Microsoft Links
Here are some more recent links:
Installing SP2
Hot topics with SP2 Installs
After you've installed SP2
Setup & Configuration Topics
Hardware and software issues
And the most important link here:
How to remove SP2
Fixes list
Release Notes
Deployment tools
Firewall troubleshooting
Peer-2-peer won't work
Support Center
Autorecovery after failed install
Programs stop working
Troubleshoot secure website problems
IE 6 improvements
Data Execution Error
Security Alert Dialog box
Disable Antivirus Alerts
Disable firewall Alerts
Manage Security (with screenshots)
Underatanding the firewall (with screenshots)
Block Pop-ups (with screenshots)
IE Addon control (with screenshots)
Video - Add programs to Firewall exceptions
Video - Using Security Center
Video - Configure IE Pop-up Blocker
Data Execution Prevention in Boot.ini
Hard Disk Requirements
A toolkit to block autoupdate
DIY from MStechnet (also blocks autoupdate)
SP2 Breaks these programs
MS @ Home - Protect Your PC
Install over a network - with SP2 download link
ZD Net links
ZD Net Overview
More Flaws
Autoupdate Delayed
Conflicts
More Secure? Well, maybe
Blog Watch
ZD Net Review
DSLReports Links
Slipstream XP 2
Block Autoupdate of SP2
More Links from DLS Reports
Other Links
Info Week article - Fred Langa
Scot's Newsletter
SANS.Org - Time to patch exceeds time to infect
Internet Security-SANS XPSP2 summary
Network Troubleshooting
Slipstream step by step page 1
Slipstream step by step page 2
On slipping an OEM CD:
NOTE TO ALL: If your Dell CD fails to slipstream it's not because it's a restore CD, it just has some
hotfixes slipstreamed in a funky way and it needs to be cleaned up.
ONLY if you boot from the XP CD will activation be bypassed if you have a royalty OEM's disk, e.g. Dell.
If you slipstream a SP on a royalty OEM's CD such as Dell's, the BIOS checking feature WILL be eliminated.
When you slipstream, the program copies retail copies of certain files and those files do not have instructions on checking the system.
Dell tends to use one cdkey to deploy its XP installation on a whole range of systems. So, more than likely someone else has that cdkey as well. When you reinstall it doesn't matter which key you use - the one on the case or one on the Dell installation. They are both OEM keys.