Windows XP SP2 Endeavors

[MetalMusicMan]

I recently downloaded Service Pack 2 because I wanted to see if it was worth it or not. On the whole, I'd have to give it this review:

The new features that it adds are really neat, I especially like the built in pop-up blocker and the built in Active-X blocker! The security center is a good idea, but it's mostly annoying for any of us who are smart enough to purchase our own anti-virus and firewall. There is also an interesting thing called "Data Execution Prevention", which would be a really neat program if it worked properly. =\

Here are the problems;

The Data Execution Prevention seems to think that "explorer.exe" is trying to harm my computer, so it is constantly ending that program's process. Those of you with a little experience will realize that "explorer" is, esentially, Windows. Why does windows keep killing it's browsing application? I have no idea, but it happened at least 2-3 times every 15 minutes, so I had to turn off Data Execution Prevention entirely.

Another thing that isn't really a problem but is just plain annoying is that when you turn off Windows Auto Updates (I'm a big boy, Microsoft, I can download them myself), you get a constant reminder every few minutes telling you that your computer is "at risk" because you don't have Auto Update turned on-- very annoying.

The biggest problem is one that I am totally confused about, and the purpose of this post. My printer simply does not work-- here's the detailed explanation;

I am using an HP PS7150, a standard, photoquality printer. Of course, I have installed the latest drivers and done so BEFORE plugging in the USB cable. What happens is, any time that I try to print a document, windows sends it to the print queue, as it should. Before the document finishes being sent to the printer, it is deleted from the queue, causing my printer to spit out a blank sheet of paper, EVERY TIME. What's odd is, if I tell my printer to print a test page, THROUGH WINDOWS, THAT will work. This means that the connection between windows and my computer is functioning CORRECTLY, and that my printer works just fine. I have tried telling windows not to spool the documents, meaning that it prints as it sends the data, rather than "buffering" it. It changed nothing. I've talked to HP support and they have no idea.

Any suggestions? Please let me know, as not being able to use my printer is rather frustrating...

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: MetalMusicMan
The Data Execution Prevention seems to think that "explorer.exe" is trying to harm my computer, so it is constantly ending that program's process. Those of you with a little experience will realize that "explorer" is, esentially, Windows. Why does windows keep killing it's browsing application? I have no idea, but it happened at least 2-3 times every 15 minutes, so I had to turn off Data Execution Prevention entirely.

Odd, were you using complete DEP, or just critical services? It's possible, I suppose, that you have spyware or something trying to attack Explorer; it wouldn't be the first time that's happened. Otherwise I have no clue.

Another thing that isn't really a problem but is just plain annoying is that when you turn off Windows Auto Updates (I'm a big boy, Microsoft, I can download them myself), you get a constant reminder every few minutes telling you that your computer is "at risk" because you don't have Auto Update turned on-- very annoying.

Go in to the Security Center, on the left hand side there's an item called "Change the way security center alerts me"; you can stop the warnings from there.

 

[sharkeeper]

Disable the security center completely by going to START-RUN- services.msc. Find security center, stop it and set it to disabled. Problem solved. I do the same for error reporting and windows firewall as well.

Cheers!

 

[MrChad]

Your explorer.exe problems are most likely the result of a third-party add-in. Do you have DivX installed? That is known to cause issues with SP2's DEP. Think of any other programs that may add right-click context menu items (e.g. WinZip, WinRAR). Try uninstalling these programs and see if your problems persist.

 

[MetalMusicMan]

Virge and sharkeeper:

Thanks, the annoying security center balloons are gone!

MrChad:

I do have WinRar, and my Anti-Virus is PC-Cillin. Both of these programs add menus into the right click menu, among other things. If this is what is causing the DEP to malfunction, then I'd rather sacrifice DEP. I use Winrar and my Anti-Virus entirely too much to quit using them.

Thanks!

Now, does anyone have ANY idea about my printer? That's the most important part!

 

[MetalMusicMan]

Originally posted by: MetalMusicMan
Now, does anyone have ANY idea about my printer? That's the most important part!

Bump!

 

[MetalMusicMan]

Bump, printer is still dead =(

 

[Maggotry]

Originally posted by: MetalMusicMan
I do have WinRar, and my Anti-Virus is PC-Cillin. Both of these programs add menus into the right click menu, among other things.

When you install WinRar, there's a check box to tell it not to integrate it into the shell. It's selected by default. Uncheck it and it won't add all that stuff to your menu...unless you just like it.

I have not experienced any trouble at all with SP2. As for your printer, have you tried a simple uninstall/reinstall?

 

[MetalMusicMan]

Thank you for the advice on how to remove winrar, but that problem has been solved =D.

As far as the printer goes, yeah, I've un-installed and re-installed it about 5 times now. =\

 

[T9D]

Originally posted by: sharkeeper
Disable the security center completely by going to START-RUN- services.msc. Find security center, stop it and set it to disabled. Problem solved. I do the same for error reporting and windows firewall as well.

Cheers!

Hey thank man! That stupid annoying bubble thing is gone for me to now!