This update addresses an issue where double-byte character set (DBCS) characters may appear corrupted in Internet Explorer on Windows XP when you browse a Web site that uses Shift-JIS character encoding. Install this update to help resolve this issue. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.Download Windows XP update @ Microsoft ... more

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) includes the Windows Firewall, a replacement for the Internet Connection Firewall component in previous versions of Windows XP...Windows Firewall is a stateful host firewall that discards unsolicited incoming traffic, providing a level of protection for computers against malicious users or programs. To provide better protection for computers connected to any kind of network (such as the Internet, a home network, or an organization network), Windows XP SP2 enables Windows Firewall on all network connections by default. Network administrators can use the Windows Firewall INF file (Netfw.inf) to modify default settings eith ... more

Optimize Windows XP to improve both work and gaming performance safely. Windows XP's default configuration is far from optimized. This guide will help you improve your overall system performance. I avoid using or recommending "all-in-one" Windows XP Tweak programs since many blindly adjust settings that have no affect on performance and can cause future problems...This guide is designed to be performed top to bottom, in sequence since some steps are required to be performed before others. Before using this guide make sure your system meets Microsoft's Official: Windows XP System Requirements
This guide is not designed to be used in combination with other Windows tweaking guides or other ... more

After you install the MS04-032 Security Update for Windows (KB840987) on a computer running either Windows XP or Windows XP with Service Pack 1 and then try to run an Open MG compliant music software, the Open MG compliant music software may not run as expected or respond.
Critical Update for Windows XP (KB887811)
Knowledge Base Article ... more

Microsoft has just released a combo add-on pack intended for users of Windows XP. Dubbed the "SuperPack", Microsoft has included both the Windows XP Plus! and Plus! Digital Media Edition add-on packs into one large offering. The package is available from Microsoft for $29.95(US), and customers who have previously bought one of the included add-on packs are eligible for a $10(US) rebate off of the price.


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Eric Vaughan has put up a Beta version of this guide, updated for SP2. I would appreciate any feedback so please check it out.
TweakHound's Super XP Tweaking Guide - SP2 v.1 Beta


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"Short-Media have thrown up a new article which asks does Windows Service Pack 2 slow you down? " Microsoft released Service Pack 2 and millions installed it. Did boat anchors come with the enhancements? We threw 108 benchmarks at Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2 in an attempt to declare a winner.
Does the old saying go "newer, better, faster" or "you can only rework the plumbing so many times"? Service Pack 2 brought enhancements to Windows XP including a very handy pop-up stopper and the much needed firewall security. A new Service Pack does improve upon some features of an operating system besides plugging up the holes but do the improvements co ... more

This update resolves a compatibility issue with a non-Microsoft software application installed on your computer. This application prevents successful installation of Windows XP Service Packs, critical security updates and other system file updates. This update should be applied to your system to enable safe installation of these updates now and in the future.Download and more info here... ... more

Overview

We are excited to offer a preview of the next version of Windows XP Embedded. For device developers who are familiar with Windows XP Embedded, you will notice some significant changes to the product, and we think you will be impressed with what it has to offer. For developers who are new to Windows XP Embedded, we are thrilled to share this first experience with you. This release focuses on three major areas:


Security & Networking Enhancements - The SP2 Tech Preview includes the new Windows Firewall. This component enables device builders to configure the firewall by opening & closing certain ports (based on the network t ... more

Microsoft has unveiled Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 2 (SP2), the latest version of its operating system for small-footprint devices such as point-of-service kiosks and thin clients.
Customers will be able to use a downloadable preview to test the new software for conflicts with existing drivers. The new code has many of the same features as the PC version of XP, including an improved firewall.



It differs from the PC code in that developers can more easily cut out what they do not need. XP Embedded has more than 10,000 software components and many are only needed for specialised applications. "Using PC software for embedded devices doesn't make sense in ... more