XP SP2 (Microsoft attacking p2p or internet hoax?)
Posted: 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?
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?
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.