How good is SP3?

[Sunny]

Traditionally, and per Microsoft's own Technet statement, a hotfix is
something you usually obtain from Microsoft, not Windows Update.
http://blogs.technet.com/hot/archive/2007/12/27/something-about-hotfix.aspx

- Thee Chicago Wolf

From your own reference above:
"To get a hotfix, you may contact your Microsoft contact or get it from
web (Hotfix KB, download center, Windows Update, office Update, Service
Packs , etc)."

 

[Unknown]

Ridiculous. Millions have installed SP3. If your computer is clean you won't
have any problems.

 

[Unknown]

You are absolutely correct. You are NOT an expert. Your advice 'DON'T DO IT'
is absolutely the wrong thing to say.
Your comment SP3 is HORRIBLE comes from someone with no expertise, is
fearful, and would rather complain
than seek help if unsure. Microsoft explained why Device Manager may not
show any devices etc.
Do you expect Microsoft to test their updates with every possible virus
program? That would take years.
I suggest you THINK instead of posting such idiotic scare statements..

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf]

From your own reference above:

"To get a hotfix, you may contact your Microsoft contact or get it from
web (Hotfix KB, download center, Windows Update, office Update, Service
Packs , etc)."

I can read fine and I know what it said before I sent it. Here, allow
me to make it evidently more clear:

Take the recent "Patch Tuesday" KB release, as pushed out via WU:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956803

Notice the statement: "GDR service branches contain only those fixes
that are widely released to address widespread, critical issues. QFE
service branches contain hotfixes in addition to widely released
fixes." GDR (General Deployment Releases) versus QFE (Quick Fix
Engineering).

Now...

Take a look at a Hotfix KB page:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/956588

Notice any difference? The word Hotfix is mentioned only one time in
the GDR patch from KB956803. How about in KB956803? Not only is it
plastered everywhere in the page, it explicitly stated on the top of
the page. This is not the case with KB956803. My contention is that a
HOTFIX is not the same as a general deployment PATCH as obtained via
WU. I don't particularly agree with the mention of Windows Update on
the Hotfix page I pointed you too only for the reason that SOMETIMES a
Hotfix will be tested enough to where it does become a general
deployment patch and available via WU. This is not always the case. If
you carefully examine the patches integrated into SP3, you'll find
HUNDREDS that were Hotfixes (as per KB956588) that never made it to
Windows Update or a General Deployment state. I'm just making the
distinction that a Hotfix is not always a patch or released as GDR.
That's all I'm saying'.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

 

[Ben Stevenson]

I read the post from "mdugan" of 10/20 of all the problems he had and I do
feel worried. Some friends have also told me of problems. What would you
advise?
Thanks