John Barnett Computer Journalist
XP Help and Support

Service Pack 2 (SP2) is Microsoft Windows XP's latest update. The package itself is quite weighty consisting roughly of around 272MB. As well as containing major updates it also includes a new security center which also includes a more usable firewall. Once again the firewall only scans incoming data so if anything is trying to access the web from your own machine the firewall will allow it through. To obtain the full update, rather than relying upon auto update click on the following link.

Windows Service Pack 2 Update Link

Windows XP Service Pack 2 CD Order Link

 If you don't want to download the update and simply want to order the CD please use the following link:

PLEASE NOTE

If you are re-installing Windows XP there is no need to install Service Pack 1 or 1(a) Service Pack 2 contains ALL of these updates. Simply reinstall Windows XP followed by Service Pack 2.

This download site is for IT Professionals and Developers and you are advised not to download this software if you are only updating one computer. This can be ignored because the software will not only update one pc but also multiple pc's.

1/ Just click Download

2/ When the download dialog box appears click Save to save SP2 to your hard drive

3/ Once saved to your hard drive Click on the icon to begin installing

4/ A read me document may first appear. If this happens go through the document and you will find a link to click to install the software

5/ After installation you will notice that when you reboot the splash screen says Windows XP. With this latest update the words Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional have been removed from the splash screen. It now simply says Windows XP. This isn't a fault it is by design.