win2k + sp4 = slow?

[singularity2006]

nope, my system is running perfectly okay w/ it. Just as responsive as it always is. Did u defrag ur HD? that sp is pretty large....

[Adso]

I heard bad things about the SP4 update - wrecked a guys max machine to the point that it was a complete rebuild case.

Having personally lost two machines to SP3, on my current build I've got SP2 and I'll be sticking to it. No SP4 for me! :thumbsdow

[elvis]

i've found SP4 has increased overall responsiveness and shortened boot and shutdown times on the 50+ machines i've installed it on.

it also fixes over 650 bugs and security vulnerabilities from SP3. not running it is simply idiocy. documented security flaws are the first ones people will attempt on a system.

i wouldn't ever recommend installing SP4 in the middle of a large project. general rules apply: install all service packs only when you haev a lot of spare time on your hands, and ensure you have backed up all of your data before the install. always assume the worst and prepare for it, and you'll survive anything.

[Adso]

not running it is simply idiocy

Well as always with these things, YMMV. Keeping my SP2 machine disconnected from the internet and network certainly avoids a ton of problems and security issues (as well as protecting me from the 650 bugs and security vulnerabilities of SP3 :) )

[elvis]

and how many machines in a typical office are not connected to the network or internet?

in a project office, a machine not on a network is a doorstop. when more than one user is working on a project, collaboration is what makes the project work, and connected computers make that collaboration easier.

a small office or home office is different of course. but again i'd recommend anyone using a windows PC to always stay up to date with their security. that includes service packs and patches, as well as firewalls and virus definitions and updates. spending a few minutes a week on your security is less pain then spending a few hours/days when something happens and you lose all your information.

[Bluplet]

I've installed sp4 without a hitch on the two computers in my house. No problems whatsoever.

[heavyness]

guess it needed some time to warm up, but sp4 seems fine now. sorry to start a scare...

[Adso]

e-mail received from Discreet this afternoon
===============================

Attention All 3ds max Customers,

We have identified and confirmed that installing the Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 causes the corruption of .max files. All 3ds max (.max) files saved with Windows 2000 SP4 installed will no longer load in 3ds max on systems with Windows 2000 SP2 or SP3 installed. Our Engineering Team has narrowed in on the problem and is working with Microsoft to resolve the situation. In the interim it is strongly advised that all 3ds max users do not install the Windows 2000 Service Pack 4. If Windows 2000 SP 4 has already been installed it is suggested that customers revert back to SP2 to create usable (.max) file content. This affects all 3ds max files created in versions 3 through 5.1

3ds max files created while Windows 2000 SP4 is installed can be retrieved through either of two workarounds:

Option 1
(Please be aware that some data will still be lost in this workaround.)
Revert Windows 2000 SP 4 Systems back to SP3 or earlier
Use "File Merge" to retrieve data from corrupted .max files created under Windows 2000 SP4 and resave.
Note: If you have Render Effects or Atmospherics in your max file, use the Merge button in the respective dialogs.

Option 2
Open corrupted .max files created under Windows 2000 SP4 in Windows XP and resave.
Revert all systems back to Windows 2000 SP3 or previous.

Bear in mind that 3ds max 5.1 is officially supported for Windows 2000 SP2, so for optimum stability revert to this operating system platform to use 3ds max 5.

Thank you for patience and assistance in getting this problem resolved.

================================

Apparently Viz users are screwed too. SP4 kills it.

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