Windows XP SP2 RC2 Ready To Go!

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Neowin has learned that unlike other sites reported earlier this week, 2145 isn't RC2 (suprisingly) and that build 2147 has earned the much awaited beginning of RC2 tagging.

Build 2147 (xp_sp2_rc2.040607-1235) is not likely to be released as RC2 (if problems are found, which is near certain) but marks the beginning of what's called RC2 tagging. The build that finally goes out as RC2 should get to beta testers by the beginning of next week and possibly by the end of this week. The RC2 build can still increase by one or two build numbers if there are any minor problems or changes required. We'll let you know as soon as we have it confirmed but for now it's definite that RC2 is very close.

Screenshot: >> Click here <<

News source: In-House

What's new in Advanced Installer 1.6

This new version features the ability to create and manage ODBC connections, and setting permissions for files, folders and registry entries.

- ODBC Driver, Data Source and Translator support.
- Setting permission for Files and Folders.
- Setting permission for Registry Keys and Values.
- Improvements and bugfixes.

(7 replies) #1 insanekiwi on 08 Jun 2004 - 10:54

whee rc2 is almost here! i think it's still very unusual releasing rcs of a servicepack....

#1.1 Chreo on 08 Jun 2004 - 14:06

I think it is only natural as this is not your typical run-of-the-mill ServicePack but rather introduces new features and security measures. I sure prefer a well tested service pack than having to download patches in a few weeks, sorting out bugs introduced by SP2.

#1.2 mufdvr3669 on 08 Jun 2004 - 14:22

That's what makes service packs different than regular patches. They are usually more stable and more secure.

#1.3 Sawyer12 on 08 Jun 2004 - 16:25

I dont know how you come to the conclusion that service packs are more secure and stable than normal hot fixes. Service packs are normally just a collection of hot fixes.

#1.4 anog on 08 Jun 2004 - 17:15

QUOTE (#1.3)

Actually that is not entirely true...
While Service Packs can sometimes be just a collection of hotfixes, they are much more widely tested than hotfixes.
Now you have a few throusand people testing that "collection of hotfixes", which you don't with a normal hotfix. While some fixes are indeed tested by the WU beta testers, they don't get the same testing a SP does.

#1.5 xStainDx on 08 Jun 2004 - 17:22

Hotfixes --- NOT REGRESSION TESTED
Service Packs ---- REGRESSION TESTED.

There is a hugeeee difference.

#1.6 womble68 on 08 Jun 2004 - 17:36

Service Packs aren't even just Regression tested fixes, they tend to include updated features, or completely new methods for doing things. Sometimes uprooting and fixing a problem can only be done through a much big overhaul which changes the method in which something is handled such as buffer underruns.

Last edited by 216 on 08 Jun 2004 - 17:43

#1.7 mufdvr3669 on 09 Jun 2004 - 00:39

QUOTE

Read above, thank you

(4 replies) #2 donachello on 08 Jun 2004 - 10:54

Looks like release date will be the summer then RC2 then RC3 should be the last Release Candidate unless they run into Problem before RTM... (Release to Manufacturer)

Cool good news Neowin... Again always on the ball...

Thanks

#2.1 tazdevl on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:01

FYI MS typically doesn't have a RC3 before RTM.

Last edited by 55894 on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:23

#2.2 kl33per on 08 Jun 2004 - 12:52

QUOTE (#2.1)

FYI MS typically doesn't have a RC3 before RTM.

It's been reported (either slashdot or here, can't remember) that a third RC is quite possible.

#2.3 hobsgrg on 08 Jun 2004 - 14:36

Usually the feature set is set in stone with RC1 but M$ have been tinkering with it way past RC1 so don't rule out an RC3

#2.4 XxDesmus_MODxX on 10 Jun 2004 - 03:41

...because we know how accurate slashdot always is

#3 bush on 08 Jun 2004 - 10:57

rc1 was very buggy. hope this this will be sooo much better

#4 DJ Prem on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:09

Great to hear that....

#5 Ficman on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:13

Sounds like it's getting closer...

#6 98XT on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:19

Xcellent

(9 replies) #7 hobsgrg on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:26

excellent getting there now, hope the DivX problem is finally fixed in RC2

#7.1 SouL2kEEp on 08 Jun 2004 - 12:21

WHAT divx problem ???

#7.2 MuD on 08 Jun 2004 - 12:59

Some people reported that they cannot play DivX movies. I can't verify this myself (I'm on Build 2142) as I don't have a DivX file on hand. Some people say it's a conspiracy that Microsoft won't allow files that aren't DRM based to play on your P.C. We'll have to wait and see.

#7.3 creamhackered on 08 Jun 2004 - 13:03

Well some people are idiots then. MS have already publically said that it's a bug and a problem so obviously it's going to be fixed.

#7.4 Iluvatar on 08 Jun 2004 - 14:02

divx movies do play but you have to access them from the player itself (not WMP). If you access it from explorer then that process will hang up.

#7.5 Sawyer12 on 08 Jun 2004 - 16:26

Some people say it's a conspiracy that Microsoft won't allow files that aren't DRM based to play on your P.C. We'll have to wait and see.

Thats got to be the dumbest quote ever. Not every DIVX file is a pirated movie. Its just a file format. I could put my home movies into DIVX format if I wanted to and Microsoft couldnt stop me playing. Some people are a bit too paranoid. Honestly

#7.6 MuD on 08 Jun 2004 - 17:11

That's why I said *some people say...*. Believe what you want to believe: Microsoft fanboys, Mac fanboys, Linux fanboys, trolls, the list doesn't end. Just remember, it's the Internet.

#7.7 mv520 on 08 Jun 2004 - 17:17

can anyone prove this with divx on their computer with sp2 whatever on their pc.

#7.8 womble68 on 08 Jun 2004 - 17:31

This appears to be only a problem when using build 2142, and when using the DIVX codec with it. Files can't be viewed in Media Player, and since this is the case I suspect the Thumbnails function crashes explorer as well. I have seen Media Player crash while using this build, but the remedy seems to be to not use DIVX's codec. Instead I unloaded DIVX, and reinstalled Xvid's current codec which supports Divx, and which reassociated Divx with the Xvid codec. This now works fine, and avoids the bug. Its guaranteed it'll be fixed for RC2 though.

#7.9 Mando on 09 Jun 2004 - 11:01

erm would this not signify a problem with the DIVX codec and not actually XP SP2?

(3 replies) #8 Xeron on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:45

Nope, that one has a bug. The version string goes off the dialog

#8.1 McGazza on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:56

LoL!! yep thanks for that i just noticed that now

Microsoft must be tired they just didnt spot that was happening

#8.2 McGazza on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:59

Didnt spot that until now lol

#8.3 FuhrerDarqueSyde on 08 Jun 2004 - 16:10

mines done that for ages(RTM, and previous versions), i think its bottom on their lists.

#9 nw_raptor on 08 Jun 2004 - 11:54

oh cool

can't wait

#10 hardgiant on 08 Jun 2004 - 12:21

#11 Outlandishtrendz on 08 Jun 2004 - 12:44

What ever happened to the MCE 05 Beta 2 Screenshots from last week?

(1 reply) #12 naap51stang on 08 Jun 2004 - 13:37

Man I need to quit reading computer news first thing in the morning before I have my
Mt. Dew!!!!!!!!!!
LOL........I clicked on the screenshot, then I tried to cick on the "OK" box to close the window and
started cussing when it wouldn't close. Then I realized it was a picture not a dialog box...

#12.1 hotrod on 08 Jun 2004 - 13:40

I think we are all guilty of the clicking part, but don't know about the cussing thing

#13 Jugalator on 08 Jun 2004 - 13:42

"Windows XP SP2 RC2 Ready To Go!"

...

"RC2 is very close."

I see NeoWin staff is learning from good journalism.

But maybe it's just my definition of "ready" that's faulty.

#14 phedot on 08 Jun 2004 - 14:05

excelent news...

#15 bangbang023 on 08 Jun 2004 - 14:09

Neowin has learned that unlike other sites reported earlier this week, 2145 isn't RC2 (suprisingly)

lol @ cream

#16 b0m8er on 08 Jun 2004 - 14:11

Finally!

#17 StaticX on 08 Jun 2004 - 14:16

im still waiting for final, whenever that comes out!!!

#18 Phil Gates on 08 Jun 2004 - 14:24

i'll keep my eyes on windowsbeta

#19 moeburn on 08 Jun 2004 - 16:55

A beta version of an update for an operating system is stickied? Thats kind of annoying.

#20 trance on 08 Jun 2004 - 18:38

BTW.. I posted a fix for the "divx problem" If you can find it, you can easily play divx without crashing the machine.

#21 Andreas012345 on 08 Jun 2004 - 21:39

#22 kainashi on 09 Jun 2004 - 00:32

i thought it was ready yesterday...?

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