XP SP3 questions

[A Nonnie Moose]

I'm running WinXP Home SP2. I purchased the SP3 CD from Microsoft and it
arrived today. I have a few questions:

1. The label on the CD envelope reads "Windows XP Professional SP3
English." The CD says only "Windows XP Service Pack 3 Not For Resale." Is
this the SP3 I need -- is there any difference between the Home and Pro SP3?

2. What will SP3 do for me? My system has proven to be quite stable -- I
have no issues with it other than an occasional stupid operator error, and,
I use my computer only for simple tasks -- 'net surfing, email, word
processing, an occasional spreadsheet, genealogy files, save photos from my
digital camera, and the like.

3. If I set a system restore point before installing, can I go back to that
point or will SP3 wipe out previous system restore points?

Thanks.

 

[Don Phillipson]

I'm running WinXP Home SP2. I purchased the SP3 CD from Microsoft and it
arrived today. I have a few questions:

1. The label on the CD envelope reads "Windows XP Professional SP3
English." The CD says only "Windows XP Service Pack 3 Not For Resale." Is
this the SP3 I need -- is there any difference between the Home and Pro

SP3?

Look on the CD for a DOC or README file.

2. What will SP3 do for me? My system has proven to be quite stable -- I
have no issues with it other than an occasional stupid operator error, and,
I use my computer only for simple tasks -- 'net surfing, email, word
processing, an occasional spreadsheet, genealogy files, save photos from my
digital camera, and the like.

If you go to the MS Windows Update site, it will scan your WinXP and
display on screen the list of recommended updates (components of SP3.)
Each is documented i.e. the web site tells you what each update does.
You can then pick from a menu only those you want to instal.

 

[Rich Barry]

1. No 2. If you havent kept your system updated it will patch
some of the security holes. 3. Yes, you can go back. and No, it
won't wipe out previous restore points.

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

A1. The CD you ordered and received from MS can be used to install SP3 on
any machine (i.e., Home and Pro) running WinXP SP1(a) or WinXP SP2.

A2. Having SP3 installed no later than April 2010 will allow you computer to
keep receiving critical security updates through 2014. If SP3 is not
installed, no updates, period.

A3. A Restore Point will be created automatically when you install SP3.
Should you encounter difficulties afterward and want to "undo" SP3, please
do NOT use System Restore as your first resort! Instead, uninstall SP3 via
Add/Remove Programs (in Safe Mode, if necessary).

References:

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) and *only until* 14 Apr-09.
Go to http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
"Windows XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"

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

About IE7 & IE8 and Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx

 

[A Nonnie Moose]

THANKS, EVERYONE -- I'll try the install late tonight after everyone's gone
to bed, the house is quiet, and the computer can be tied up for whatever
time it takes.

 

[1PW]

THANKS, EVERYONE -- I'll try the install late tonight after everyone's gone
to bed, the house is quiet, and the computer can be tied up for whatever
time it takes.

You may wish to look over the SP3 deployment write-ups before you jump
in. You can avoid a few stumbling blocks if you do.

Coincidentally, after your successful SP3 update, go to the usual
Microsoft Windows Update web page and you should see more than a few
updates are now due for your system.

Best wishes to you.

Pete

 

[Lil' Dave]

I'm running WinXP Home SP2. I purchased the SP3 CD from Microsoft and it
arrived today. I have a few questions:

1. The label on the CD envelope reads "Windows XP Professional SP3
English." The CD says only "Windows XP Service Pack 3 Not For Resale."
Is this the SP3 I need -- is there any difference between the Home and Pro
SP3?

I've purchased both the SP2 and SP3 from MS.

The SP3 installation CD that I purchased and received have the following
information on the CD label:
-----
"Microsoft" in upper RH corner.

"SERVICE PACK 3: Not for resale."

"Do not lend or make illegal copies."

"2008 Microsoft Corporation
Part No X14-60166-02"

Bottom of label -
Windows logo to the left followed by "Windows xp"

The label is dark blue in color, print is silver in color.
End of CD label description
------

That said, there is no mention of Home or Professional edition on the CD
label.

I've used said CD to both upgrade to SP3 within XP SP2 environment, and, as
update source for making a slipstreamed XP w/SP3 installation CD.
--
Dave

CDOs are how we got here.
A modified version, new taxes in the future, is how Congress will get us
out?