I really like the new XPSP2, especially on my Tablet.  However, there are more than a few problems on my desktop machine. No, not stability or security problems, but application compatibility.

All of my problems are a result of the new support for the "Non-Executable" memory protection that some processors (such as my amd 64) offer (The support in XP is called “Data Execution Prevention“ or DEP) This feature ensures that programs don't try to run data segments as code (stopping lots of types of common virus and worm attacks).   The problem is, there are many applications that use data segments to construct executable code.

For example - SpamBayes plugged into outlook.   When DEP is on, Outlook fails to start.  I had errors in DOOM3 (perhaps becaus of the scripting they use?)  CVSWeb (Python seems to be a theme),  And a couple more.

The solution isn't to turn DEP off. It's to find the exclusions that work.  I'm very, very tempted to just turn DEP off and forget about it.  But I've convinced myself to try and work with it, using the exclusions.   The data I save may just be my own.