XP Service Pack 2 kills over 40 programs

Microsoft has published the details of more than 40 programs that have conflicts with the newly released Windows XP SP2.

The list includes several widely used Microsoft products including SQL, Visual Studio .Net and SMS 2003 Server.

The list can be found under the heading 'Some programs that seem to stop working when you install Windows XP Service Pack 2' on Microsoft's website. Unfortunately for a security-focused offering, XP SP2 also created problems with Symantec's Antivirus Corporate Edition 8.0, MacAfee's NetShield 4.5 and CA's eTrust 7.0.

Some games that run on XP also come to grief following the installation of the service pack, including Scrabble 3.0 and two versions of Unreal Tournament. Microsoft doesn't give hints on how to resolve the conflict with the games but points users in the direction of the original vendor, with the instructions "see the documentation".

For its own offerings, however, the software behemoth is more helpful.

As Redmond highlights itself, the programs just "appear" to stop working and can be coaxed back into life if you follow the instructions given for each individual program on the Microsoft website. The conflicts mainly stem from the SP2 tendency to shut certain ports or block 'unsolicited connections' - often a sign of malware, spyware or other unwanted visitors.

There is one notable exception, however. Microsoft's CRM product won't work with a SP2-equipped machine, full stop. Gates and co have already issued a fix for the incompatibility.

It's just such incompatibilities that have prompted IBM to advise its staff to not install the service pack for fear it might conflict with business-critical applications.

silicon.com's CIO Jury also said they wouldn't be installing SP2 as a priority.

A complete list of the programs that conflict with XP SP2 and how to resolve the problems can be found on Microsoft's website, here.