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Installing XP with open Internet connection

Is it safe to install Windows XP while your ADSL-modem is on?

I have heard that with some Windows-versions you might get infected with viruses immediatly when installing windows while your Internet connection is open. Is this true and is it the same with Widows XP?

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luv2smile

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luv2smile

You may also think about slipstreaming xp with atleast SP2 so you atleast start with an install that is up to date to SP2 or beyond (here are of course lots of patches since SP2)

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_sp2_slipstream.asp

Aland Coons

No, it is not ever safe. Computing on the internet without a firewall is like un-protected sex. You will eventually get infected with something aweful.

I never build a new system while connected to broadband Internet. Nor will I provide software warranty support for any machine connected without a firewall. If you need access to install patches get a NAT firewall (broadband router) then install your software firewall ASAP.

You can also download your patches and updates from windows update catalog and save them on disk so they can be installed before restoring your network connections (or slipstreamed into your install as described above).

r-k

In general it is not safe. However, I have found the following to be quite safe in practice:

(1) Install Win/XP while offline.
(2) Enable the firewall (the one included with XP is fine)
(3) Connect to the network and get remaining updates.

HTH

gidds99

r-k's advice is the correct way to do it.

As for an unpatched system - they can be infected within minutes.

pakkoh

ASKER

Thank you all for your advice!

regards