I've removed my mirror to the SP4 Readme file since it's so prevalent now. If you can't see it at Microsoft's FTP site (where I'm linking) due to busy server, try one of the other Download Sites
SP4 GOTCHA!
SoundBlaster Live!
The worst incompatibility with SP4 I've heard about so far is regarding the SoundBlaster Live! drivers: if you install SP4 on a system with SBLive!, you'll hang on reboot (at the logon screen), and have to repair your installation with a spare installation of NT (by entirely removing the SBLive! drivers manually)! This is not surprising to some, who have had problems with the SBLive! NT drivers from day one.
SP4 GOTCHAs!
Others
Furthermore, some users are reporting that they have to update their Arcada (Seagate) tape drivers after applying SP4.
32MB vs 76MB Downloads of SP4
The 32MB download doesn't include the latest Internet Explorer (accounts for ~27MB alone), nor the Y2K test and fixes (including but not limited to the Y2K-compliant version of "MDAC", or "Microsoft Data Access Components": the common failpoint for the Y2K test after installing the 32MB version of SP4).
However, even the 76 MB download doesn't get you some of the features you'd find in sub-folders the CD, most notably the Security Configuration Manager.
40-bit VS 128-bit
Some people were confused (self included!) that the 128-bit version of SP4 wasn't where the links pointed. And furthermore, those that had 128-bit installations were "downgraded" to 40-bit after applying the 40-bit SP4 (duh! - that's in the readme); but were further disappointed that re-installing the 128-bit version of IE4 didn't re-upgrade them.
I was surprised (happily) when one user reported that installing Outlook 98 over SP4/40-bit returned his system to 128-bit.
How Can I Tell If I Have a 40- or 128-bit Installation?
Right-click on schannel.dll in system32 and check the file version. If it says "Export version", it's 40 bit. If it says "U.S. domestic", it's 128 bit.
Where Can I Download SP4?
support.microsoft.com /support /ntserver /content /servicepacks is the main site for SP4 information and downloading. Links from that site include:
And of course, the Where Can I Get the Latest Service Pack option, which takes you through a license agreement page, then finally to the actual Download Service Pack page, where you can opt to download either the 40-bit or 128-bit versions of SP4, for either Alpha or Intel platforms, in the following configurations:
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