New to XP

[Cottonmouth]

I just upgraded to XP from 98SE and need a little advice. The upgrade
included SP2 and Windows wants me to add the SP3 patch. So far I haven't
and I've heard conflicting stories about SP3. Should I keep refusing
permission for the update? I'm not really happy with this damn thing
calling home all the time,anyway. Is there any way to put a stop to that?

I'll start monitoring this newsgroup on a regular basis and maybe learn
something before I make any major errors, myself.

Thanks!

 

[Shenan Stanley]

I just upgraded to XP from 98SE and need a little advice. The
upgrade included SP2 and Windows wants me to add the SP3 patch. So
far I haven't and I've heard conflicting stories about SP3. Should
I keep refusing permission for the update? I'm not really happy
with this damn thing calling home all the time,anyway. Is there any
way to put a stop to that?

I'll start monitoring this newsgroup on a regular basis and maybe
learn something before I make any major errors, myself.

What are the specs on that computer that you upgraded from Windows 98?
(Specifically - processor type/speed, amount of physical memory, video card
brand/memory, amount of hard disk drive space - total and available.)

Everything you need to know about Windows XP SP3 (IMHO)...

Like it or not - Windows XP SP3 is something that you probably should
install if...

- You are currently running Windows XP (32bit).
- You care about keeping your machine current and running its best.
- You wish to continue running Windows XP for some indeterminate time into
the future.
- You want to free support if you have any trouble installing it (SP3 that
is.)

Service Pack 3 is mostly all of the updates released after SP2 and until the
release of SP3. You may think to yourself that you have been keeping your
PC updated - so you probably have all those updates - fact is, you'd be
incorrect. You may have all the publically released ones, but SP3 contains
1179 previously released updates - guaranteed you do not have them all
installed without it. ;-)

Most of the issues people have had with SP3 have to do with their particular
configuration or a problem caused by a third party change/mis-configuration
on their system - and almost all have a relatively simple fix.

Before starting, know where you can get help:

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*
until April 2009...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Other than "Automatic Updates" or the Windows Update web page - how can you
get SP3?
Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals
and Developers
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en


Do a little reading - to ensure you are ready...
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."


Did all that and have some issues you believe might be related to SP3?
Check these out:
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...

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:
1. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
2.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
3. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
4.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
5. 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

Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to install
SP3... I suggest going straigh to Method 3 of this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

Beyond that - some simple maintenance might be needed - like installing the
latest hardware drivers from your hardware vendors...

Good luck to you! You shouldn't need it, however, with just a little
planning. ;-)

 

[RobertVA]

I just upgraded to XP from 98SE and need a little advice. The upgrade
included SP2 and Windows wants me to add the SP3 patch. So far I haven't
and I've heard conflicting stories about SP3. Should I keep refusing
permission for the update? I'm not really happy with this damn thing
calling home all the time,anyway. Is there any way to put a stop to that?

I'll start monitoring this newsgroup on a regular basis and maybe learn
something before I make any major errors, myself.

Thanks!

Try selecting the "Automatic Updates" applet on the windows XP control
panel. It features options to "download updates but prompt for
permission to install them, prompt for permission to download updates,
and turn AUTOMATIC updates off entirely. You still can check for updates
manually through "Help and Support" on the task bar's "start" button.

The tool bar and menu differences on Internet Explorer version 7 take
some getting used to, but the RSS feed capabilities and the tabs are handy.

 

[Xandros]

You don't need it until you need it for some reason. I have systems that do
not have SP3 installed and they are fine.

 

[Twayne]

Yes I'd go for SP3

In addition to the latest security updates...It actually improves
performance.

Yes, go for SP3 but be CERTAIN, as with all service packs, to visit the
MS web site and read the requirements for a smooth installation. There
ARE a few instances where there could be problems and they are detailed
there. There are a couple computer brand names in particular that have
problems so if you have one of those you'll want the work-arounds
provided on the site.
If for no other reason, SP3 negates the need for about a hundred
updates when you're using SP2.
You're not very likely to see performance improvements unless you
have one of the few specific applications they mention for the service
pact or your SP2 setup is having a problem to begin with. Other than
those few specific application-specific enhancements, SP3 is basically
SP2 with all of its following updates up to SP3. It's pretty well
explained on the site:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

HTH

Twayne

 

[The C.]

Create a restore point before you upgrade to SP3 just incase it messes up. I
really think it will only beifit your system doing so.
--
Computer Novice



"And In The End... The Love You Take, Is Equal To The Love You Make"

 

[Twayne]

Create a restore point before you upgrade to SP3 just incase it

messes up. I really think it will only beifit your system doing so.

Excellent advice; and part of the MS advice sheets too.