Thanks to Ditto who has notify me that Microsoft has released interim build of Windows XP SP1 which contains significant improvements since the last build.

We are pleased to announce the availability of Windows XP Service Pack 2 Interim Build 2142. This build contains significant improvements since the last released builds, 2120, and RC1.

We are looking for serious issues. Please concentrate on filing issues related to security, stability, deployability and regressions from SP1 and Windows XP. Please refrain from filing bug reports on issues other than these for this build. We are working hard to hit our RC2 milestone and the feedback we receive from you will help us confirm we're on track.

Important Installation
Note: We recommend that you use Control Panel --> Add Remove Programs to uninstall any previous builds of Windows XP Service Pack 2 before installing Build 2142.

Installation Information Collection
After installation you will be prompted to send installation data to us. We would appreciate very much if you would click "Send" on this dialog. The information we collect will allow us to better ascertain the kind of installation coverage we're getting when a build is released. This helps us determine if we have the right mix of Home and Pro, Update vs Slipstream, etc during the beta. If you are concerned about the information we send you can view the list at http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/filecollector. The data we collect is completely anonymous.

Bugs, Problem Reports & Support
We prefer that you download and install the Microsoft Beta Client for bug reporting. Doing so assures that proper system configuration data is gathered and uploaded with your bug report. This speeds processing time and makes it more likely that your issue can be understood and fixed. Please visit http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/IssueReports/default.aspx to download and install the MBC. It's important to note that the earlier a bug is filed, the more likely it will be fixed. Please don't delay filing issues that you encounter. You are encouraged to discuss these and other issues in the private beta newsgroups. See http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/support/default.aspx for details on accessing the newsgroups.

Known Issues
Build 2142 is not considered Beta quality and as such it does contain some issues we expect some people will enounter during usage.

1. Media files that are encoded with the DIVX codec will fail to play. If you open an explorer window in a directory that contains these files, explorer may fail. Viewing web pages with DIVX encoded files embedded in them may cause Internet Explorer to fail.
2. Microsoft Commerce Server may not work correctly on build 2142.
3. WinDVD may fail to start correctly.

Install Survey
Please visit http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/survey/installsurvey.aspx and complete an installation survey as soon as you can. This data is important for us to track and we rely on our beta sites to help us out by telling us about their install experience. This is something you only have to do once per build and it doesn't take too long, please help us out here.

Availability The build is available for download immediately at http://windowsbeta.microsoft.com/download/dl3.asp.

2142 will be available as Update (xpsp2.exe) and Web Express installs ONLY. No slipstream (integrated) versions are planned at this time. This build will not be made available on CD media.

Specifically, the following will be available for 2142:

1. Web express (English, then German & Japanese to follow)
2. Update (English, then German & Japanese to follow)

Tablet PC Support Updating Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is supported. Applying the service pack will update Windows XP Tablet PC Edition to 'Lonestar' .

Support for Media Center Edition Updating Windows XP Media Center Edition is supported

Thank you for you your help in making SP2 the most secure Windows ever.

The Microsoft Windows Product Team

	source: Ditto | posted by: Mike | time: 15:42:00 EST Jun. 3 2004

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