Up-grade to XP SP3

[Laura]

I have up-graded three computers to SP3 without any serious problems.
However, my eldest son who lives away from home has a problem with his
laptop. His laptop machine, presently with XP SP2, got half way through the
installation phase when he got a BSOD with a message that a problem had
occurred and that he should re-boot. When he managed to re-boot the machine
it was automatically returned to SP2.

I believe his problem stems from lack of HD space. His laptop only has 40
GB HD and I know he has hundreds of photographs stored on the HD.

The SP3 download is quoted at 66.9 MB but how much hard disk space is
required to perform the upgrade?

Laura

 

[Flash999]

Laura,

Go to link below:

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

 

[Michael T.]

His laptop machine, presently with XP SP2, got half way through the
installation phase when he got a BSOD with a message that a problem had
occurred and that he should re-boot.

I just installed SP3 on a computer with a 40 GB hard drive. So unless he is
using most of this capacity he should be OK.

If this happens again, ask him to write down the exact details of the BSOD
error message (if possible). Sometimes this screen only displays for a brief
period of time.

He may also want to run Windows Update and Disk Cleanup first. Then disable
any anti-virus and firewall applications - including Microsoft's Windows
Defender.

I would also suggest he peruse this Microsoft site about SP3.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/832671

 

[Laura]

Hi Michael,
As I understand, when the computer completed the download he was asked to
stop all other software programmes. Whereupon, he went off-line and stopped
all Firewall, Anti-virus & Anti-spam programmes. When he got the BSOD, he
could not reboot with any of the normal procedures he had to resort to
removing the battery and un-plugging the power source. However, I have
asked him to make a handwritten copy of the error message if it occurs the
next time he tries to up-grade.
Laura