Service pack

[KIKO]

hi everyone What's the use of service pack in windows?and how it can affect some programs?

[BobLfoot]

Not sure if this is the answer you are looking for and sorry if it is too simple, but here goes. Microsoft releases security updates on a regular basis as problems are discovered and remedies designed. Every so often these releases are compiled into a complete set called a service pack. This makes it easier and simpler to "fix" windows for new installs. Since many windows programs are written to expect certain drivers and certain responses from drivers when a service pack or a security update changes a driver to make it more secure it can cause the program depending on it to not work.

[TimWilborne]

Also you may look at a particular software program and it may require a certain minimum service pack

[Camel]

This is what microsoft has to say. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/preinstall.mspx http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloa...p1/default.mspx http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechn...n/sp2netwk.mspx The main reason that the service packs cause certain programs to stop working is that most people just install the service pack and expect it to work. When a sevice pack installs (mainly sp2) it uses a default configuration that someone at Microsoft came up with (Simple Compatibillity). In microsofts eyes, everyone uses genuine microsoft products. Ask yourself this...... Have you ever had a current microsoft product cease to function because of an update or service pack install? Most software developers have made patches to make their software work with SP2. Wonderware (for example) has their os configuration utillity for XP SP2 and 2003 SP1. If your software doesn't work right with XP SP2 and the company didn't release a patch, then should you consider another source for that type of software? Just found this... http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/c...h.mspx?mfr=true Edited May 2, 2006 by Camel