This probably doesn't add much to what has already been said other than this is what some of the representatives of the controllers I use have said about XP SP2 and their controllers. I also include some links that may be useful if you do install SP2. I realize these recommendations run contrary to the experiences of Borte and Marksji.
ROCKWELL/ALLEN-BRADLEY
Our AB distributor recommended that we not install Windows XP Service Pack 2 - yet. He said that all distributed and networked applications will not function properly because of Microsoft's new security features, new DCOM system defaults, and changes that enable the Windows Firewall by default. He added this is not limited to Rockwell products.
He said in the Fall of 2004, Rockwell will provide a utility that configures settings so applications will function properly with the firewall enabled.
He included a letter from Rockwell Automation that advises against the XP SP2 installation. This letter specifies any distributed applications such as RSLinx, RSView, RSBatch, and RSMACC, and the Factory Talk Automation Platform. It also said the Rockwell Software Fall release will support XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003.
There is a release note that recommends running Rockwell's Windows Firewall Configuration Utility. The utility is supposedly at
Rockwell Knowledgebase and is Tech Note A86058399, but I couldn't find it at the Rockwell site. I did find these Tech Notes (A79346072 and G79662951) that explain manually configuring the firewall.
SIEMENS
Our Siemens representative also recommended not upgrading to SP2 - unless it's absolutely critical. He said that Siemens software does not support XP SP2, but the next release will. If it is critical, Siemens suggests referencing the OPC Foundation's recommendations.
OPC FOUNDATION
This link
OPC over DCOM for XPSP2 takes you to page where you can download a white paper that describes the configuration necessary for OPC over DCOM to work with XP SP2.
Mitsubishi
Our Mitsubishi distributor didn't know anything about this, but was asking the ASG group at Mitsubishi.
Other
I have also asked the manufacturers of other controls that we use and they recommend against the upgrade because of the affect it has on OPC.