Several posts in this forum seem to have a common theme: problems with spyware after installing Service Pack 2 (SP2). Though Microsoft's new security update package is mainly about protecting systems from worms, viruses and spyware, it can't do much about what's already on these computers – and that's what's causing problems.

Microsoft is warning users of Windows XP to check for spyware before downloading SP2.

Barry Goff, a group product manager at Microsoft, said some spyware could cause computers to freeze up upon installation of the update.

Programs such as AdAware and Spybot can help remove spyware, and it would also be a good idea to run hijackthis and post a log in the security forum for review before downloading SP2 (sorry about creating more work for the HJT techs ).

Microsoft recommends that users clean their PCs of spyware and back up their data before turning on the auto update feature that automatically downloads SP2, or downloading it manually.