I need an Expert on Windows XP SP2 ...

Hi Johnk,

I appreciate your suggestion for a Google search on this, I'll try them out. Those apostrophy-type quotes I used here, were for use in this forum, I was really sort of quoting myself on what I put into Google.

The reason I used them is because I faintly remember that I had a problem once somewhere, either in a forum or in email where real quotation marks screwed up the message ...

I might do this SP2 upgrade eventually. I had thought you had to upgrade online, or buy it, but I have learned here that a (large) file can be downloaded. I have a friend with a very fast line, who downloaded Trainz 2006 SP1 for me. He could do that for me. (Thanks anyway JWhelan for your very kind offer)

SP2 might be a very safe deal, but I prefer to be a slow moving turtle on this, going by the motto "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" (real quotes there)
I did run across one website that had a list of about 25 games that SP2 broke, (mostly because of the firewall, but a few for other reasons)

I've had my Total Annihilation game (which really is a classic from 1998 or so) mildly broken in the music section by the move from Windows 98SE to XP. I just don't like things to get worse.

Thanks much. And I will try some of your Google search terms! Bob P.

I am putting a link here to the gaming website (I hope this works, I am not good at links)
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6104980.html
 
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Hi Jeffjgale !

I went and looked at the Microsoft page. Yes, I know you guys are right when it comes to the security that SP2 brings ..you guys are right! BUT!

I haven't had a virus for around three years (on dial-up), but yes, something happened causing my 2006 and Classics 1&2 to endlessly try dialing out. It was about a week after I installed "Classics" actually "Railwayz" in the US.

here's something from that Microsoft SP2 page.....
If you're already using a firewall from another company such as Zone Alarm, Norton, or McAfee you should turn off the Windows Firewall after installing Service Pack 2. (they want me to turn off their firewall and use the one I've been using all along) ??

Anyway, I still haven't been able to find any mention of Graphics differences in SP2. I did see some mention of "improving of shadows" in the Trainz Dev site about Trainz 2009.

Hey Screamingman14, or anyone else who has Classics! Turn me on to any good add-on you have found. One route named Railroad Delight, I really like.
Small, and a lot of action. See you later. Bob P.
 
SP2 fixes

Hi all - if you got to google (or whatever you use) and put this :- "service pack 2 811113" without the quotes, you will get "A list of fixes included in Service Pack 2". The list is long and I did not see anything about train wheels falling off!

I also believe that there were codecs for usb and USB2 would not work properly without SP2. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I also have a spare SP2 disk and if anyone needs then come back and we can sort it out.

Regards Doug
 
jeffjgale, that signature file of yours is a joke. It violates Auran's Forum Code Cf Conduct (link on top left of screen) in every way possible. Maximum height 100 pixels (yours 200) , file size maximum 30 kb (yours 60). Any chance that you can do the right thing like 99% of the people here by making your sig conform. In doing so, you will be helping those of us with slow internet connections to have at least half a chance. Thanks.

AnalogOldguy, I really wouldn't waste too much time trying to figure out how SP2 improves or deals with shadows because it's probably one of those undocumented improvements that are a result of something else. SP2 made a million improvements to Windows such as improved DirectX functionality, USB2, security, the makings of a firewall etc. It probably opened the way for OpenGL to be utilised properly as well as other things. The bottom line is this: Every expert agrees that SP2 is essential and that's about as good as it gets.

Yes, the Windows firewall is a bit of a toy - like most Microsoft products. The best firewall I have found is Sunbelt. It's free and almost perfect in terms of memory usage. At least you do have a firewall and it's good that it picked up the problem of something dialling out. A virus checker is also essential as is a spyware detector.

All you need to do now is forget about the OS and begin enjoying Railroad Delight. Do please consider SP3, but it's probably not as important as SP2.

regards,

John
 
OK Johnk,

I get the message. Service Pack two (or three) is now on my someday possible list. Especially if it's needed for Trainz 2009!

And tonight I can play with my Railroad Delight, Chaulkdale, Cajon Pass, Harlem Line, and Metropolis and maybe my Total Annihilation game! Such fun !

Thanks for all the interesting facts, you guys! Dougtrain, I will Google that!
Signed, Robert.
 
XP SP3...

I'd highly recommend you install XP SP3, Particularly if you are ever going to be doing any financial transactions over the internet. (eg; internet banking, or using your credit card, etc)...
Footnote; Before installing XP SP3, I'd recommend you run atleast one registry cleaner program through your system to clean out the crap that accumulates over time...

http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/

http://www.glarysoft.com/rr.html

http://www.wisecleaner.com/download.htm

Just three of the many freeware registry/crap cleaner programs out there!!!
You could download and burn off your own Windows XP Service Pack 3 disk from the ISO-9660 CD Image File link below...

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

I've installed many XP SP2's & SP3's updates (& Vista SP1's) and have only ever had one minor problem. If you do the cleanup first, 99% of the time you won't have any problems... Sure there's a few older programs that have problems running with SP2/SP3 (as mentioned in this tread earlier). If you possibly run older programs, it would pay to check this list first.
(Not to sure if the .Net Framework updates in XP SP2 (& SP3) have anything to do with Auran's OS recommendation of atleast XP SP2)???
Hope this helps.
Cheers, Mac...
 
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G'day Johnk, From a fellow Aussie, sorry about my unintentional joke of a signature, I most humbly apologise for my oversight.
You will find that I have fixed the problem.
Regards Jeff Gale.
 
Analogue Old Guy...

:cool: Hello Analogue Old Guy...

We have approached you to save you as you have exposed your vulnerabilities, so get with it...
How can you possibly ward off free anti-destruction software from the Noble State of Washington, Redmond, that designed the very Notable Operating System(OS) you have...

It all comes to the fact of you having a software that will take you on to the next challenge...!
 
Ah, my good man, Backyard ..(Road Foreman of Engines)

Not wanting to expose my vulnerabilities, I have installed the greatest anti-spyware, anti-virus, anti-everything "cocoon of safety" known to mankind.

I have taken my game computer off the bloody Internet !!! This way I can ensure that all my old programs will keep on a-runnin' !!! And WHEN,.. I say when Trainz 2009 becomes a smash success, I will weigh the value to myself of updating my XP to version 2 or 3 or 4, for heaven's sake!

And I will use the Evil Empire's own miserable creation, Windows 98SE, (on my old computer) against them, and every hacker who dares to challenge it, as my connection to you, the forums, the internet (and my Very Slow downloads)! Yes indeed!

Using my trusty (secret) imaging and restoration programs, my ancient computer has never been taken down for more than the smallest number minutes!

And I will be checking your Download Station Content, Backyard, and if you perchance have made some pretty good stuff, I just hope you did not make it too big, or I will have to go to the library to download it !!

Welcome to MY world, all you Trainzers! The World of Cheap and Stubborn !!!

Your old Friend, Bob P.
 
My limited understanding is that XP SP2 included coding changes to add functionality to MS 'off the shelf ' code building philosophy. SP2 is required for .NET functionality.
Any programs I had that would not run with SP2 had dll errors. SP2 changed the way programs linked with their libraries. My wastebasket too, got pounded with shiny $40 frisbies amidst a spittle spewed torrent of four letter endearments and blasphemes.
That was three years ago. I have calmed down. So has SP2. Fact is, many of the people I have met or read on line, have at least SP2, and refuse to change to Vista. Windows XP, even w/SP2 or higher, is now a fairly stable OS environment. (Would you believe it!).
My local computer guru tells me that SP3 is no more than a fix for SP2 security vulnerabilities.
That's my understanding of the subect, gentlemen!
I run XP pro, SP3 with few problems.
And I see little change in the way TRS 06 operates with it. Even TRS 04 worked fine.
Regards,
Steamboat
 
Well Steamboateng,

I am glad to read your post. I have always felt that these Service Packs had the ability to screw up older programs (of which, I use many). You actually know the reason why, .. those dll's, you say?

I admire your descriptive skills, with the "shiny $40 frisbees" (that is really what those lost programs become) and your "spittle spewed torrents" . I feel your angst deeply! Of course, that was years ago for you. I am currently trying to recover from bashing my head into the wall!

Well, keep on with your Trainz fun! It is sort of an enjoyable program, once you learn you must suffer first! (there was a song like that ... "You Gotta Suffer if You Want to Sing the Blues") See you later! Bob P.
 
Oh yeah!!!!!!! I was PO'd with SP2....for months. I had a few favorite games that no longer worked, too. And SP2 ate into usable memory quite a bit, also.
While dabbling with learning some C++ code basics, (just to keep my old rusty wheels turning) I bumped into some SP2 info. MS was moving in the direction of 'object oriented' programming as a framework for the OS. Basicly, rather than writing new code, start to finish, for a program, develpers could write chunks of code, tried and proven, (if it works.....don't fix it!) for various functions, and insert those chunks of code into a program, where required. This led to development of standard libraries of code linked to those programs...thus .dll...dynamically linked libraries. SP2 somehow changed the way dll's worked.
I'm a retired marine engineer, (gimme a hammer and wrench and I'll fix it...even if it ain't broke!) not a programmer, but I do like to know how things work. My knowledge of the inner workings of cyberspace is shaky at best and quite foggy in general. However, my anger with MS and SP2 led me to search for understanding............to calm my stormy SP2 wracked spirit.
Many claim that MS scewed up the OS so folks would spend more $$ for new. Perhaps, but I think the underlying reason.... was to improve 'object oriented' functionality across a wider range of program languages within the OS environment.
I bought a new computer for my daughter, in her 20's, for Xmas gift. She liked XP, insisted on that rather than the preloaded Vista, (cost an xtra $50). I had to talk her into going the full route to SP2, SP3, etc. She refused to load SP2 on her old computer. She is now quite happy with XP-SP3 (and her new computer).
Anyhow, the above rant is my limited understanding of why SP2 sent so many
'everyday' computer illiterates into uncontrlled bouts of curses, banging of keyboards (I personally went though two in one week) and making mice fly....
Was MS trying to pick my pocket on a crowded subway..........? I don't think so........??????
Regards
Steamboat
 
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