Microsoft Releases Windows 2000 SP4
• June 26, 2003 •
Microsoft has finalized Service Pack 4 (SP4) for Windows 2000, just a little under 12 months after Service Pack 3 was released.
SP4 contains a list of some 675 bug fixes and security enhancements. You can see the full list in Microsoft Knowledge Base article 327194. Service packs are cumulative. This means that the bugs that are fixed in a service pack are also fixed in later service packs. For example, Windows 2000 SP4 contains all the fixes that are included in Windows 2000 Service Pack 1, Service Pack 2, and Service Pack 3. You do not have to install an earlier service pack before you install Windows 2000 SP4.
The Readme file provides installation instructions & and other information, while the Release Notes provide most up-to-date information on Windows 2000 SP4 release notes and known issues. Ther's also a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Another document which could be particularly useful for system administrators it the Installation and Deployment Guide. The guide provides instructions for administrators installing hotfixes for Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server, and Windows 2000 with Server Appliance Kit. This guide includes technical details, procedures, and recommendations for successfully installing Windows 2000 hotfixes on multiple computers in a small business or corporate environment.
Other helpfull tools Microsoft provided:
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Windows 2000 SP4 Deployment Tools
Download the latest deployment tools for help installing Windows 2000 on multiple computers. This file contains updates to the deployment tools and documentation. -
Windows 2000 SP4 Support Tools
Download the latest support tools to help support personnel and network administrators better manage their networks and troubleshoot problems. -
Hotfix Deployment Guide
Read this guide that provides instructions for administrators installing hotfixes on multiple computers in a small business or corporate environment. You can install hotfixes either alone or in combination with Windows 2000 (with or without a service pack).
There are two ways to get Windows 2000 SP4. You can download it directly from Microsoft, or you can order the Windows 2000 SP4 CD (USA/CAN only). International customers can obtain the CD through their local Microsoft subsidiary.
SP4 is available as an Express or Network Installation. The Express installation detects your system components and installs only those updates that are necessary for your computer. For example, files for Windows 2000 Professional will not be installed if your computer is running Windows 2000 Server. This method is recommended for customers who want to reduce their download time. This is for single computer installation only. If you want to install on more then one machine, choose the Network Installation.
The Network installation includes all of the Windows 2000 SP4 files needed for installation on Windows 2000 Professional, Server, or Advanced Server. This is an ideal download mechanism for IT professionals who require a downloadable copy of Windows 2000 SP4 that they can use for network deployment.
According to Microsoft, Windows 2000 SP4 requires between 105 - 340 MB disk space for Windows 2000 Professional, and between 105 - 410 MB for Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Advanced Server.
Note: If you have not installed a previous Windows 2000 Service Pack, you only need to install Windows 2000 SP4 to get all of the Windows 2000 updates. If you have installed a previous Windows 2000 Service Pack, Microsoft recommends that you install Windows 2000 SP4 without uninstalling the previous service pack.