Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 Issues
Microsoft Corporation has released an update to the Windows XP operating system, called Service Pack 2, which impacts all owners of Windows XP computers. This update has been designed to decrease system vulnerability to the never ending internet attacks. However the update additionally causes a significant number of issues with running web-based programs.
This issue came to light at Milford Hospital, with physicians who access the information systems via the
Milford Hospital Physician Connection (MHPC). After installing the update, the access to the hospitals systems ceased to function. In researching the issue, the MIS Technical Support group has validated that the XP Service Pack 2 has been a major problem for many computer users.
If you have not installed the new Service Pack, MIS recommends that only do so with caution.
Milford Hospital Physician Connection and Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
If you have updated your version of windows, you might encounter issues when attempting to access the
Milford Hospital Physician Connection.
When upgrading your version of windows, there is the potential that you will need to modify some of your security settings that have now been set on your PC by taking the upgrade.
Below is a link from www.microsoft.com that explains the additional security features that will be loaded onto your PC following the upgrade.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed
Hot topics about setting up SP2
New features mean new settings to manage, and new security-related settings mean default settings that
you'll want to know about. Read answers to the most commonly asked questions about setting up programs and services with SP2.
Understanding Windows Firewall: Introduction
Windows Firewall, previously known as Internet Connection Firewall or ICF, is a protective boundary that monitors and restricts information that travels between your computer and a network or the Internet. This provides a line of defense against someone who might try to access your computer from outside the Windows Firewall without your permission.
Block Pop-up Windows with Internet Explorer
Many legitimate advertisers on the Internet use windows that pop up in the middle of your screen to display a message. They might also open when you click a link or button on a Web site, and they might open either over or under the window you wish to view. Some pop-ups are helpful. For example, if you click an image to see a larger version, it might open in a pop-up window. Unfortunately, some pop-up windows can contain inappropriate content or can be a way for you to accidentally download dangerous software (called spyware or adware) onto your computer.
Manage Your Computer's Security Settings in One
Place: Introduction
SP2 contains a collection of new technologies designed to help keep your PC and your personal information more secure. SP2 also makes it easier to monitor these settings with the new Windows Security Center, available through the Control Panel.
Milford Hospital Physician Connection and Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
If this is your first time trying to load the Milford Hospital Physician Connection onto your PC, and you are not having success, please try the following.
http://support.citrix.com/kb/entry!default.jspa?categoryID=254&entryID=4914&fromSearchPage=true
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;884020
Firewalls: There are two options
Symptom
The remote Access Management Console installed on Windows XP Service Pack 2, does not connect to computers in a server farm running MetaFrame Secure Access Manager.
Cause
Windows XP Service Pack 2 enables the Internet connection firewall by default on installation.
1. Turn off your firewall.
Click on the Start button on your computer.
Next select your Control Panel.
Click on the Security Center icon, it looks like a shield.
Once your Security Center window pops up, you will be able to shut off the Firewall here.
Click Ok, or Apply to close.
2. Reconfigure your firewall to allow Citrix Ports.
How to configure the Internet connection firewall to allow port 135
Access your Security Center, and click on your Firewall settings.
Click on the General Tab.
Next, select Exceptions.
Add the Port exception 135.
Click Ok or Apply to close.
Pop-ups
Turn off Pop-Up blocker, or add web.milhosp.org as an address of websites to allow.
You can access your Internet Options either from your web browser or from your Control Panel.
To get there from your web browser, click on Tools, then highlight Internet Options.
From your Control Panel, there is an Internet Options icon there to click on.
Once you have your Internet Options window open, click on the Security tab.
In the middle of that screen click, you will see Security Level for this Zone, click on Custom Level.
Scroll down until you see Pop-Up Blocker, turn it Off.
Security Settings
Symptom
The Secure Gateway Client fails to download on clients using Windows XP Service Pack 2.
Cause
Windows XP Service Pack 2 blocks downloads of Active-X controls in the Internet site zone by default and prompts the user first. When using Secure Gateways LogonAgent page to log on, the pages redirect too quickly and the prompt disappears before the user can respond.
Resolution
Add the fully qualified domain name of the Secure Gateway site to the Trusted site zone in Internet Explorer.
Check your security settings. Enable all ActiveX controls that are marked as safe.
From Internet explorer, click on Tools, then highlight and click on Internet Options.
Click on the security tab, which is the second from the left.
Click on Custom Level.
Select the following settings for ActiveX Controls and plug-ins
- Download signed ActiveX Controls: Prompt
- Download unsigned ActiveX Controls: Disable
- Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe: Disable
- Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Enable
- Script ActiveX controls marked as safe for scripting: Enable
For further information regarding what ActiveX controls are, please see www.microsoft.com.
A brief description of the what an ActiveX control is can be found below.
What is an ActiveX Control?
ActiveX controls can make browsing more enjoyable by providing video, animated content, and more. These programs can, however, malfunction or give you content you don't want. In some cases, these programs can be used to collect information from your computer in ways you might not approve of, possibly damage data on your computer, install software on your computer without your consent, or allow someone else to control your computer remotely. Given these risks, you should only install these programs if you completely trust the publisher.
Please ensure that you are running a current, and updated version of virus protection.
Thank-you.
