sp3

[Claire Brucker]

Someone said we would eventually need SP3. Why?
I have put off downloading it because it seems so risky.

 

[Leonard Grey]

There is nothing risky about a service pack.

What is risky is attempting to install a service pack without properly
preparing. Follow the instructions here:
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33296

In addition to the above, follow rule #1 for upgrading your operating
system: Don't upgrade over a problem. If your copy of Windows has
problems, fix them /before/ you upgrade.

 

[Unknown]

There will come a time when an update will have a prerequisite of SP3.

 

[Shenan Stanley]

Someone said we would eventually need SP3. Why?
I have put off downloading it because it seems so risky.

To your question: Sooner or later without it you will not be able to install
additional updates as they will require SP3 or later. It is entirely
possible that some third-party applications will also come to require
Windows XP SP3 or later to work.

To your comment about SP3 being risky... It is less risky than walking
around in many ways - since you can make full backups of a computer and not
lose any data/anything where you cannot do that with yourself. ;-)

Most people have no issues installing SP3 onto their Windows XP 32bit
computer. You see them in this newsgroup (those with issues) because this
is where people go who have issues. ;-)

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
(Ends in April 2009.)

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