XP SP3 cd image download / oem (dell) compatible?

[KaraJefferson]

I've gotten a download for a cdimage from microsoft site, says it has sp3
already in it. My keys originally bought when first came out is a oem version
from dell. Will I be able to install and use the key I already have or will I
need to "slipstream" my existing cd with the downloaded sp3?

 

[Big Al]

I've gotten a download for a cdimage from microsoft site, says it has sp3
already in it. My keys originally bought when first came out is a oem version
from dell. Will I be able to install and use the key I already have or will I
need to "slipstream" my existing cd with the downloaded sp3?

I have an OEM Dell XP SP2 CD.
I reloaded, formatting the HD, loaded the XP SP2. No key needed since
it was a Dell OEM.
I then applied the .exe SP3 file that I download from Microsoft.
I then upgraded anything else like IE7 WMP11 and all updates.
The system is great.
Have not slipstreamed the CD yet, but I am told if I need to repair the
system I have to make a Slipstream copy to get it to work as my cd is
now SP2 and it will not repair a SP3 system.

HTH.

 

[Jerry]

The image file you downloaded is for burning the SP3 download, not an XP
with SP3 download; it's equivalent to the SP3 download. Yes, you can either
slipstream using the full SP3 download or using the SP3 CD you can create
with the image file you downloaded.

Why do both, though? Just download the full SP3 itself and slipstream then
upgrade your existing - save the time and effort.

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

The slipstreamed cd could not be used to apply the SP3 upgrade.
Slipstreaming creates an integrated XP at service pack level three. It does
not contain a separate SP3 package. It can be used to repair or reinstall
but not to upgrade as you suggest.