Step 3 - Windows Update

SP2 Installation Advisory - Home PageKB811113 lists all the fixes included in SP2. Before installing SP2 make sure all of your Data is backed up and you have consulted with your PC manufacturer for any potential problems. Viruses and Spyware can cause the SP2 installation to fail, make sure you have run through steps 1 and 2 completely before proceeding. The changes included in SP2 can cause Windows XP and your Applications to stop working, crash or behave differently - KB884130. If the SP2 installation fails you can use these instructions to restore your system: How to recover your computer if the Windows XP Service Pack 2 setup program is not completed successfully (print these out).

Notes - After following the above advisory, it is recommended that you install SP2. The updated security features are well worth it.

- Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker (I still recommend installing the Google Toolbar if you use IE)
- Internet Explorer Download Monitoring (Warns you about potentially harmful downloads i.e.. Spyware and Viruses)
- Windows Firewall Update (Much better application management and enhanced boot time security)
- Windows Security Center (Notifies you of your AntiVirus, Firewall and Windows Update Status)
- Improved Wireless Support (Improves and simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to wireless networks)
- Data Execution Prevention (Help prevents code execution from data pages)

Windows Update - All of the updates. Not just the critical ones. This may have to be run multiple times. Run it over again until it says 0 updates available. Non-critical updates are essential for improved performance, compatibility and enhanced features. They are all very safe to install.Notes - Windows Update Version 5 requires the following services be enabled:- Automatic Updates - Automatic- Background Intelligent Transfer Service - Manual or AutomaticDriver Notes - If a Driver issue arises that Windows Update insists upon installing a Driver version older then one you have updated, do not install the one from Windows Update. Use the manufacturers latest version instead and just ignore that Windows Driver Update. With Drivers, the Hardware manufacturer is the one who is correct not Microsoft. Windows Update will sometimes show a Driver is outdated if it is not "Microsoft Certified". It is quite ok to use non-certified drivers. Official non-certified driver versions will have been thoroughly tested by the component manufacturer.

DirectX - Windows Update will install the latest version of DirectX. It is still a good idea to check what version you are running and make sure you have the latest version of DirectX installed prior to installing any Drivers. Got to "Start", "Run", type in "Dxdiag" and select "OK". Under the "System" tab, "DirectX Version" check that you have the latest version that is available from here