Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) is a complex update with many ramifications for IT pros. TechRepublic’s Windows XP Service Pack 2 Quick Guide drills down on critical SP2 need-to-know areas, with sections on fundamentals, changes that occur after installation, deployment procedures, problem areas, and removal.

Problem
Depending on the chipset, motherboard manufacturer, BIOS version, and CPU, installing Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 can result in an unbootable computer system. The problem is generally associated with Intel Prescott CPUs and their chipsets, but not every such combination will cause a problem. As of this writing, motherboards exhibiting the behavior include:

Albatron PX865 PE Pro
Shuttle SB61G2
Jetway i875P
Soyo P4I865P
Aopen AX4SG Max
Asus P4P800-E deluxe
Abit IS7-V
Foxconn 865A01-G-6EKRS

Technically speaking, the problem revolves around the machine’s BIOS not installing a production level microcode update. To check whether the BIOS is at the correct level, download the Intel Processor Frequency ID utility. The microcode version is identified by this utility as CPU Revision, which should equal at least 8. [Continued…] [Mark Kaelin]