SP 2 to SP 3 update

D

Desert Rider

I'm currently running SP2 with all current updates. I'm about to
update to SP 3 (through Windows Update) and thought I'd ask advice
about anything I should do in preparation for the update. I will be
making a disc image using Acronis before the update. I use BitDefender
as an AV program. Should I disable it during the update? I assume I
should keep the BD firewall activated during install.

Any other tips or advice appreciated.
 
J

JS

If I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the
file and not use Automatic Updates.

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

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

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

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/windows/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

Internet Explorer: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"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: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"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."

XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

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

Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix
Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup package
for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us

JS
www.pagestart.com
 
D

Desert Rider

If I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the
file and not use Automatic Updates.

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service packhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Where to download the SP3 installation file:
(File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e7...

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

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overviewhttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc3...
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/windows/cc164204.aspx

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

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3http://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

Internet Explorer: (From Shenan Stanley  MS MVP)
"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 WindowsXP
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: (From Shenan Stanley  MS MVP)
"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."

XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

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&gpr...

Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix
Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup package
for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.http://support..microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us

JSwww.pagestart.com
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply.

Per the download link you provided (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-
be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en -Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network
Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers) there is
this notice:

"DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A
smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update.
The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 3 is by turning
on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. You can use our step-
by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you."

Any comments on this?
 
D

Desert Rider

Thanks for the reply.

Per the download link you provided (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-
be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en -Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network
Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers) there is
this notice:

"DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A
smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update.
The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 3 is by turning
on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. You can use our step-
by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you."

Any comments on this?
Click to expand...

Sorry I didn't include this in my previous reply but under
installation instructions there is this notice about Win XP Pro (which
I'm running):

5. If your computer is running Windows XP Professional, we recommend
that you create an Automated System Recovery (ASR) set before you
begin the installation. This will help you repair your setup if the
installation fails. For more information, see "To create an Automated
System Recovery set using Backup" and "To recover from a system
failure using Automated System Recovery" in Help and Support Center.

Will this be necessary?
 
B

Big_Al

Desert said:
Thanks for the reply.

Per the download link you provided (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-
be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en -Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network
Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers) there is
this notice:

"DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A
smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update.
The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 3 is by turning
on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. You can use our step-
by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you."

Any comments on this?
Click to expand...

You just need this:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en
What they are trying to say is that if you let Windows Automatic Updates
do it, it will download a smaller bundle of data. It might, but most
people are advising to download the SP3.exe and run it manually. You
need to read all of the links JS left you in another response like
turning off AV etc.
 
J

JS

This is the file you want, you can safely ignore the comment about not using
this file for updating just one computer.
As I mentioned it is a large file but only the components your PC needs will
be installed. I don't like upgrading over the Internet as it may take longer
(depending on your connection speed) and if you should lose connectivity
things may get screwed up.

You are going to create a fresh image backup (Acronis) before installing SP3
so I would not worry about the Automated System Recovery (ASR) issue. Just
create a fresh Restore Point if you like (not necessary), then do the image
backup, then upgrade to SP3 after reading and understanding all the info
contained in the links I posted.

JS

If I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the
file and not use Automatic Updates.

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service
packhttp://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Where to download the SP3 installation file:
(File is large but will only install components that your PC
requires)http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e7...

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

Windows XP Service Pack 3
Overviewhttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc3...
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/windows/cc164204.aspx

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

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack
3http://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

Internet Explorer: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"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: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"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."

XP SP3: Post Installation
Cleanup:http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

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&gpr...

Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix
Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup package
for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll
files.http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us

JSwww.pagestart.com
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply.

Per the download link you provided (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-
be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en -Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network
Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers) there is
this notice:

"DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A
smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update.
The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 3 is by turning
on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. You can use our step-
by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you."

Any comments on this?
 
D

Desert Rider

This is the file you want, you can safely ignore the comment about not using
this file for updating just one computer.
As I mentioned it is a large file but only the components your PC needs will
be installed. I don't like upgrading over the Internet as it may take longer
(depending on your connection speed) and if you should lose connectivity
things may get screwed up.

You are going to create a fresh image backup (Acronis) before installing SP3
so I would not worry about the Automated System Recovery (ASR) issue. Just
create a fresh Restore Point if you like (not necessary), then do the image
backup, then upgrade to SP3 after reading and understanding all the info
contained in the links I posted.

JS



















Thanks for the reply.

Per the download link you provided (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-
be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en -Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network
Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers) there is
this notice:

"DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A
smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update.
The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 3 is by turning
on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. You can use our step-
by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you."

Any comments on this?
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the clarifications. I will download the full install
file and follow recommendations of the other links. Appreciate
everyone's help

Regards,
RW
 
D

Daave

Desert Rider said:
I'm currently running SP2 with all current updates. I'm about to
update to SP 3 (through Windows Update) and thought I'd ask advice
about anything I should do in preparation for the update. I will be
making a disc image using Acronis before the update. I use BitDefender
as an AV program. Should I disable it during the update? I assume I
should keep the BD firewall activated during install.

Any other tips or advice appreciated.
Click to expand...

You're definitely on the right track, DR.

If you have a PC that has both an AMD processor *and* an OEM image (it
seems that most problematic are certain HP images), you will need to do
some homework first:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx

(or http://tinyurl.com/6zs52d )

Rather than use BD's firewall, use the built-in Windows firewall (for
the upgrade, that is). Furthermore, configure your system for a clean
boot:

How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Regarding the message "DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST
ONE COMPUTER," don't worry about it. You can certainly attempt the
upgrade using Windows Update. And since you will have imaged your hard
drive first, that will probably be the easiest and quickest way. However
if you wish to download the whole Serive Pack, you are certainly able to
do so. Many prefer to do just this. It can also come in handy if you
ever decide to create a slipstreamed install disk. Your choice.
Personally, that's how I would download the Service Pack. This way, you
don't even need to be online when you apply it. But again, since you're
doing all the prep work, the other way should also work.

And since you're creating an image of your hard drive, creating the ASR
set is redundant. Just make sure you validate your backup archive.

Finally, know there is free support for SP3-related issues:

"Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (All Languages)" (Free Microsoft
support for SP3-related issues)

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

(or http://tinyurl.com/6cw2xk )

Good luck! (And remember to undo the clean boot.)
 
J

JS

You're welcome.

JS

This is the file you want, you can safely ignore the comment about not
using
this file for updating just one computer.
As I mentioned it is a large file but only the components your PC needs
will
be installed. I don't like upgrading over the Internet as it may take
longer
(depending on your connection speed) and if you should lose connectivity
things may get screwed up.

You are going to create a fresh image backup (Acronis) before installing
SP3
so I would not worry about the Automated System Recovery (ASR) issue. Just
create a fresh Restore Point if you like (not necessary), then do the
image
backup, then upgrade to SP3 after reading and understanding all the info
contained in the links I posted.

JS



















Thanks for the reply.

Per the download link you provided (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/
details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-
be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en -Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network
Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers) there is
this notice:

"DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A
smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update.
The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 3 is by turning
on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. You can use our step-
by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you."

Any comments on this?
Click to expand...

Thanks for all the clarifications. I will download the full install
file and follow recommendations of the other links. Appreciate
everyone's help

Regards,
RW
 
D

Desert Rider

You're definitely on the right track, DR.

If you have a PC that has both an AMD processor *and* an OEM image (it
seems that most problematic are certain HP images), you will need to do
some homework first:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-a...

(orhttp://tinyurl.com/6zs52d)

Rather than use BD's firewall, use the built-in Windows firewall (for
the upgrade, that is). Furthermore, configure your system for a clean
boot:

How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Regarding the message "DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST
ONE COMPUTER," don't worry about it. You can certainly attempt the
upgrade using Windows Update. And since you will have imaged your hard
drive first, that will probably be the easiest and quickest way. However
if you wish to download the whole Serive Pack, you are certainly able to
do so. Many prefer to do just this. It can also come in handy if you
ever decide to create a slipstreamed install disk. Your choice.
Personally, that's how I would download the Service Pack. This way, you
don't even need to be online when you apply it. But again, since you're
doing all the prep work, the other way should also work.

And since you're creating an image of your hard drive, creating the ASR
set is redundant. Just make sure you validate your backup archive.

Finally, know there is free support for SP3-related issues:

"Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (All Languages)" (Free Microsoft
support for SP3-related issues)

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gpr....

(orhttp://tinyurl.com/6cw2xk)

Good luck! (And remember to undo the clean boot.)
Click to expand...

In regards to setting up for a clean boot is this a step I take just
before I'm ready to run the SP 3 installation? In other words, do my
disc image, disable AV, disable BD firewall, enable Windows Firewall,
setup clean boot, reboot PC and install SP 3, after install undo clean
boot?
 
D

Daave

In regards to setting up for a clean boot is this a step I take
just before I'm ready to run the SP 3 installation? In other words,
do my disc image, disable AV, disable BD firewall, enable
Windows Firewall, setup clean boot, reboot PC and install SP 3,
after install undo clean boot?
Click to expand...

Yes. And since you awill be doing a clean boot, there is no need to
disable your AV and BD firewall first because the Clean Boot takes care
of that!

Then when you undo the clean boot, your AV and BD firewall will
automatically be back in business. Just make sure to disable your
Windows firewall (you don't want to be running two firewalls at the same
time).
 
D

Desert Rider

Yes. And since you awill be doing a clean boot, there is no need to
disable your AV and BD firewall first because the Clean Boot takes care
of that!

Then when you undo the clean boot, your AV and BD firewall will
automatically be back in business. Just make sure to disable your
Windows firewall (you don't want to be running two firewalls at the same
time).
Click to expand...

OK, thanks for the information. Appreciate all the replies from all.

Regards,
RW
 
P

PA Bear [MS MVP]

L

Lil' Dave

Desert Rider said:
I'm currently running SP2 with all current updates. I'm about to
update to SP 3 (through Windows Update) and thought I'd ask advice
about anything I should do in preparation for the update. I will be
making a disc image using Acronis before the update. I use BitDefender
as an AV program. Should I disable it during the update? I assume I
should keep the BD firewall activated during install.

Any other tips or advice appreciated.
Click to expand...

Always, always, always have complete backup of your windows partition prior
to applying a service pack. Be sure to verify that image after the image is
created.

Always disable the AV prior to installing the service pack. Do not install
the service pack while connected to the internet.

As an added level of assured proper SP3 data, use a SP3 CD from MS vice a
download. Just my opinion.
 
P

Plato

Desert said:
I'm currently running SP2 with all current updates. I'm about to
update to SP 3 (through Windows Update) and thought I'd ask advice
about anything I should do in preparation for the update. I will be
making a disc image using Acronis before the update. I use BitDefender
as an AV program. Should I disable it during the update? I assume I
should keep the BD firewall activated during install.
Click to expand...

Please state exactly why you want to upgrade your OS???
 
P

Plato

JS said:
If I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the
file and not use Automatic Updates.
Click to expand...

If I were to install SP3 I'd need a good reason to first.

I certainly wouldn't "upgrade" just because a new version of XP was
released.
 

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