is sp3 safe yet?

[Chris]

while many people have been able to successfully upgrade to sp3, i've seen
more than enough complains and issues created by the pack to make me think
twice before downloading it.

i dont want to lose my files, and i currently dont have a way to back up my
hard drive.

all im looking for is an honest to god yes or no on whether or not i should
go ahead and update to sp3.

so yes or no?

 

[Patrick Keenan]

while many people have been able to successfully upgrade to sp3, i've seen
more than enough complains and issues created by the pack to make me think
twice before downloading it.

You can certainly download it without installing it.

It's probably a better idea to download it, and install it from a local
file, than to use Windows Update.

i dont want to lose my files, and i currently dont have a way to back up
my
hard drive.

If you don't have a way to back up your files and don't want to lose them,
you shouldn't use your PC at all till you resolve that major issue.

all im looking for is an honest to god yes or no on whether or not i
should
go ahead and update to sp3.

so yes or no?

It's never a good idea to use a PC, let alone install a service pack,
without backing it up.

It's very easy to make backups. 500 gig hard disks are under $100 now, and
external drive cases are around $30.

So no, you shouldn't install it if you have no way to back it up.

What you should do is address the backup issue, determine whether you have
an AMD processor, then take the steps to install SP3.

HTH
-pk

 

[Big Al]

while many people have been able to successfully upgrade to sp3, i've seen
more than enough complains and issues created by the pack to make me think
twice before downloading it.

i dont want to lose my files, and i currently dont have a way to back up my
hard drive.

all im looking for is an honest to god yes or no on whether or not i should
go ahead and update to sp3.

so yes or no?

With no backup, no. Spend more time getting a backup first.

 

[Nonny]

while many people have been able to successfully upgrade to sp3, i've seen
more than enough complains and issues created by the pack to make me think
twice before downloading it.

i dont want to lose my files, and i currently dont have a way to back up my
hard drive.

You better think of a way. That's more important than downloading
SP3.

all im looking for is an honest to god yes or no on whether or not i should
go ahead and update to sp3.

so yes or no?

Maybe yes.

Maybe no.

Your choice.

 

[peter]

nothing like a nice definite "maybe"
peter

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Yes!

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.

• US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3

========================================

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

The hard disk space requirements for WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311

Release notes for WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929

====================================

IEBlog: IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx

===================================

<IMHO>
Temporarily disable all real-time protections afforded by your anti-virus
application, any anti-spyware applications, and any third-party firewall
prior to installing SP3. If you disable a third-party firewall, make sure
you then enable the Windows Firewall: The machine should not be connected to
the internet without an active firewall.

NB ZA Free users: Uninstall ZA Free via Add/Remove Programs and enable the
Windows Firewall before installing SP3.

After installing SP3 /and rebooting twice/, check to make sure your
real-time protections have been re-enabled; If you disabled a third-party
firewall, remember to re-enable it and disable the Windows Firewall.
</IMHO>

=================

Continual reboots or can only boot into Safe Mode after installing WinXP
SP3?

See
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
(WinXP SP3)."]

==================================================

About Norton AntiVirus (SymProtect) & installing WinXP SP3
http://windowssecrets.com/2008/05/29/02-Norton-software-conflicts-with-Windows-XP-SP3
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33522

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

while many people have been able to successfully upgrade to sp3, i've seen
more than enough complains and issues created by the pack to make me think
twice before downloading it.

i dont want to lose my files, and i currently dont have a way to back up my
hard drive.

all im looking for is an honest to god yes or no on whether or not i should
go ahead and update to sp3.

If you're reading about "complains and issues" *here*, in the
newsgroups, this where people come with their problems, not with their
successes. You get a very distorted view of what's going on in the
real world here; as someone once said, "hang around a transmission
shop and you will think that all cars have transmission problems."

Most problems, by far, that people report here--whether or not they
are Sp3-related--have nothing to do with defects in the software. They
result from people's ignorance, from bad or inadequate hardware, from
old drivers, from viruses, from spyware, and so on. And except for
very rare situations, they always get a fix for their problems, and in
most cases, that fix is a very simple one to implement.

I have personally seen no SP3-related problems. It works very well.

However, I strongly recommend that before taking any big step, you
back up anything you can't afford to lose. If, as you say, you
"currently dont have a way to back up [your] hard drive," you are in a
very vulnerable situation, regardless of whether or not you install
SP3. Your first priority, far more important than installing a service
pack, should be to institute a program of regular backup.

 

[George]

If you have an AMD Chip, don't put SP3 on.
If you have Norton Anti-Virus, don't put SP3 on.
There are many more reasons not to install SP3 but you need to read about
the the issues and work-arounds.

If you building a computer or have on that has hardly no software installed,
then you stand a better chance of getting it installed without issues.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

while many people have been able to successfully upgrade to sp3,
i've seen more than enough complains and issues created by
the pack to make me think twice before downloading it.

i dont want to lose my files, and i currently dont have a way to
back up my hard drive.

all im looking for is an honest to god yes or no on whether or
not i should go ahead and update to sp3.

so yes or no?

You can certainly download it without installing it.

It's probably a better idea to download it, and install it from a
local file, than to use Windows Update.

If you don't have a way to back up your files and don't want to
lose them, you shouldn't use your PC at all till you resolve that
major issue. It's never a good idea to use a PC, let alone install a
service
pack, without backing it up.

It's very easy to make backups. 500 gig hard disks are under
$100 now, and external drive cases are around $30.

So no, you shouldn't install it if you have no way to back it up.

What you should do is address the backup issue, determine whether
you have an AMD processor, then take the steps to install SP3.

<answers inline from here on>

If you have an AMD Chip, don't put SP3 on.

False.
If you have an AMD chip and think there is a possibility your OEM used an
image made on an Intel chip to 'put' Windows XP onto the system - then you
need to perform a step or two before installing SP3 all because your OEM
messed up things for you.

If you have Norton Anti-Virus, don't put SP3 on.

False.
While some people have better luck installing *anything* with their AV
turned off - on the many I have installed upon so far (60+% with
Norton/Symantec AV - admitrtedly AV *only*) I have not turned off or
uninstalled the AV software nor had any issues by doing this.

There are many more reasons not to install SP3 but you need to read
about the the issues and work-arounds.

There are no _reasons_ not to install SP3. I can show _excuses_ and _things
that need effort put into them_ because something is already wrong with the
system in question - things that Windows XP SP3 would exasperate if
installed without first fixing them - but that is not a reason to stop the
installation of SP3 - that is a reason to fix what is wrong with your
computer.

If you building a computer or have on that has hardly no software
installed, then you stand a better chance of getting it installed
without issues.

No doubt a clean install means the least amount of effort.

For the rest of the world (including the OP) - the answer is, "Yes, you
should put forth the effort to install SP3 on your Windows XP system.
Excuses can be given things can be postponed - but sooner or later - you
likely will be doing it anyway."

Prepare for it - backup your stuff (if you don't have a method of doing this
already - spin the barrel again... click... click... boom! = or you could
start doing what one thing is unique about "risk and computers"...) and read
through the known issues and the things that resolve them. Do those things
*before* installing SP3 and then you can install SP3 with the confidence
that worst case is restoring your system to the state you last backed it up
in. Best case - you have cleaned up and fixed problems that already existed
on your system (you don't have to know you have a blood clot to suddenly
drop dead from one) and gotten the latest service pack for your operating
system installed.

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131


WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
.. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
..
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
.. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
..
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
.. 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
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Good luck!

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>

Personally, I say no, SP3 is not ready for prime time. AFAIC, it's still
in beta.

Whether you want to believe it or not - it is no longer in beta and the
liklihood of any major changes (minor even) happening to the released
version of SP3 for Windows XP is slim to none. The Service Pack 3 has been
released to the public and that's pretty much it.

Many hardware and software issues. However, you
should not lose your files.

I don't know if I agree with "many", but there are known issues out there.
No one should ever lose any of their files - as long as they follow some
good common sense practices.

You might not be able to properly boot
if you have an AMD processor or the wrong BIOS or Norton or many of
the other conflicting applications though.

The AMD thing has been blown out of proprtion. It is not AMD - it is the
OEM that sold the AMD processor based machine with the incorrect image
(install) of Windows XP on it for that processor - or one that was created
on an Intel-based PC. And there are easy work-arounds for that - if done
before the installation of SP3 - remedies it completely. Admittedly - most
end-users won't know that until after the fact - but the work-arounds for
after the fact are not _too bad_.

The "wrong BIOS" thing is a new one on me - what is that?

Norton/Symantec has caused issues with just about everything in existence in
the past 6 years or more. That should not be that big of a surprise to
anyone. heh

SP3 will also change the functionality of a few programs after
installation as well. Compatibility and functionality of many
third party applications is a concern as well.

Honestly - the things SP3 changed (other than the address bar) - most users
will never see. As for compatibility - I actually have heard of very very
few things that worked in SP2 that don't work in SP3. SP2 had many more
software/driver related issues than SP3 is having - exponentially so.

In a nutshell, MS has provided plenty of information about SP3 here
and you can Google for more:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929

If you are adventurous and have a reliable BACKUP I say go for it.
For the over-cautious who don't have the time to be a MS
beta-tester, just say no. Hopefully MS will issue a SP3a to fix
their compatibility issues.

Microsoft has not done that in the past - and to be honest - I see no reason
for them to do it now (before you throw SP1/SP1a out there - you should
research why that happened - it was not a problem with the Service Pack - it
was legalities with Java... ;-) )

For those who really want to install SP3 - they should prepare and do it
right...

Prepare for it - backup your stuff (if you don't have a method of doing this
already - spin the barrel again... click... click... boom! = or you could
start doing what one thing is unique about "risk and computers"...) and read
through the known issues and the things that resolve them. Do those things
*before* installing SP3 and then you can install SP3 with the confidence
that worst case is restoring your system to the state you last backed it up
in. Best case - you have cleaned up and fixed problems that already existed
on your system (you don't have to know you have a blood clot to suddenly
drop dead from one) and gotten the latest service pack for your operating
system installed.

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131


WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
.. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
..
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
.. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
..
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
.. 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
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Good luck!

 

[MAP]

while many people have been able to successfully upgrade to sp3,
i've seen more than enough complains and issues created by
the pack to make me think twice before downloading it.

i dont want to lose my files, and i currently dont have a way to
back up my hard drive.

all im looking for is an honest to god yes or no on whether or
not i should go ahead and update to sp3.

so yes or no?

You can certainly download it without installing it.

It's probably a better idea to download it, and install it from a
local file, than to use Windows Update.

If you don't have a way to back up your files and don't want to
lose them, you shouldn't use your PC at all till you resolve that
major issue. It's never a good idea to use a PC, let alone install a
service
pack, without backing it up.

It's very easy to make backups. 500 gig hard disks are under
$100 now, and external drive cases are around $30.

So no, you shouldn't install it if you have no way to back it up.

What you should do is address the backup issue, determine whether
you have an AMD processor, then take the steps to install SP3.

<answers inline from here on>

If you have an AMD Chip, don't put SP3 on.

False.
If you have an AMD chip and think there is a possibility your OEM
used an image made on an Intel chip to 'put' Windows XP onto the
system - then you need to perform a step or two before installing SP3
all because your OEM messed up things for you.

If you have Norton Anti-Virus, don't put SP3 on.

False.
While some people have better luck installing *anything* with their AV
turned off - on the many I have installed upon so far (60+% with
Norton/Symantec AV - admitrtedly AV *only*) I have not turned off or
uninstalled the AV software nor had any issues by doing this.

There are many more reasons not to install SP3 but you need to read
about the the issues and work-arounds.

There are no _reasons_ not to install SP3. I can show _excuses_ and
_things that need effort put into them_ because something is already
wrong with the system in question - things that Windows XP SP3 would
exasperate if installed without first fixing them - but that is not a
reason to stop the installation of SP3 - that is a reason to fix what
is wrong with your computer.

If you building a computer or have on that has hardly no software
installed, then you stand a better chance of getting it installed
without issues.

No doubt a clean install means the least amount of effort.

For the rest of the world (including the OP) - the answer is, "Yes,
you should put forth the effort to install SP3 on your Windows XP
system. Excuses can be given things can be postponed - but sooner or
later - you likely will be doing it anyway."

Prepare for it - backup your stuff (if you don't have a method of
doing this already - spin the barrel again... click... click... boom!
= or you could start doing what one thing is unique about "risk and
computers"...) and read through the known issues and the things that
resolve them. Do those things *before* installing SP3 and then you
can install SP3 with the confidence that worst case is restoring your
system to the state you last backed it up in. Best case - you have
cleaned up and fixed problems that already existed on your system
(you don't have to know you have a blood clot to suddenly drop dead
from one) and gotten the latest service pack for your operating
system installed.
A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from
Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131


WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version
of Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot
uninstall Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer
7 or a beta version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before
installing Windows XP SP3. If you have already encountered this
issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3, uninstall Internet Explorer, and
then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media
Center Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may
malfunction. To avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you
install Windows XP SP3. If this issue has already occurred,
uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows XP SP2, and then reinstall
Windows XP SP3."
It seems some people are unable to get further updates after
installing SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to
doing a repair installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to
work for them for that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from
Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a
Windows XP installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small
tool that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before
installing [WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
. 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 (Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Good luck!

http://windowssecrets.com/comp/080529
http://windowssecrets.com/comp/080522

 

[JCO]

I agree. I will only add this. Your backup better be an Image type backup
(such as Acronis, Ghost or any other imaging software). Reason is that you
may never be able to boot... at all. My installation hung up. It never
completed. Once that happens, your hosed in a bad way. But I had an image
backup made before I attempted to test out SP3. I was back and running in
30 minutes.

 

[Doug W.]

Not to counter what you say which is accurate in most
circumtances...there are some programs that will not work
properly or fail after XP SP3. Rather than fight it, I just
looked for different software and SCRAPPED half a dozen
long-used programs, I am sure that Microsoft cares less.

Doug W.
--

<snipped>

Personally, I say no, SP3 is not ready for prime time. AFAIC,
it's still in beta.

Whether you want to believe it or not - it is no longer in
beta and the liklihood of any major changes (minor even)
happening to the released version of SP3 for Windows XP is
slim to none. The Service Pack 3 has been released to the
public and that's pretty much it.

Many hardware and software issues. However, you
should not lose your files.

I don't know if I agree with "many", but there are known
issues out there. No one should ever lose any of their files -
as long as they follow some good common sense practices.

You might not be able to properly boot
if you have an AMD processor or the wrong BIOS or Norton or
many of
the other conflicting applications though.

The AMD thing has been blown out of proprtion. It is not
AMD - it is the OEM that sold the AMD processor based machine
with the incorrect image (install) of Windows XP on it for
that processor - or one that was created on an Intel-based PC.
And there are easy work-arounds for that - if done before the
installation of SP3 - remedies it completely. Admittedly -
most end-users won't know that until after the fact - but the
work-arounds for after the fact are not _too bad_.

The "wrong BIOS" thing is a new one on me - what is that?

Norton/Symantec has caused issues with just about everything
in existence in the past 6 years or more. That should not be
that big of a surprise to anyone. heh

SP3 will also change the functionality of a few programs
after
installation as well. Compatibility and functionality of
many
third party applications is a concern as well.

Honestly - the things SP3 changed (other than the address
bar) - most users will never see. As for compatibility - I
actually have heard of very very few things that worked in SP2
that don't work in SP3. SP2 had many more software/driver
related issues than SP3 is having - exponentially so.

In a nutshell, MS has provided plenty of information about
SP3 here
and you can Google for more:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929

If you are adventurous and have a reliable BACKUP I say go
for it.
For the over-cautious who don't have the time to be a MS
beta-tester, just say no. Hopefully MS will issue a SP3a to
fix
their compatibility issues.

Microsoft has not done that in the past - and to be honest - I
see no reason for them to do it now (before you throw SP1/SP1a
out there - you should research why that happened - it was not
a problem with the Service Pack - it was legalities with
Java... ;-) )

For those who really want to install SP3 - they should prepare
and do it right...

Prepare for it - backup your stuff (if you don't have a method
of doing this
already - spin the barrel again... click... click... boom! =
or you could
start doing what one thing is unique about "risk and
computers"...) and read
through the known issues and the things that resolve them. Do
those things
*before* installing SP3 and then you can install SP3 with the
confidence
that worst case is restoring your system to the state you last
backed it up
in. Best case - you have cleaned up and fixed problems that
already existed
on your system (you don't have to know you have a blood clot
to suddenly
drop dead from one) and gotten the latest service pack for
your operating
system installed.

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from
Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131


WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful
installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta
version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you
cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7
or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before
installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall
Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP
SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows
XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may
malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows
XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after
installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing
a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work
for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update,
from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a
Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a
small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before
installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to
INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
. 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
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Good luck!

 

[George]

I guess my main point is that Service Pack 3 has enough issues that you
don't have to install it NOW. These issues will be resolved... so why
hurry. You don't get that many benefits for being the first on your block
for having SP3 on your computer. Maybe some security issues.....
whoopieeeee.

I have 6-computers running at various times. Only one of them has SP3.
I tried it on one other machine and it no longer boots up. Fortunately I
restored from an Image.

while many people have been able to successfully upgrade to sp3,
i've seen more than enough complains and issues created by
the pack to make me think twice before downloading it.

i dont want to lose my files, and i currently dont have a way to
back up my hard drive.

all im looking for is an honest to god yes or no on whether or
not i should go ahead and update to sp3.

so yes or no?

You can certainly download it without installing it.

It's probably a better idea to download it, and install it from a
local file, than to use Windows Update.

If you don't have a way to back up your files and don't want to
lose them, you shouldn't use your PC at all till you resolve that
major issue. It's never a good idea to use a PC, let alone install a
service
pack, without backing it up.

It's very easy to make backups. 500 gig hard disks are under
$100 now, and external drive cases are around $30.

So no, you shouldn't install it if you have no way to back it up.

What you should do is address the backup issue, determine whether
you have an AMD processor, then take the steps to install SP3.

<answers inline from here on>

If you have an AMD Chip, don't put SP3 on.

False.
If you have an AMD chip and think there is a possibility your OEM used an
image made on an Intel chip to 'put' Windows XP onto the system - then you
need to perform a step or two before installing SP3 all because your OEM
messed up things for you.

If you have Norton Anti-Virus, don't put SP3 on.

False.
While some people have better luck installing *anything* with their AV
turned off - on the many I have installed upon so far (60+% with
Norton/Symantec AV - admitrtedly AV *only*) I have not turned off or
uninstalled the AV software nor had any issues by doing this.

There are many more reasons not to install SP3 but you need to read
about the the issues and work-arounds.

There are no _reasons_ not to install SP3. I can show _excuses_ and
_things that need effort put into them_ because something is already wrong
with the system in question - things that Windows XP SP3 would exasperate
if installed without first fixing them - but that is not a reason to stop
the installation of SP3 - that is a reason to fix what is wrong with your
computer.

If you building a computer or have on that has hardly no software
installed, then you stand a better chance of getting it installed
without issues.

No doubt a clean install means the least amount of effort.

For the rest of the world (including the OP) - the answer is, "Yes, you
should put forth the effort to install SP3 on your Windows XP system.
Excuses can be given things can be postponed - but sooner or later - you
likely will be doing it anyway."

Prepare for it - backup your stuff (if you don't have a method of doing
this already - spin the barrel again... click... click... boom! = or you
could start doing what one thing is unique about "risk and computers"...)
and read through the known issues and the things that resolve them. Do
those things *before* installing SP3 and then you can install SP3 with the
confidence that worst case is restoring your system to the state you last
backed it up in. Best case - you have cleaned up and fixed problems that
already existed on your system (you don't have to know you have a blood
clot to suddenly drop dead from one) and gotten the latest service pack
for your operating system installed.

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from
Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131


WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows
XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP
SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media
Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction.
To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
. 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
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Good luck!

 

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>

Shenan Stanley wrote:

As for compatibility - I actually have heard of very very few things
that worked in SP2 that don't work in SP3. SP2 had many more
software/driver related issues than SP3 is having - exponentially
so.

<snipped>

Not to counter what you say which is accurate in most
circumtances...there are some programs that will not work
properly or fail after XP SP3. Rather than fight it, I just
looked for different software and SCRAPPED half a dozen
long-used programs, I am sure that Microsoft cares less.

I'd be interested in knowing the names/versions of the programs you
'scrapped'...

 

[xfile]

Hi,

Does Yes or No mean anything to you and you would follow either one without
any details which may or may not apply to your individual situation?

My suggestion,

If you wish to find related information, SP3 in this case, ask.

If you wish to learn from success stories and see what are expected
improvements, ask.

If you wish to learn from failure stories and prevent similar situations,
ask.

If you have specific concerns related to installation for your situation,
ask.

If you wish to know the best practice for installing service pack, ask.

Ultimately, you are the decision make in this case and no one knows your
situation better than yourself, so just ask specific questions for people
can help you on making the decision.

A Yes or No question normally will result in lengthy debates using extreme
examples from all sides. It's not going to help you in any way. And based
on your subject and message, it seems you have reached the conclusion
already.

My two cents for your consideration.

 

[Anthony Buckland]

...


Then you're living very, very dangerously. There are so many ways,
such as via a DVD-writing drive or to a removable drive connected
via USB, to back up that it's hard to believe none of them are
available to you.

 

[mgm]

Install, do anything or have anything on a hard drive without backups is
FRIGHTENING. Please do some type of backup before you have to hear "I told
you so"

 

[Dickiedriver]

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:

"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

SP3 Doesn't seem to like MCE 2005 either I recently installed SP3 and
rebooted as per instructions only to find that upon reboot IE7 was only
usable for 5 mins before it crashed and that Outlook Express 6 refused to
work full stop, evan after myself and my ISP had re-configured settings, as
far as I'm concerned if there are bugs in the release it shouldn't have been
released and looking around the web there is plenty of evidence to suggest
that I am not alone

Richard

while many people have been able to successfully upgrade to sp3,
i've seen more than enough complains and issues created by
the pack to make me think twice before downloading it.

i dont want to lose my files, and i currently dont have a way to
back up my hard drive.

all im looking for is an honest to god yes or no on whether or
not i should go ahead and update to sp3.

so yes or no?

You can certainly download it without installing it.

It's probably a better idea to download it, and install it from a
local file, than to use Windows Update.

If you don't have a way to back up your files and don't want to
lose them, you shouldn't use your PC at all till you resolve that
major issue. It's never a good idea to use a PC, let alone install a
service
pack, without backing it up.

It's very easy to make backups. 500 gig hard disks are under
$100 now, and external drive cases are around $30.

So no, you shouldn't install it if you have no way to back it up.

What you should do is address the backup issue, determine whether
you have an AMD processor, then take the steps to install SP3.

<answers inline from here on>

If you have an AMD Chip, don't put SP3 on.

False.
If you have an AMD chip and think there is a possibility your OEM used an
image made on an Intel chip to 'put' Windows XP onto the system - then you
need to perform a step or two before installing SP3 all because your OEM
messed up things for you.

If you have Norton Anti-Virus, don't put SP3 on.

False.
While some people have better luck installing *anything* with their AV
turned off - on the many I have installed upon so far (60+% with
Norton/Symantec AV - admitrtedly AV *only*) I have not turned off or
uninstalled the AV software nor had any issues by doing this.

There are many more reasons not to install SP3 but you need to read
about the the issues and work-arounds.

There are no _reasons_ not to install SP3. I can show _excuses_ and _things
that need effort put into them_ because something is already wrong with the
system in question - things that Windows XP SP3 would exasperate if
installed without first fixing them - but that is not a reason to stop the
installation of SP3 - that is a reason to fix what is wrong with your
computer.

If you building a computer or have on that has hardly no software
installed, then you stand a better chance of getting it installed
without issues.

No doubt a clean install means the least amount of effort.

For the rest of the world (including the OP) - the answer is, "Yes, you
should put forth the effort to install SP3 on your Windows XP system.
Excuses can be given things can be postponed - but sooner or later - you
likely will be doing it anyway."

Prepare for it - backup your stuff (if you don't have a method of doing this
already - spin the barrel again... click... click... boom! = or you could
start doing what one thing is unique about "risk and computers"...) and read
through the known issues and the things that resolve them. Do those things
*before* installing SP3 and then you can install SP3 with the confidence
that worst case is restoring your system to the state you last backed it up
in. Best case - you have cleaned up and fixed problems that already existed
on your system (you don't have to know you have a blood clot to suddenly
drop dead from one) and gotten the latest service pack for your operating
system installed.

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131


WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
.. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
..
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
.. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
..
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
.. 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
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Good luck!

 

[Xandros]

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:

SP3 Doesn't seem to like MCE 2005 either I recently installed SP3 and
rebooted as per instructions only to find that upon reboot IE7 was only
usable for 5 mins before it crashed and that Outlook Express 6 refused to
work full stop, evan after myself and my ISP had re-configured settings,
as
far as I'm concerned if there are bugs in the release it shouldn't have
been
released and looking around the web there is plenty of evidence to suggest
that I am not alone

All MS code is bug ladden. That is why the wise will not install a service
pack until it has been released for several months.