Should I update to SP3?

[Paradoxdb3]

I am currently running XP Pro SP2. I have some customizations on my machine
which add a transparent recycle bin on the desktop (like Vista's - the
program is called Vista Customization Pack) and a modified uxtheme.exe (I
think that's the name of the file) which allows me to apply 3rd party themes.
If I upgrade to SP3, will some of these modifications be reversed and lost?

 

[JS]

It can't hurt to wait a while, if everything on your PC runs fine then why
take the risk.

However if you have software that allows you to make an image backup
of your hard drive, then create an image backup before you install SP3.
Then install SP3 and test all your applications to see if there are any
problems.

Now if SP3 gives you problems you can always restore your PC back
(using the image file you created) to exactly the way it was before you
installed SP3.

Don't have Image backup software then try:
True Image (it has a 15 day trial version)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
You can use the trial version to make that image backup
when your ready to take the plunge and install SP3



Things you should know about Service Pack 3.
How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en
Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP Service
Pack 3'
Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP SP1
or SP2."

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing Windows XP Service
Pack 3 (SP3)
(For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us

Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/cc164204.aspx

Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Also includes troubleshooting information.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack
3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support
(Via Email, Chat or Phone support)
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Where to download SP3
SP3 file download:
(File is large but will only install components that you PC requires)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

ISO image - used to create install CD:
(You must have CD burning software that can use an ISO as source)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en


SP3 Issues:
Windows XP SP3 Issues and Fixes Continued:
(Note: there is a section of this article devoted to System Restore points,
read it!)
http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2008/...p3-still-not-ready-news-flash-do-not-install/

Error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
"Access is denied" or "Service Pack installation did not complete"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377/en-us

You do not have enough free disk space on %SystemDrive% to install Service
Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949385

You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to Windows
XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a non-Intel-processor-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

From: Jesper Johansson's blog
Does your AMD-based computer boot after installing XP SP3?
(Affects AMD-based computers with OEM images, primarily HP Desktops)
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update,
from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after
you repair a Windows XP installation
(This KB article may also solve SP3 Windows Update will not work problem)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some third-party programs may experience a change in functionality after you
install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947309

Problems occur after installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 or
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 with a Norton 2008 product installed:
Info and Fix:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/norton2008.nsf/docid/2008051623552079

The print operation fails, or partial pages are printed when you try to
print to a Citizen printer or to an Alps printer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;951822

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249/en-us

JS

 

[PD43]

I am currently running XP Pro SP2. I have some customizations on my machine
which add a transparent recycle bin on the desktop (like Vista's - the
program is called Vista Customization Pack) and a modified uxtheme.exe (I
think that's the name of the file) which allows me to apply 3rd party themes.
If I upgrade to SP3, will some of these modifications be reversed and lost?

Who knows?

Back everything up, set a restore point and go for it.

 

[ShadowTek]

Back everything up, set a restore point and go for it.

After installing SP3, I had the endless reboot problem due to INTELPPM
on an AMD CPU. You won't be able to use the restore feature if you end
up with that problem and don't have the knowhow to fix it.

Definitely back everything up.

 

[windmap]

SP3 modifies core system files to enchance system security , Stability and
performance.Installing sp3 after clean install of xp sp1 or higher is always
recommended.Third party customizations to core system files should be
removed before installing the sp3.dont forget to disable Antivirus/Spyware
program before installing the sp3

 

[joe average]

Now if SP3 gives you problems you can always restore your PC back
(using the image file you created) to exactly the way it was before you
installed SP3.

Don't have Image backup software then try:
True Image (it has a 15 day trial version)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
You can use the trial version to make that image backup
when your ready to take the plunge and install SP3

or, better still, have acronis for free, forever..... go here::::::

http://www.acronis.co.uk/mag/pcpro/ati8pe

evry now n' then, one comes across a nice company that gives stuff for free,,,, (mind you,, unless
this link is given, like now, you'd have a bloody hard time finding it,,,, its like one of
those 'give-aways' that companies like to be known for, yet at the same time dont want ppl to really
know about it,,,, capiche.)
ciao

 

[Tom [Pepper] Willett]

:
: or, better still, have acronis for free, forever..... go here::::::
:
: http://www.acronis.co.uk/mag/pcpro/ati8pe
:
It's Acronis TI Home V8...and the current version is 11 ;-)

 

[Phisherman]

I am currently running XP Pro SP2. I have some customizations on my machine
which add a transparent recycle bin on the desktop (like Vista's - the
program is called Vista Customization Pack) and a modified uxtheme.exe (I
think that's the name of the file) which allows me to apply 3rd party themes.
If I upgrade to SP3, will some of these modifications be reversed and lost?

Good question. I applied SP3 and it stated my license was invalid and
gave me 30 days to correct it. As it turned out, it was easy to
authenticate over the Internet but if I had known there would be
problems I would not have applied SP3. I hear about problems with AMD
processors. Above all, do a complete backup before the SP3 install
because it may change critical system files and hose your system. Like
many others, I too got burned trusting Microsoft.

 

[Gord Dibben]

What's this "burned" crapola?

My update from XP Pro with SP2 to SP3 was seamless and so far problem-free.

Updated couple weeks ago.

IMO a well-maintained computer will have no issues with the SP3 update.


Gord

 

[Paradoxdb3]

Thanks everyone! I have decided to leave well enough alone. SP2 has done me
well, so I won't touch it. Hey, some people are still using Windows 98 and
things couldn't be better!

 

[JS]

Do you still use Paradox?

JS (pa..dox)

Thanks everyone! I have decided to leave well enough alone. SP2 has done
me
well, so I won't touch it. Hey, some people are still using Windows 98
and
things couldn't be better!

 

[Paradoxdb3]

What do you mean? Do you mean, do I still use Windows 98? Not anymore. But
I still think it was a good version of Windows. One of the best!

 

[Plato]

I am currently running XP Pro SP2. I have some customizations on my machine
which add a transparent recycle bin on the desktop (like Vista's - the
program is called Vista Customization Pack) and a modified uxtheme.exe (I
think that's the name of the file) which allows me to apply 3rd party themes.
If I upgrade to SP3, will some of these modifications be reversed and lost?

Do you want to fix what aint broke?

 

[JS]

Paradox was a database (db) in the early 90's, and there was a version 3.
Paradox+db+3

JS

 

[Homer J. Simpson]

I am currently running XP Pro SP2. I have some customizations on my

Do you want to fix what aint broke?

If it ain't broke, what are the 100+ MB worth of updates after installing XP
SP2 for?

 

[Unknown]

If it isn't broke, can it be made better?

Do you want to fix what aint broke?

 

[Plato]

If it ain't broke, what are the 100+ MB worth of updates after installing XP
SP2 for?

Beats me. I'm using and posting with win98SE and never did a single
update.