Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) Checked Build is a separate version of SP2 and should not be installed in addition to the SP2 Web download or the SP2 CD. The Checked Build is a compiled set of files that include debugging information, providing administrators with specific details about program functioning. The Checked Build files are not required for proper operation of your computer. SP2 provides new proactive security technologies for Windows XP, to better defend against viruses, worms, and hackers. In addition to a more robust security infrastructure, SP2 improves the security configuration options of Windows XP, and provides better security information to help users faced with security decisions.

The Windows Support Tools for Microsoft Windows XP are intended for use by Microsoft support personnel and experienced users to assist in diagnosing and resolving computer problems. For individual tool descriptions, see the Windows Support Tools documentation (Suptools.chm).

The Windows XP Corporate Deployment Tools (deploy.cab) assists system administrators in installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 on multiple computers. This file contains updates to Setup Manager, the Sysprep utility, and related documentation.

The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a bootable CD-ROM to perform a new installation of the operating system. The Windows XP startup disk will automatically load the correct drivers to gain access to the CD-ROM drive and start a new installation of Setup. You cannot upgrade from a Windows XP startup disk. Windows XP Home Edition startup disks will not work for Windows XP Professional installations and vice-versa.

The Windows XP startup disk allows computers without a bootable CD-ROM to perform a new installation of the operating system. The Windows XP startup disk will automatically load the correct drivers to gain access to the CD-ROM drive and start a new installation of Setup. You cannot upgrade from a Windows XP startup disk. Windows XP Professional startup disks will not work for Windows XP Home Edition installations and vice-versa.

This download contains three SMS package definition files that you can use to test distribution of Windows XP Professional integrated with Service Pack 2 and Windows XP Service Pack 2 standalone using Microsoft Systems Management Server.

This installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers downloading and installing on multiple computers on a network.
DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A smaller, more appropriate download will be available soon on Windows Update. To receive this download, turn on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP to receive an optimized download of SP2. Please visit http://www.microsoft.com/protect for more information on receiving Windows XP SP2.