Windows XP Service Pack 2 RTM Available to MSDN Subscribers
The release to manufacturing (RTM) version of Windows XP Service Pack 2 is now available for download via MSDN Subscriber Downloads. The CD ISO image weighs in at 475.35MB.
If you’d rather let Windows Update automatically install it, visit this page to ensure that your Internet Connection Firewall and Automatic Update settings are configured correctly. I don’t think it’s available through Windows Update quite yet, but enabling these features will allow your computer to download it as soon as it’s posted.
This is a fantastic release with a lot of new security features. I’ve been running various builds of SP2 over the past few months, and I’ve loved every minute of it. The pop-up blocker is a very welcome addition, the much improved firewall is easy to configure, and I find that I don’t have nearly as much spyware finding its way onto my computer. Some of the areas that have been improved are: network protection, memory protection, safer e-mail handling, enhanced browsing security, and improved computer maintenance.
From a customer-ready e-mail that is being sent out:
I am pleased to inform you that Windows XP Service Pack 2 released to manufacturing on Friday August 6, 2004. Windows XP Service Pack 2 contains major security improvements designed to provide better protection against hackers, viruses, and worms. Windows XP Service Pack 2 also improves the manageability of the security features in Windows XP and provides more and better information to help users make decisions that may potentially affect their security and privacy.
On Monday, August 9, 2004, the full network installation package for Windows XP Server Pack 2 will be posted on the Windows XP Service Pack 2 site on Microsoft TechNet (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/winxpsp2). This site is also the best resource for accessing the most up-to-date technical information regarding Windows XP Service Pack 2.
On-line distribution will be the primary distribution vehicle for Windows XP Service Pack 2 and below is a summary of the key milestones of the distribution plan:
8/6 Release to manufacturing
8/9 Release to Microsoft Download Center (network installation package)
8/9 Release to MSDN subscription site (CD ISO image)
8/10 Release to Automatic Updates (for machines running pre-release versions of Windows XP Service Pack 2 only)
8/16 Release to Automatic Updates (for machines NOT running pre-releases versions of Windows XP Service Pack 2)
8/16 Release to Software Update Services
Later in August Release to Windows Update for interactive user installations
Because of the significant security improvements outlined above, Microsoft views Windows XP Service Pack 2 as an essential security update and is therefore distributing it as a “critical update” via Windows Update (WU) and the Automatic Updates (AU) delivery mechanism in Windows. Microsoft is strongly urging customers with Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 1-based systems to upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 2 as soon as possible.
Update: I've posted another blog entry with More Windows XP Service Pack 2 Information.
