Do I need any updates with XP Pro?

[C#Dave]

I've always loaded SP-1 (From the Microsoft CD) and left everything else alone.
I don't use the recording drive on line, EVER, so why would I need any updates at all?

A friend of mine has the same rig I do:
Cubase SX
Intel machine. (He has a 2.4b w/1 GB of ram, I use a 2.8C w/1 GB ram dual-channel)
Dual monitor video cards
Echo Layla, (my friend) and I use the Gina

He doesn't load ANY updates on his. He just installs XP Pro, does all the "tricks" to get rid of unneeded services, then installs the sound and video drivers, then programs. (Cubase and vsts etc)

I see where a lot of folks say to get all the updates, including SP-2 and such, but I can only assume they use their PC's for on-line use also.

Any thoughts? Are there updates that pertain to the stability of the recording programs that I'm not aware of?

Thanks Guys!!!

Dave :smile:

[Keith]

The critical updates are needed for security and HW apps.
I have SP1 and have not upgraded to SP2 and my comp works fine.
Depending on the HW you have,the updates will install the newest drivers for it.That can make your HW work better,and in some cases worse.
If you have the SP1 installed,and all is well,leave it the way it is,but make sure you get the critical updates.

[C#Dave]

The critical updates are needed for security and HW apps.
I have SP1 and have not upgraded to SP2 and my comp works fine.
Depending on the HW you have,the updates will install the newest drivers for it.That can make your HW work better,and in some cases worse.
If you have the SP1 installed,and all is well,leave it the way it is,but make sure you get the critical updates.

Thanks for the reply!

From what I understand, the updates, with the exception of SP-1, all have to do with security. About all the benefits I can see about SP-1 is the activation of USB2. SP-1 is what "triggers" the USB2 capability with Intel chipsets. (There is a way to go around that, but I wont go into all that here) But I don't really need SP-1 as far as I can tell. I have no problems reloading the OS and programs, as I have all my music files on a slave drive anyway.

The critical updates, as far as I can tell, all have to do with security, nothing to do with Sound stability, capability, or "Issues" with Cubase or any of the related soft or hardware for recording. If I'm wrong, please fill me in, but I haven't seen anything that indicates that there are updates that "fix" anything concerning recording.

I do notice that SP-1 uses a lot more memory than "Plain Jane" XP-Pro, as was the case with Windows 2000 Pro, and it increases boot time significantly.

My friend has had no issues with his install, but neither have I, with the exception of being a "memory" freak, always looking for ways to streamline my OS's. I went through a 4 yr Overclocking Stage that made me pinch a little here and there for bigger "Numbers" :) Well, come to think of it, I don't run ANYTHING stock, but I don't push them nearly as hard as I used to.

As far as drivers, I use the latest drivers available for all components. Not real "Big" on WDM drivers, unless they do outperform factory updated drivers. As is the case with my Asus 4200ti video card. I use the Sept '03 Nvida drivers with this card. The WDM drivers for my Matrox 450 work better (IMHO) than the factory versions. (The drivers installed with the XP disk, purchased Nov '02)

So, am I missing anything? If there is an update that deals with stability or "known issues", I would really appreciate the info!!!

As I stated before, the music drive NEVER goes on line, except for the one moment to activate XP, then I disconnect the drive from the internet with Device Manager, then in the bios.

Thanks! :)

Dave

[wilk]

If your going to install SP2 make sure you do it right after you install XP. I have SP2 with no problems.