Introduction
· Mission Statement
· Overview of Services
· Policies and Agreements
· Search

Features and Bulletins
· Search Our Site
· Service Pack 2 Directions

Service-Specific Information
· Clusters
· Cougars' Den
· General Services
· Information
· Laptop Program
· Network Services

Links Elsewhere
· IMT Home
· APU Home


Support Center Hub > Automatic Update > Service Pack 2

Service Pack 2
For Windows XP Users

Get a jump on the 2006-07 school year! Starting in the fall, Windows XP with Service Pack 2 will be required for all PC users. For most users, we advised against installing Service Pack 2 this school year because of inconsistent results that we observed during testing. However, there's good news: we've assessed the risks and made a pre-installation checklist for optimal results.

Keep it clean.
In other words, is Norton AntiVirus installed and up to date? Are AdAware and/or Microsoft AntiSpyware installed and up to date? SP2 can have catastrophic effects on computers infected with viruses and/or spyware. Ensure that your computer is healthy before starting the installation process. All of the software listed above is included on CDs available at the IMT Support Desk; AdAware and Microsoft AntiSpyware are also available from the downloads section of this site.
Do not interrupt the SP2 installation process.
Read: never, under any circumstances, manually end the installation process or force your computer to turn off (by holding down the power button). If you do, chances are extremely high that Windows will not start up properly—or at all—the next time you turn your computer on. SP2 installation can take over two hours to complete, so you may want to start the installation before leaving for class or going to bed. Be sure to disable standby and hibernation modes. (To do so, go to Start > Control Panel > Power Options > Schemes and/or Advanced.)
The IMT Support Desk is here to help!
We can help by walking you through the Norton AntiVirus and SP2 installation processes. However, if we determine that your operating system needs to be restored or that you have a hardware-related issue, you will need to contact your computer's manufacturer for futher assistance and information.

In addition, please note that Microsoft has identified several programs that experience a loss of functionality after upgrading to Windows XP SP2. To view a list of these programs, please click here.)


Two Ways to Install Service Pack 2
Choose a method below or contact the IMT Support Desk for more details.
  1. Windows Update
    You can choose to download and install Service Pack 2 through the Windows Update website; however, the download is over 250MB, and if it is interrupted, it has to be restarted from the beginning. If you are a laptop user and select this method, ensure that your laptop is plugged in to the AC adapter before initiating the download; installation will cancel if the computer is not connected to constant power, and SP2 will have to be redownloaded.
  2. CD from the IMT Support Desk
    Pick up a free Service Pack 2 CD from the Support Desk. This CD includes SP2 as well as Norton AntiVirus, AdAware, and Microsoft AntiSpyware. This is the method recommended by IMT Student Services.