Once you have completed the installation of Windows XP, your very next step should be to install the latest service pack. Installing a service pack is considered to be a significant process because some of the system files for the operating system are replaced. For this reason, it is important to plan the installation.

On that note, installing a service pack can result in additional problems because you never really know what the impact a hot fix, a patch, and so on, will have on your system. So here are a few simple steps you can follow to minimize the problems that can occur from installing updates, hot fixes, patches, and service packs on your systems.

1. Before you do anything, make sure you have performed a complete backup of your system.

2. Read the instructions associated with the update you are installing. It’s important to know things such as what the requirements, applicability to your system, and what the results will be.
3. If possible, perform the installation in a test environment first. This will give you a chance to see if there are any negative effects and how to remedy them.
4. If the installation gives you an option to perform a backup in case the installation fails so you can restore certain components to their previous state, be sure to choose yes.
5. Once the software has been installed, verify that it has done what it was supposed to do. For example, if it is designed to repair a problem, make sure the problem no longer exists.

Microsoft has recently released Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. The majority of updates included focus on securing the OS. It includes enhancements to the Windows Firewall, an Internet Explorer Pop-up blocker, and a new Windows Security Center.

Along with having a CD-ROM drive, Internet connection, or access to a network share, a computer must meet the minimum requirements for installing service pack 2 as listed below:

• 233 megahertz (MHZ) processor

• 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM
• 1.8 gigabytes (GB) free disk space

Depending on the configuration of your computer, a few additional steps may be required. If anti-virus software is already installed, check the vendors Web site to see if any software updates are needed in order for the product to work properly with the service pack.
You should also visit your computer manufacturer’s Web site. Some vendors will have information about SP2 that you should read before installing it. For example, a driver update may be needed before installing the service pack.

SP2 for Windows XP can be obtained using a few different methods. The easiest way is to use Automatic Updates. Alternatively, you can download it for the Windows Update Web site or place an order for SP2 on a CD (you will have to wait for the CD to ship before installing it).

Automatic Updates must be turned on to obtain SP2 using the first method. Automatic Update is enabled by default with a clean installation of Windows XP. You can verify the settings using the steps listed below:

1. Click Start and click Control Panel.

2. Double click the System applet.
3. Select the Automatic Updates tab.
4. Verify that Automatic (recommended) is selected. You can then configure when updates should be installed.

When updates (including SP2) are downloaded to your computer, a balloon will appear in the notification area indicating that your computer is ready to install them. Click the balloon and then click Express Install. Click Next to continue and select Restart Now when prompted.

Many people opt to install the service pack manually by downloading it from the Windows Updates Web site. You can install SP2 using this method by completing the following procedure.

1. Connect to Windows Update  http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com).

2. Click the Express button.
3. Windows will provide a list of high-priority updates for your computer.
4. Verify that Windows XP Service Pack 2 is selected.
5. Click Install Updates.
6. The End User License Agreement will appear. Click I Accept.
7. The Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup Wizard will appear warning you to backup your system and close all programs. Click Next to continue.
8. Setup will inspect your computer’s current configuration, archives your current files and updates your files.
9. Click Do not Restart now and click Finish.
10. A screen will appear indicating that the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 2 was successful.
11. Click Restart Now.

Once the computer reboots, the installation of SP2 will be complete. In the next installment of this article I’ll outline how you can begin updating device drivers after installing Windows XP.