SP3 or not to 3?

[FlaBill]

Windows Updater consistently urges install of SP3 and I recall some
warnings NOT to add that upgrade to my particular system. It is:

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name DELLDESKTOP
System Manufacturer Dell Computer Corporation
System Model Dimension 2400
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 7 GenuineIntel ~2193 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Dell Computer Corporation A00, 5/23/2003
SMBIOS Version 2.3
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume2
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.
040803-2158)"
Time Zone Eastern Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 768.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 317.42 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
Page File Space 1.08 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

What is the recommended advice in this matter? thanks,
Bill

 

[Twayne]

In

Windows Updater consistently urges install of SP3 and I recall some
warnings NOT to add that upgrade to my particular system. It is:

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name DELLDESKTOP
System Manufacturer Dell Computer Corporation
System Model Dimension 2400
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 7 GenuineIntel ~2193 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Dell Computer Corporation A00, 5/23/2003
SMBIOS Version 2.3
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume2
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.
040803-2158)"
Time Zone Eastern Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 768.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 317.42 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
Page File Space 1.08 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

What is the recommended advice in this matter? thanks,
Bill

My recommendation is simply to go to support.microsoft.com and READ the
articles that explain the prerequisites and how to install SP3. They're
accurate and well written. It'll go smoothly for you. Even if you had one of
the problem machines, the install is still possible and works. In fact, I'm
running a Dell right here with SP3 - not a single sign of a problem
occurred.

 

[Ragnar Midtskogen]

I had a problem with that, on a Dell XPS desktop, machine would not boot.
Had to reformat and reinstall Windows.

Ragnar

 

[db]

if you choose to update
to sp3,

be sure to copy your user
data, email boxes, pics,etc
onto a different location.

also, use a program like
"siw" so that you can
ascertain all your product
keys of the software you
have installed.


--
db·´¯`·...¸><)))º>
DatabaseBen, Retired Professional
- Systems Analyst
- Database Developer
- Accountancy
- Veteran of the Armed Forces
- @Hotmail.com
- nntp Postologist
~ "share the nirvana" - dbZen

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Bruce Hagen]

Windows Updater consistently urges install of SP3 and I recall some
warnings NOT to add that upgrade to my particular system. It is:

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name DELLDESKTOP
System Manufacturer Dell Computer Corporation
System Model Dimension 2400
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 7 GenuineIntel ~2193 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Dell Computer Corporation A00, 5/23/2003
SMBIOS Version 2.3
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume2
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.
040803-2158)"
Time Zone Eastern Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 768.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 317.42 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
Page File Space 1.08 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

What is the recommended advice in this matter? thanks,
Bill

There were a few bugs for a few programs, but AFAIK, that has long been
worked out. If you stay with SP2, you will no longer get any updates
including security updates after July of this year. With SP3 installed,
you will continue to get updated until at least April, 2014. (Unless the
world does end on 12/21/2012). <g>

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com:80/kb/950717

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

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

Download Windows XP Service Pack 3 here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support for Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gpr

 

[SK]

I upgraded and regretted it. My Dell machine would not boot even in safe
mode after SP3. Had to take it to my local pc repair shop and spend $150 to
get it working again. If SP2 is working why upgrade? I certainly am not
going to try upgrading again.

 

[occam]

I upgraded with difficulty, but the results were worth it. Faster Win XP
Pro, and few added features.

Make sure your anti-virus, anti-malware progs are disabled (or
uninstalled) before you attempt it.

Good luck

 

[Jerry Ed]

The only problem I had was solved by following the instructions under
"ADVANCED TROUBLESHOOTING",
Method 1: Reset the registry and the file permissions at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

JE

 

[Anteaus]

Not seen a problem with SP3 on a Dimension 2400. I would be inclined to
download the 'network' version which has everything in one file. Safer than
having a download-and-install fail partway.

Though, it is best to backup the OS. Drive Image XML is one (free) option,
though to restore you need a copy of WinPE.

 

[Twayne]

In

I had a problem with that, on a Dell XPS desktop, machine would not
boot. Had to reformat and reinstall Windows.

I doubt you "had to" reinstall, and it appears you probably failed to check
on the requirements for installing SP3. There is nothign about your machine
that would preclude SP3. Just read the docs at MS and make sure you have
enough disk space available per the article/s. I think there are three of
them total but I don't have the URLs handy.

HTH,

Twayne

 

[Twayne]

In

I upgraded and regretted it. My Dell machine would not boot even in
safe mode after SP3. Had to take it to my local pc repair shop and
spend $150 to get it working again. If SP2 is working why upgrade? I
certainly am not going to try upgrading again.

If you spent all that money, you should have had them install SP3 too. With
SP2 your updates will apparently stop mid summer so you'll be left out from
that point on while those with SP3 will get them until 2014 IIRC.

I have a Gateway desktop and laptop: SP3 installed fine on both of them.
I'm typing this on a Dell, which also had no problems with SP3. Had you
bothered to look at the how to articles at MS, it would have worked for you,
too. SP3 is best installed by downloading it separately as opposed to
letting auto update in stall it.

HTH,

Twayne

 

[Daave]

I agree 100%.

BTW, DriveImageXML is an excellent *free* way to image one's hard drive.

 

[Twayne]

In

I upgraded with difficulty, but the results were worth it. Faster Win
XP Pro, and few added features.

Make sure your anti-virus, anti-malware progs are disabled (or
uninstalled) before you attempt it.

And as with any OS operation, back up your important data first.
And you disconnect from the 'net during the install.


HTH,

Twayne

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Do you care at all about the security of your computer? Computers running
WinXP SP2 will NOT be offered any further critical security updates,
Automatic Updates will cease to function, and Windows Update website will
not be available after 10 July 2010 until SP3 is installed.

 

[ANONYMOUS]

Do you care at all about the security of your computer?

This is a joke right? M$ products and computer security have never been
compatible and you are asking about security on M$ newsgroups? ARE YOU MAD?

 

[ANONYMOUS]

What is the recommended advice in this matter? thanks,

The recommended advice is that if you are running old programs that can't
run on XP with SP3 then clearly you should stay away from it. There is no
evidence that Microsoft's regular updates and Service Packs have made
Windows any secure. In fact some would say that the so called security
patches are a hazard to one's own security! NOW THINK ABOUT THIS.

What I have done is that I have installed SP3 but decided not to install
anymore patches since SP3 was released. There are some patches always
thrust upon you whether you like it or not because M$ thinks it knows
better.

hth

 

[Chuck]

Then I hope that you have a very good firewall and anti malware program. You
will need it!

 

[thanatoid]

oups.com:

Windows Updater consistently urges install of SP3 and I
recall some warnings NOT to add that upgrade to my
particular system. It is:

What is the recommended advice in this matter? thanks,

(An aside: I have a 2GHZ with 1GB of RAM and I (against ALL
advice) set up my swap file the 9x way... 300MB max/min... Works
like a dream, and for TOTALLY mystifying reasons, the XP
partition (E) runs about 2x faster than the 98SELite partition.
Now go figure!

Anyway...

There is little in SP3 that is REALLY necessary unless some
program complains. In fact I hears SOME people say it's
basically a repack of SP2 with some extra special MS
"features"... if ya get my drift.

Turn off Windows Update completely, stop using IE/OE (OK, ya
using Chrome, heard it was insecure when it first came out, but
there is no stopping Google... I use Opera but I am one of the
few... the brave... etc...).

Preferably, use NO MS apps except a VERY TWEAKED OS to avoid
problems. It has worked for me, VERY well, for about 15 years.


--
There are only two classifications of disk drives: Broken drives
and those that will break later.
- Chuck Armstrong (This one I think, http://www.cleanreg.com/,
not the ball player. But who knows. I can't remember where I got
the quote. But it's true.)

 

[thanatoid]

This is a joke right? M$ products and computer security
have never been compatible and you are asking about
security on M$ newsgroups? ARE YOU MAD?

I have had this creature plonked for years so I only saw this
quoted here, but while he may not be "mad", he /is/ to be
approached with EXTREME caution and a big pot of honey in one
hand and an automatic high-caliber rifle in the other. Or, just
securely placed in his pen - the KF.


--
There are only two classifications of disk drives: Broken drives
and those that will break later.
- Chuck Armstrong (This one I think, http://www.cleanreg.com/,
not the ball player. But who knows. I can't remember where I got
the quote. But it's true.)

 

[Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]]

Windows Updater consistently urges install of SP3 and I recall some

warnings NOT to add that upgrade to my particular system. It is:

OS Name Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 2 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation
System Name DELLDESKTOP
System Manufacturer Dell Computer Corporation
System Model Dimension 2400
System Type X86-based PC
Processor x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 7 GenuineIntel ~2193 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date Dell Computer Corporation A00, 5/23/2003
SMBIOS Version 2.3
Windows Directory C:\WINDOWS
System Directory C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device \Device\HarddiskVolume2
Locale United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_sp2_rtm.
040803-2158)"
Time Zone Eastern Standard Time
Total Physical Memory 768.00 MB
Available Physical Memory 317.42 MB
Total Virtual Memory 2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory 1.96 GB
Page File Space 1.08 GB
Page File C:\pagefile.sys

What is the recommended advice in this matter? thanks,
Bill

I would download the full SP3 from Microsoft, reboot and install it in
Safe Mode. Has not failed me yet.

- Thee Chicago Wolf [MVP]