SP3 Problem (maybe)

[RonNYC]

The first time SP3 was installed on my XP Pro (SP2) system, I noticed
problems, like general slowness, more disk activity, and also after being up
for a while, when I launched some apps I would just get a stub (maybe 80K in
TaskManager) and the app would be uncloseable (I'd have to reboot). Various
apps from various vendors were affected. So, I uninstalled SP3 and everything
ran OK; then my update manager installed it again a week later and again, the
same problems. So, I uninstalled it (and changed my Update Mgr settings so it
won't install automatically) and again, my system runs fast.

Am I alone with this problem? I called MS support but the rep was an idiot,
really an embarrassment with not even a child's understanding of XP, so I'm
probably going to avoid MS support as essentially worthless.

RON

 

[philo]

The first time SP3 was installed on my XP Pro (SP2) system, I noticed
problems, like general slowness, more disk activity, and also after being up
for a while, when I launched some apps I would just get a stub (maybe 80K in
TaskManager) and the app would be uncloseable (I'd have to reboot). Various
apps from various vendors were affected. So, I uninstalled SP3 and everything
ran OK; then my update manager installed it again a week later and again, the
same problems. So, I uninstalled it (and changed my Update Mgr settings so it
won't install automatically) and again, my system runs fast.

Am I alone with this problem? I called MS support but the rep was an idiot,
really an embarrassment with not even a child's understanding of XP, so I'm
probably going to avoid MS support as essentially worthless.

RON

Yes, you will just have to go without SP3

It does not work for everyone. I know of no work-arounds other than to just
go without it.

 

[N. Miller]

The first time SP3 was installed on my XP Pro (SP2) system, I noticed
problems, like general slowness, more disk activity, and also after being up
for a while, when I launched some apps I would just get a stub (maybe 80K in
TaskManager) and the app would be uncloseable (I'd have to reboot). Various
apps from various vendors were affected. So, I uninstalled SP3 and everything
ran OK; then my update manager installed it again a week later and again, the
same problems. So, I uninstalled it (and changed my Update Mgr settings so it
won't install automatically) and again, my system runs fast.

Am I alone with this problem? I called MS support but the rep was an idiot,
really an embarrassment with not even a child's understanding of XP, so I'm
probably going to avoid MS support as essentially worthless.

Maybe not alone, but hardly in the majority. Before allowing SP3 to be
installed, you really needed to make sure that your system was clean of
malware, and functioning properly in all other respects. Probably should be
current on the Windows patches, as well, and drivers (best obtained directly
from the device manufacturer). I think PA Bear has a checklist of items to
run through in advance of installing SP3.

I've installed SP3 on four XP computers without running into problems.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

I've haven't had a lick of problems since installing SP3 on 2 machines here,
Ron, nor have any of my clients.

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

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. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"

 

[Daave]

The first time SP3 was installed on my XP Pro (SP2) system, I noticed
problems, like general slowness, more disk activity, and also after
being up
for a while, when I launched some apps I would just get a stub (maybe
80K in
TaskManager) and the app would be uncloseable (I'd have to reboot).
Various
apps from various vendors were affected. So, I uninstalled SP3 and
everything
ran OK; then my update manager installed it again a week later and
again, the
same problems. So, I uninstalled it (and changed my Update Mgr
settings so it
won't install automatically) and again, my system runs fast.

Am I alone with this problem? I called MS support but the rep was an
idiot,
really an embarrassment with not even a child's understanding of XP,
so I'm
probably going to avoid MS support as essentially worthless.

Any problems with service pack 3. I have not installed it yet.

Two major problems with SP3 have been reported. With preparation
on your part, though, you won't (more than likley) experince any
problems whatsoever. Still, it is always wise to image your hard drive
before undertaking any major change like a Service Pack upgrade.

Problem #1: On certain PCs that come with an imaged hard drive
erroneously assuming the CPU is Intel rather than AMD (e.g., HPs),
upgrading to SP3 without applying a particular patch first is
problematic. See this page for more information and for the fix:

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

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

Problem #2: It is best to disconnect all perpipheral devices (e.g., USB
external hard drives, printers, etc.) and configure a Clean Boot
environment (because certain anti-malware programs that run in the
background can interfere with the upgrade). See:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Personally, I have had best results *not* using Automatic Updates.
Instead, I recommend that people download the entire .iso file of SP3
from Microsoft and burn an SP3 CD:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&displaylang=en

(or http://tinyurl.com/5h8cw6 )

More reading material regarding the Best Practices method of upgrading
to SP3:

http://www.iaps.com/windows-xp-sp3-installation-guidelines.html

http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldro...requisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

(or http://tinyurl.com/6nf4k4 )

Regarding MS support, which avenue did you use? Currently, there is free
support specifically for issues related to upgrading to SP3:

"Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3). This support for SP3 is
valid until April 14, 2009."

The above is from:

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

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

 

[Randem]

Check you system for a program called Windows Search 4.0. It's a CPU hog and
does things like you are stating. If you have it uninstall it. Also open up
taks manager then sort on CPU to see what is hogging your system.

--
Randem Systems
Your Installation Specialist
The Top Inno Setup Script Generator
http://www.randem.com/innoscript.html
http://www.rndem.com/installerproblems.html
http://www.randem.com/vistainstalls.html
http://www.financialtrainingservices.org

 

[Unknown]

How can you make such a ridiculous statement? Present facts not emotional
gibberish.

 

[philo]

How can you make such a ridiculous statement? Present facts not emotional
gibberish.


Idiot

***PLONK***

 

[Daave]

Idiot
***PLONK***

Although Unknown was rude to you, I agree with his bottom line that your
claim that SP3 "does not work for everyone" and your suggestion to "just
go without it" are unwarranted.