If AU is "on", why don't I have SP3?

I used the "read and run this first" instructions after looking up cleaning and maintenance techniques and software last night and am still going through my computer looking for things that my be out of place or no longer necessary. (That thread was most helpful BTW =D)

One thing I noticed is that I do not have Service Pack 3 installed and was curious as to why... and how I should go about getting it, and making sure I have gotten and will from now on get all updates for XP.

My Computer information reads:
Microsoft Windows XP
Home Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 2

(If you would like Malwarebytes, Hijack This, or other logs I'll find them or re-scan and post.)

 

Download it.

We had this discussion earlier in another thread for Vista. Windows Update cannot be used as a source for update news. There are certain things that will prevent a service pack being shown on Windows Update. One of the most common is drivers. Windows Update keeps record of your driver versions, and MS has set it up in the past not to push a service pack if certain drivers are not up to date, etc.

So if you feel confident all is ok, download and install it.

 

"So if you feel confident all is ok, download and install it."

Hmm... should I think that everything is fine? (I know that's a pretty wide open question)

Let me start with this I suppose...

I used recommended software to check my drivers from this website but it would only tell me what was up to date and out of date, not where to get up to date drivers.

Is there other software to recommend or a way to make sure my drivers are updated?

 

I would say this:

Make sure your video, sound, and network drivers are updated. All the others should not cause any real problems, even if they are out of date.

If you need help--give us a list of the above and we will help you find a place to update them.

If those are up to date, back up your data and take the leap.

I don't suspect you will see problems, but after the Vista SP1 fiasco and everything blowing up due to driver issues, I am sure MS is just playing it safe.

 

I seem to have forgotten the addy of, and lost the bookmark to, a website that listed all sorts of useful hardware/software identification. (just click a link and it listed basically what your asking me for)

Does this sound familiar? Do you have a link to such a place?

I'm not sure where to find out what cards/mother board/etc I have.

 

device manager:

right click my computer, go to properties, hardware tab.

 

Display: Intel(R) 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller [Display adapter]

Multimedia: Realtek AC'97 Audio

Communications: Realtek RTL8139 Family PCI Fast Ethernet NIC

Is this what your asking for?

 

Pretty much. Latest drivers would come from your OEM (whoever manufactured your computer).

Otherwise:

Video: http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=9033&lang=eng
Sound: Go to where it says: Windows 98Gold/98se/Me/2000/XP/2003(32/64 bits) for Driver only. For Windows 98 SE, DirectX(R)8 is required to enable advanced features. (Executable file)

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads...=23&Level=4&Conn=3&DownTypeID=3&GetDown=false

As for network, skip it if your OEM doesnt have it.

 

So...

One I've made sure my drivers are fresh (or as fresh as drivers for such old hardware will be =P)

I back-up and data I do not want to risk losing for one reason or another

then "Open Internet Explorer and go to www.windowsupdate.com and look carefully at what comes up after it searches, and look to see if anything is 'hidden'. On the left if you see a 'Restore Hidden Updates' then click on it."

and I SHOULD have all updates and SP3 assuming nothing causes unforeseen problems?

 

Maybe. If nothing else, http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en.

 

Well I got about half way through installing SP3 and there was denial of access errors.

Since sp3 was downloaded but not installed I imagine I can install as an admin in safe mode maybe?

where would I find the executable to install the download?

 

Whats the exact error and did you download it or do it via Windows Update?