly reduce the risk of infection by the newest computer viruses, and it includes updates to the operating system, Internet Explorer (IE), and Outlook Express.  The benefits of XP SP2 are significant, but XP users need to be ready for the changes it brings.

Once it is successfully installed, SP2 has the potential to cause major network problems.  A brief list of things you should know before SP2 arrives on your system includes:

After installation, SP2 automatically turns on the firewall, creating potentially serious networking problems including lost network connections and disabled applications

One network trade publication reported that 3 out of 5 test machines blue screened after the SP2 installation

There is a high likelihood of problems with anti-virus, firewall and tape backup programs that may require downloads with updates from those vendors for SP2.

Unlike Microsoft’s prior service packs, SP2 is being deployed with “Windows Automatic Update” feature.  XP users who are not aware of SP2’s full impact may find that their computers and networks are inoperable after the automatic update initiates a reboot and completes the installation.  An automatic SP2 upgrade may be over 200 MGs. Typical field upgrades have been taking 45 to 60 minutes per computer.

As an indication of how important Microsoft feels this service pack is, they have offered training courses on how to deploy and implement XP SP2.  The technical staff at DeckerWright Corporation has attended these sessions and are ready to help resolve your SP2 problems.  We recommend disabling the “Windows Automatic Upgrade” feature on your computer until you have been able to download and test SP2 on a test machine to determine if your network applications will still function after it is installed.  Microsoft’s web site features several documents that provide information about restoring application functionality if the XP SP2 installation causes them not to operate.  After you have successfully tested the XP SP2 installation and made any necessary adjustments, you can proceed to deploy the service pack on the other machines on your network.

In the event you encounter problems, we are prepared to assist you in resolving the problems and can assist in the streamlining of the SP2 deployment.  Windows XP Service Pack 2, are your ready? 

Call for Windows XP SP2 pricing 732.747.9373.

Looking for Windows XP SP2 for your NJ business?
Contact DeckerWright for Windows XP SP2.

 

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