Windows 2000 Service Pack 2

	On this page Introduction SP2 Encryption Get SP2 Now Learn More: find links to additional information and related downloads

Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 (SP2) provides the latest updates to the Windows 2000 family of operating systems. These updates are a collection of fixes in the following areas: application compatibility, operating system reliability, security, and setup. Windows 2000 SP2 includes the updates contained in Windows 2000 Service Pack 1 (SP1). Windows 2000 SP2 is not considered a required upgrade. To determine whether to install Windows 2000 SP2, Microsoft recommends that customers review the Windows 2000 SP2 documentation found under Learn More.

Windows 2000 SP2 Encryption

Windows 2000 SP2 automatically upgrades your system to 128-bit encryption. It is not possible to disable or uninstall this feature. If you remove Windows 2000 SP2 after installation, your system will continue to use 128-bit encryption; it will not revert to back to 56-bit encryption.

Windows 2000 SP2 adds high encryption support for all Windows 2000 encryption-based services, including Kerberos, Encrypting File System, RAS, RPC, SSL/TLS, CryptoAPI, Terminal Services RDP, and IPSec. High encryption support improves the security of local data and online transactions, as well as any other content you share over networks or the Internet.

For more information on 128-bit encryption, please read the High Encryption Market Bulletin.

Important Windows 2000 SP2 is eligible for export from the United States to all customers worldwide, except to U.S.-embargoed destinations. Other countries may exercise separate jurisdiction over the import, export, or use of encryption products. Users who install Windows 2000 SP2 should observe any local regulations that may apply to the distribution or use of encryption products. Details on exporting Microsoft products are available at http://www.microsoft.com/exporting/

Get Windows 2000 SP2 Now

There are two ways to get Windows 2000 SP2. You can download it directly from this Web site, or you can order the Windows 2000 SP2 CD.

Download Windows 2000 SP2

Order Service Pack 2 on CD

Customers in the United States and Canada can order the CD from this Web site. International customers can obtain the CD through their local Microsoft subsidiary.

Learn More

• System Requirements
  Review the system requirements for Windows 2000 SP2.
• Readme File
  See the Readme file for documentation about Windows 2000 SP2, including installation instructions and pointers to related information.
• Release Notes Article
  See the Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) Article for the most up-to-date information on Windows 2000 SP2 release notes and known issues.
• List of Updates
  View the list of updates included in Windows 2000 SP2.
• Installation and Deployment Guide 
  View the Windows 2000 Service Pack Installation and Deployment Guide for guidelines and instructions for installing Windows 2000 SP2, including: technical details, procedures, and recommendations for successfully installing the Service Pack on multiple computers in a small business or corporate environment.
• Deployment Tools
  System Administrators: Download the Windows 2000 Resource Kit Deployment Tools (deploy.cab) for assistance in installing Windows 2000 on multiple computers. This file contains updates to the deployment tools and documentation.
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  Get answers to common questions about Windows 2000 SP2.
• Security Updates
  Visit Microsoft's Security Advisor Web site for the latest security bulletins.
• Market Bulletin
  Read the market bulletin for Windows 2000 SP2.
• Customer Support Diagnostics Update
  System Administrators: Download the Windows 2000 SP2 Customer Support Diagnostics Update to update your symbols for diagnosing Windows 2000 system problems.
• Support Tools
  Download the Windows 2000 Support Tools (support.cab) to help support personnel and network administrators better manage their networks and troubleshoot problems.
• Checked Build
  System administrators: the Windows 2000 SP2 Checked Build is a separate version of Windows 2000 SP2, and should not be installed in addition to the Windows 2000 SP2 Web download or the Windows 2000 SP2 CD. The Checked Build is a set of files that include debugging information to provide administrators with program functioning details. The Checked Build files are not required for proper operation of your computer.