WindowsXP Service Pack 3

[Fishermun]

Wondering if I need the Service Pack 3 upgrade. I have Windows XP currently,
and the only upgrade I see is this one. I am not sure if should
download/install it or not. It is confusing to me. Can someone help please,
thanks.

 

[R. McCarty]

Service Packs over the years have developed a reputation for causing
new issues. That isn't as true today as it was in the past. Basically a
Service Pack rolls up all the Windows Updates and reported issues in
a large update package. A Service Pack 2 setup of XP will require up
to 98 individual updates to bring it up to date. SP3 bypasses those
updates and brings the OS up to date.

Service Pack 3 also adds a couple of new features not present in the
previous versions on XP.

There is always some risk when you make a change like a Service Pack
install. Usually if the system has problems after a SP you can uninstall it
and revert back to the previous version. You don't have to install SP3
but Operating Systems are always evolving and many things depend on
it being fully updated.

 

[JS]

Service Pack 3 (SP3) is relatively new and for some PCs can cause problems.
I'd wait a while before installing, hopefully in a few months all the bugs
will have been identified and work around(s) or fixes will be available from
MS and others.

Also check with each manufacture of the software you have installed to see
if they have posted any known issues and patches. Meanwhile here is a list
of articles you may want to look at in your free time.

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

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/windowsxp/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

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

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

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

ISO image - used to create install CD:
(You must have CD burning software that can use an ISO as source)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en


SP3 Issues:
Windows XP SP3 Issues and Fixes Continued:
(Note: there is a section of this article devoted to System Restore points,
read it!)
http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2008/...p3-still-not-ready-news-flash-do-not-install/

Error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
"Access is denied" or "Service Pack installation did not complete"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377/en-us

You do not have enough free disk space on %SystemDrive% to install Service
Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949385

You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to Windows
XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a non-Intel-processor-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Error message after you upgrade a computer that uses a processor other than
an Intel processor to Windows XP Service Pack 2 or to Windows XP Service
Pack 3: "STOP: 0x0000007E"
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=953356
This is the patch to fix the above issue "For non-Intel processors"
***Must be applied before installing SP3***
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A7-54D6-4C31-BDA3-EFD2F7E87A8C&displaylang=en

From: Jesper Johansson's blog
Does your AMD-based computer boot after installing XP SP3?
(Affects AMD-based computers with OEM images, primarily HP Desktops)
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update,
from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after
you repair a Windows XP installation
(This KB article may also solve SP3 Windows Update will not work problem)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some third-party programs may experience a change in functionality after you
install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947309

Problems occur after installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 or
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 with a Norton 2008 product installed:
Info and Fix:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/norton2008.nsf/docid/2008051623552079

The print operation fails, or partial pages are printed when you try to
print to a Citizen printer or to an Alps printer
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;951822

Restore the Address Bar in Windows XP SP3:
http://blog.ryantadams.com/2008/05/08/restore-the-address-bar-in-windows-xp-sp3/
Note: I have not tried this as I'm still at SP2, so run at your own risk!

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249/en-us

JS

 

[SK]

I wouldn't do it. I installed SP3 and regretted it. My PC would not boot up
even in safe mode. That so called upgrade cost me $130 in repairs. The PC
repair shop I took it too said they have seen this happen several times with
SP3.

 

[Big_Al]

Wondering if I need the Service Pack 3 upgrade. I have Windows XP
currently, and the only upgrade I see is this one. I am not sure if
should download/install it or not. It is confusing to me. Can someone
help please, thanks.

My suggestion would be to do it but do it with a bit of smarts behind
it. JS has given great links. You should also have a good backup
already in place right?, well make an image of your HD and then if
something happens, it will be real simple to go back to what you had.

I had no problem. And so have a lot of others. You read a lot of
complaints here but realize that is what this place is for. This is a
place for problems and complaints.

Also there will come a time when you will have to upgrade, granted maybe
a year from now from what I've heard but that is hearsay. Still you
may have to do it someday, just do it with a bit of smarts, backup!