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Windows XP Service Pack 2 - Security Information for Developers

  • Article

With Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), Microsoft is introducing a set of security technologies that will help improve Windows XP-based computers' ability to withstand malicious attacks from viruses and worms.

These technologies include:

  • Network protection
  • Memory protection
  • Improved email security
  • Safer browsing

Together, these security technologies will help make it more difficult to attack Windows XP, even if the latest patches or updates aren't applied. These security technologies together are particularly useful mitigation against worms and viruses. To developers these technologies will have impacts on the applications that they create and the tools they use. This page contains resources to assist developers in dealing with these impacts.

Downloads

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Available to MSDN Subscribers

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, available through Subscriber Downloads. (MSDN subscribers should use this link.)
Windows XP Service Pack 2

Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, available from the Microsoft Download Center.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 Checked Build
This is the "Checked Build" of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, available from the Microsoft Download Center. Note that this is a special build of Windows XP Service Pack 2 for developers using the program for debugging and testing their applications. Do not install this version on a production machine. It is for test purposes only.
Windows XP SP2 Platform SDK
The Windows XP Service Pack 2 Platform SDK contains the information you need to develop applications for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Articles and White Papers

Windows XP Service Pack 2 Overview White Paper
Windows XP Service Pack 2 addresses new challenges to the security of personal computers by making a number of basic improvements to the operating system. This white paper introduces Windows XP Service Pack 2 and provides an overview of what the service pack provides. (1.5 MB Word Document)
Fine-Tune Your Web Site for Windows XP Service Pack 2
Make your Web site work well with the new security features in Windows XP SP2 that affect ActiveX controls, file downloads, pop-up windows, and more.
How to Enable Remote Debugging on Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows XP Service Pack 2 introduces several security enhancements that increase security in Microsoft Windows. See the steps you need to take in order to enable remote debugging on a Windows XP Service Pack 2 machine.
Changes to Functionality in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
This document specifically focuses on the changes between earlier versions of Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 2 and reflects Microsoft’s early thinking about Service Pack 2 and its implications for developers.