XP SP3

[Eric]

Hello,

Just wanted to find out what the "word on the street" was about installing
XP SP3. I remember reading last year several blogs telling people not to
bother with SP3!
My machines all have SP2 + all latest patches.
Any recommendations?
Is there a version of SP3 that can be downloaded and put on a CD instead of
having to use "Windows Update" and basically download SP3 for every machine
I want to update.

Thank you.

Eric

 

[John Barnett MVP]

I haven't had any problems installing SP3 on XP or any subsequent problems
after install.

If you want a full version of SP3 then take a look at this link from my
website:
http://www.winuser.co.uk/windows_xp_faq/129_how_can_i_download_full_copy_xpsp3.html

--

--
John Barnett MVP
Windows XP Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://www.winuser.co.uk
Web: http://www.silversurfer-guide.com
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org
Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[David B.]

Eventually your going to need it to install future updates.
http://www.microsoft.com/DownLoads/...a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&displaylang=en

 

[Gis Bun]

Keep your drivers up to date. There was issues with some wireless cards,
older ATI Catalyst drivers and stupid HP installing the IntemPPM driver on an
AMD system. As well one specific ASUS motherboard.

See
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jes...ed-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx

BTW, SP2 support will die at one point. So unless you are intending to ditch
your system soon, it will be required.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

Hello,

Just wanted to find out what the "word on the street" was about installing
XP SP3. I remember reading last year several blogs telling people not to
bother with SP3!
My machines all have SP2 + all latest patches.
Any recommendations?
Is there a version of SP3 that can be downloaded and put on a CD instead of
having to use "Windows Update" and basically download SP3 for every machine
I want to update.

My word is that you should install SP3. I've had no problems with it
on any of the several machines I've installed it on.

Whenever *anything* new comes out, there are always *some* people who
have problems with it. Despite how few they are, they are always the
most vocal. Nobody posts messages to newsgroups saying he had no
problems (other than in replies, like this one).

There's lots you can read before you do it:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717


Also:


Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3): Installation Guide
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33296


Windows XP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful
installation
-http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp...

Internet Explorer and WinXP SP3
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=33210


XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827


XP SP3: IMPORTANT SUPPORT INFORMATION
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33244


If you run into problems during or after the installation, these may
help:


XP SP3: "Fixed" Reboot Loop / Safe Mode Only after Install
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33241


XP SP3 Installation Failure Troubleshooter
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33295


XP SP3: Registry Corruption & Norton SymProtect
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33522


XP SP3: Hotfix - Device Manager and Network Connections
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=34129


XP SP3: FIX -- Svchost.exe Uses 100% CPU Resources
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33303


XP SP3: Problems? How To Uninstall Service Pack 3
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33246

 

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Millions of users have installed SP3 without encountering any problems.

1. If you do not have SP3 installed a year from now (i.e., 2010), neither AU
nor WU will offer the machine ANY further critical security updates and YOUR
MACHINE WILL NOT BE SAFE TO USE ONLINE OR CONNECT TO ANY NETWORKS!

2. MS is offering free installation and compatibility support for SP3 (and
only SP3), but only until 14 April 2009. After that, you're on your own or
will have to pay $150 USD (or much higher) per hour for such support.

3. The Service Pack Blocker Tool, if installed, expires on 19 May-09; cf.
http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/wi...er-tool-for-windows-vista-amp-windows-xp.aspx

4a. To order SP3 on CD, see appropriate link in
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

4b. Or you can download Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File:
http://www.microsoft.com/DownLoads/details.aspx?familyid=2FCDE6CE-B5FB-4488-8C50-FE22559D164E

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"

 

[Alex Clark]

The only problematic install I had was on a machine that had malware on it -
it was locking certain crucial registry keys which screwed up the install
process badly.

Other than that, every machine I've upgraded has worked fine with SP3.
Can't say as I've noticed any major difference with it, either in terms of
performance or bug fixes, but it's nice to have the peace-of-mind that the
various patches bring in. Latest worm (Conficker) is spreading across the
internets like... well, a virus, and I'm told SP3 machines are not affected
by it.

Alex

 

[Lil' Dave]

Hello,

Just wanted to find out what the "word on the street" was about installing
XP SP3. I remember reading last year several blogs telling people not to
bother with SP3!
My machines all have SP2 + all latest patches.
Any recommendations?
Is there a version of SP3 that can be downloaded and put on a CD instead
of having to use "Windows Update" and basically download SP3 for every
machine I want to update.

Thank you.

Eric

After reviewing solutions for SP updates in the past, I've always purchased
the SP CD from MS. The kicker is its pressed, not burned. CD Degradation
is less of a factor. If you're using a phone modem, its certainly more
convenient as well to acquire it.
--
Dave

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