Windows XP SP2 RC2 Now released!


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:omg: Didn't expect this. And as usual NW knows before the beta testers. LOL

Edit: Oh wait. Paul Donnelly [MS] Just posted. :p

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Windows XP Service Pack 2 Release Candidate 2 is now available for download.

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MESSAGE BEFORE DOWNLOADING OR POSTING QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS BUILD TO THE NEWSGROUPS.

We are pleased to announce the availability of Release Candidate 2 of Windows XP Service Pack 2. Thanks in part to the participants of the beta program we have made significant changes in RC2. We ask that you please take some time to download, install and evaluate this build for any issues. Please see below for CD shipment information. To better emulate actual customer scenarios for the released SP2 we ask that you uninstall previous versions of the beta before installing RC2.

Installation Information Collection

When you first login you will be prompted to send installation data to us. We would appreciate very much if you would click "Send" on this dialog. The information we collect will allow us to better ascertain the kind of installation coverage we're getting when a build is released. This helps us determine if we have the right mix of Home and Pro, Update vs Slipstream, etc during the beta. If you are concerned about the information we send you can view the list at http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/filecollector. The data we collect is completely anonymous.

Bugs, Problem Reports & Support

We prefer that you download and install the Microsoft Beta Client for bug reporting. Doing so assures that proper system configuration data is gathered and uploaded with your bug report. This speeds processing time and makes it more likely that your issue can be understood and fixed. Please visit http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/IssueReports/default.aspx to download and install the MBC. It's important to note that the earlier a bug is filed, the more likely it will be fixed. Please don't delay filing issues that you encounter. You are encouraged to discuss these and other issues in the private beta newsgroups. See http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/support/default.aspx for details on accessing the newsgroups.

Install Survey

Please visit http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/survey/installsurvey.aspx and complete an installation survey as soon as you can. This data is important for us to track and we rely on our beta sites to help us out by telling us about their install experience. This is something you only have to do once per build and it doesn't take too long, please help us out here.

Availability/CD Shipment Information

The build is available for download immediately at http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/download/dl3.asp. CD's will be mailed to those sites that requested them at signup. Those CD's should arrive in approximately 2 weeks. Shipped CD Media will consist of the Service Pack CD, Integrated media is not available and is download only.

RC2 is available in English immediately, German and Japanese will follow shortly.

Specifically, the following will be available for RC2:

* Standalone Service Pack Install (xpsp2.exe) aka "Update" or "Network Install"

* Professional Integrated aka "Slipstream"

* Home Edition Integrated aka "Slipstream"

* Service Pack CD

* Professional Checked

* Customer Support and Diagnostics CD "Symbols CD"

* Web Express will be available EXCLUSIVELY via Windows Update and will be available on Tuesday, June 16th 2004.

o Information on installing SP2 RC2 via WU will be updated on 6/16 and will be found at http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/xpsp2/xpsp2_express.aspx

Tablet PC Support

Updating Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is supported. Applying the service pack will update Windows XP Tablet PC Edition to 'Lonestar' .

Support for Media Center Edition

Updating Windows XP Media Center Edition is supported

Paul

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