Well, it didn't actually eat my computer, but it messed up several things.
First, it kept conflicting with Norton Firewall. I turned off the windows firewall like those of you who responded to another post suggested. Then, everytime I turned on my computer I kept getting a message saying the status of my firewall is unknown and my computer may be at risk. Boy, were they right.
I started getting pop-up after pop-up. I also somehow mysteriously obtained several viruses and spy ware programs. Now, I have not gone to many websites aside from here, my bank, credit card sites and a few other sites I trust. I called Norton, and after paying the $60 or so for tech support per call, the guy tells me that SP2 has been causing some major problems with Norton.
I bought and installed an ethernet adapter for my computer. Ethernet card was working fine. But somehow I couldn't connect to the internet. Called my IP tech support. After trouble shooting and being sent to level 4 of tech support, was basically told the same thing, SP2 has been causing major problems as well.
Programs that normally worked fine, don't work. Anytime I try to play a media file, like a .wmv, it all messed up. It worked before SP2.
So, I am reformating my hard drive, reinstalling windows and will not be reinstalling SP2.

Well, you didn't get anything from SP. SP has been clean as a whistle for over a year now, and I take special care that no ads or pop-ups are malicious in any way.

As for SP2, if you use your computer for more than Office programs, I'd stay away from it. It causes way more trouble than it's worth. Get the latest SP1 and stick with that. And you should get Ad-aware to get rid of any spyware and malware.

Well, i have installed SP2 to one comp, it wasn't so bad, but still, i wont do it again...

I can't believe noone warned you for Windows sp2, it messes up most of your games as well, they simply won't run anymore. Until Microsoft found a solution for this, everyone should stay clear from it. If you auto update your Windows system, make sure you DON'T install the sp2.

Mine seems to work just fine. I mean, I haven't installed any major problems, but both Norton and SP2 are running together nicely on my laptop.

I can't believe noone warned you for Windows sp2Would you believe I actually picked up the SP2 disk from a well known computer store?
Well, you didn't get anything from SP. SP has been clean as a whistle for over a year now, and I take special care that no ads or pop-ups are malicious in any way.Well Tal, care to explain why I have the "Super Tal Search Bar" on internet explorer now? Just kidding.
Sad thing is, you don't even have to go to a certain web page, you can just have an open unprotected internet connection and stuff can get on your computer.
I've checked from several what I call reliable resources, you can't just uninstall SP2, even though the option is there in the control panel. Because SP2 updates so much, uninstalling only causes more problems. Grrrr

*huggles Elios*

There, thwere, it will be all right...

I've had no problems on my machine since installing SP2. I guess I've been fortunate.

Actually, upon reflection, I did have problems updating my Kodak Easyshare software after installing SP2. I thought that it was caused by something else, but now I'm not so sure...

I have to format again just to get rid of this pain in the arse sp2

The only problem I had with SP2 was I couldn't get access to FTP sites, but that was easy to fix.

I also use Norton Internet Security. I'm using the 2003 version and it seems to work fine.

As for SP2, if you use your computer for more than Office programs, I'd stay away from it. Or even just for them. The major difference I noticed since installing the damned thing is that MS Word now needs about 2 minutes to load!

you can't just uninstall SP2 Ever hear of System Restore? It works wonders when you have kids, brothers, and the elderly messing with your computer... :D

One question I have, is: were all the games that are supposed to "not work" installed before or after SP2. Has anyone tried installing SP2 right after a re-format and THEN tried to install the games? :rolling:

Those on M$'s list as not working will not work no matter what.

Always make a restore point before installing any Sp or series of updates from Microsoft. I have found this out the hard way. However, aside from some conflicts with NAV and the annoying way MS covertly updated my MP8 to MP9, I haven't had any problems yet.

SP2 should fix several security gaps of XP and indeed it does but has a tremendous security gap itself.

SP2 is a real issue. It makes a lot of changes to some low-level drivers and distributed libraries that some programs just absolutely cannot handle. To be honest, I'm not sure all of it is necessary; I honestly think there's some DRM and anti-pirating measures tucked in there, but I don't know that for certain. What I do know is that it is mostly a new operating system because of it. Whether that's good or bad is your own opinion.

If you abosolutely cannot use SP2 (like myself), I'd suggest a dual-boot with Linux. Or a seperate machine, altogether. Personally, my Windows machine isn't even hooked up to the internet; it's almost strictly an offline gamer.