XP SP2 (Microsoft attacking p2p or internet hoax?)

CthulhuXX · Post by **CthulhuXX** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 3:32 am

Subject is popping up on some other forums i frequent. Noone has a solution or even a definitive answer as to what the problem is.

Basically, after you install service pack 2, whatever p2p programs you use show a serious decrease in performance. On my own (edonkey/overnet) i've seen a >80% decrease in download speed. A lot of supposed connections that do nothing. 0.0 download speeds showing, etc.

Here's one attempt at an explanation i found:

"- A TCP connection is established by a three way handshake.
Until the handshake is completed the connection stays 'halfopen'. when the other side doesn't answer it will be closed after a time out. The change in SP2 is the number of allowed 'halfopen' connections. The limit is 10. When the limit is reached the computer have to wait until a 'halfopen' connection times out before he can try to open a new TCP connection. This might interfere with P2P programs that may open a lot of connection that fails the three way handshake. e.g. connecting a source that has gone offline."

He went on to say that even with the firewall disabled, the problem persists.

A number of people are posting patches to fix the problem. I tried one and it had some nasty results. Effectively blocking my internet connection altogether until i uninstalled it.

So is it coincidence, hoax, or a clever scheme by Microsoft to strike at p2p?

TonyT · Post by **TonyT** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 6:17 am

So is it coincidence, hoax, or a clever scheme by Microsoft to strike at p2p?

Stands to reason that people will try to blame MS for something like this. Why om earth would MS be interested in "striking at P2P"? They have nothing to gain by doing that. MS does 2 things:
1. They make software with the intent of making money.
2. They fix their own software to kepp the money.

If there ios no money to be made then MS does not get involved with social issues.

Sid · Post by **Sid** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 11:35 am

Doubtful that MS has done anything to sp2 to prevent file sharing. Most problems that occur with sp2 are from pure misconfiguration.

earthmofo · Post by **earthmofo** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 4:15 pm

I agree. Also it would seem that the AFD settings for the TCP/IP connection plays a more important role in SP2. If one has a setting other than default for DefaultReceiveWindow in AFD then the Speed Guide TCP Analizer reports that value as the RWIN value. Haven't found anything on why as of yet as there is still no information from Microsoft on the TCP/IP implementation of SP2

Shinobi · Post by **Shinobi** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 4:49 pm

If the rumor is true.. then M$ put a lot of time into XP sp_2 for nothing...

Seeing how p2p software is now so called "offically legal" .

http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,64640,00.html

My 2 Cents,
Shinobi

TrevGlas · Post by **TrevGlas** » Tue Aug 31, 2004 6:52 pm

All my p2p runs exactly the same.

Trev

Addict · Post by **Addict** » Wed Sep 01, 2004 11:56 am

No issues with p2p here. Hoax.

Baine · Post by **Baine** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 9:49 am

I tried SP2, and there was no prob with p2p type stuff - but my god it messed my computer up - I suddenly started finding that things were running really slow - just playing Spider Solitaire resulted in the system slowing to a grinding stand still (almost) - I tried working out what was doing it, and have just reformatted - everything's now working wonderfully - everything's the same now except having SP2.
One question though, is there a way of removing SP2 without having to reformat? Other places that I've had a look at all seem to think it's the only way - this will be a challenge to you guys (hopefully)

Epyon · Post by **Epyon** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 6:46 pm

I'm no guru here by any means, but I recall when you first install a SP it asks you if you want to make an archive of your old files in case you wish to roll them back.

If you didn't select that option at the time of installation I think you're screwed.