Discussion on:

Windows XP Service Pack 2: How it affects wireless networking

Current firmwares avoid using the range of "weak" WEP keys. In modern hardware, WEP is very difficult and time-consuming to crack.

The issue of WEP is not so much in it's key cipher strength. It is in the way that the packet is created. The MAC layer address is transmitted outside the encrypted portion of the packet. This gives the hacker the first thing he needs. After he has a MAC that the access point will communicate with, it is relatively simple to mount a WEP key attack.

There is also the advent of "Ad Hoc" connectivity where the hacker jumps onto your laptop's wireless device and suddenly has access to all the shares and secure network recources that you have access too.

The only way to secure a wireless network is by using WPA-TKIP with a preshare key. This has never been hacked (Knock on wood).

T.R.P

Even post SP2, WPA-TKIP has some problems.
Namely, when you have 802.1x authentication turned on, XP randomly disconnects your wireless session to re-authenticate even if your Access Point supports online re-authentication.

Since XP re-connects automatically, this is not a problem for people who use some applications. However, stream based apps like SSH and telnet often lose connection during this process.

There is a KB article about this which I am having trouble finding again, but the only solution offered is to turn off 802.1x which makes WPA ineffective.

-JJS

has Pepsi actually initiated firmware or biometrics for thier corporate devices.If so what has been your success so far in maintaining user interface and supporting legacy platforms.We have taken a scorched earth approach towards XP and have not even tried to support legacy applications in our newer network configurations.

I have installed it on two Dell Laptops, I have noticed that activeX controls will not allow me to go to certain sites, even thought I am logged on as the Admin, and if I make any changes, to the security setting, once I try to access IE, and the sites, I get, a message that states the my security settings will not let me use ActiveX controls on this computer, I have checked with several people, and no real help, so off it the service pack went, and now everything runs like is should !!

Your issue seems to be with the Internet Explorer Security settings. In Internet Options, go to the Security tab and set the security level appropriately for the Internet zone (the default is Medium).

If I remember correctly, I had to reset each zone back to their Default Level after installing SP2. Perhaps you needed to do the same. Other than this minor issue, my experience with SP2 has been positive; I've installed it on two desktops and one notebook so far.

I hope this helps!

for what it is worth, I had similar issues. I have norton internet security running (not their firewall) and could not access https sites. realized two things were happening to prevent access. first, windows firewall kept turning on after reboot. I use a firewall on my router -- never use two firewalls!!! Second, disabling Norton IS to access the https site works (then reenable). Norton replied to my issue with an offer to upgrade to 2005 version (but weren't sure it would solve the issue).

Be carefull with Laptops that have 3Com cards. You may have to update the 3Com Driver before you apply the SP. I have had several laptops where the network cards will not connect or will not properly drop the connection when going from one network to the next. There is a MS Article on this.

When I installed SP2 on my computer (HP pavilion) I couldn't even get in My Computer. It starts searching and never stops (with the irritating little lamp going left-rigth). The same in some features in the control pannel. Totally unable to reach, f. ex. the scanner and camera menu. I tried lots of different things but had to re-install. Fun