Do I need Windows SP3

This is my first post to this group.

I have XP 32 bit Home Edition with SP2. Is it really necessary to download SP3 and what are the improvements that I would immediately see? I am asking this question because a technician told me to stick with what you get when you install and you are only asking for trouble with upgrades and patches. I kinda believe him because in earlier versions of Windows downloaded upgrades and patches caused nothing but problems, l so I am sitting on a fence. A detailed explanation (if possible) of the benefit or detriment of SP3 would be greatly appreciated.

Has Windows patching improved to the point that it can be trusted to not screw up regular operating procedures?

Danny
Toronto, Ontario

 

Sometimes upgrade isn't such an upgrade. I had my drivers upgrade and it took away my ability to turn off my touch pad function. I had to uninstall and reinstall my old touch pad drivers. I also can never upgrade my sound driver as I use one that is not listed, it seriously never shows up on any upgrade program, I had to find it on another site and manually install it.

I would personally go online and research for your self what it does and does not do.

 

Brahman,

Do you know of a specific site that talks about the pluses and minuses of SP3?

Danny
Toronto, Ontario

 

Thanks DavidGP,

This is just the type of information I was looking for.

I love the way this forum site neatly categorizes the many aspects of computing for simple posting and reply. I'm sold.

Danny,
Toronto, Ontario

 

I did a clean install of both Windows XP SP2 and Windows XP SP3 on identical computers last year, installed the same set of software, and I found SP3 to seem a little bit quicker. BUT keep in mind that I did a clean install of SP3, not an update from SP2, so your results might differ.

Personally, I would go with what DavidGP said and download the full SP3 installer file.

 

I vote NO to XP SP3. I've been running with SP2 since 2002? No problems. (NO auto updates either. That function is TURNED OFF.) The only update I've installed is the Time Zone Update. (KB931836-x86-ENU.exe)

Besides, when doing certain maintenance operations, sometimes Windows will tell you that SP3 must be UNINSTALLED, then reinstalled afterwords. A bit crazy in my opinion.

 

With the differing opinions I have to ask "Can I set a Restore Point before installing SP3 and if I don't like what it is doing then can I go back to pre-SP3"?

Danny
Toronto, Ontario

 

In a word; yes.

 

Yes you can until you delete the $xxxxx files, they do take up quite a bit of space though, depending on how much you have. Some 150MB IIRC. Grab the SP3 from MS here. Of course you will have to get the rest of the updates later.