Question Regarding Windows XP install + Service Pack 3

Question Regarding Windows XP install + Service Pack 3

A friend of mine recently asked me to help him to reinstall XP on his computer.

It has actually been a while, but he last time I reinstalled Windows XP for someone; as I recall, it took something like two or three full 8 hour days to first reinstall the XP operating system completely and then download and install the Service Packs 1 + 2 + 3. This was because Windows XP updates are distributed in service packs and of course; these Service packs help keep Windows XP current, and extend and update the functionality of the computer. Anyway, the reason it took so much time to accomplish the reinstall entirely was because of having to download each of the individual Service Packs from the internet; which would often times fail (for some odd reason) and then I'd have to go back to the Windows site and download again which was a complete waste of time, of course.

After that part (the Service Packs d/l and installation, I mean) was done; there were of course, numerous additional Windows Updates which did not install 'automatically' but would instead, go through completely ONLY after various 'pop-up' windows appeared asking me if I wanted to continue; and requiring an either YES or NO answer in order to continue (which was really incredibly irritating, to say the least). This would happen over and over again. Anyway, I have a very important question with regards to reinstalling Windows XP + all three Service Packs + the consequent additional Windows Updates...

The question is: If I use the Windows Service Pack 3 CD (which can be ordered online, btw) does this save me the trouble of having to download and then install Service Pack 1 then Service Pack 2 first?

What I mean is; can I just put the Service Pack 3 CD in and then install it (without first installing Service Pack 1 then Service Pack 2) and then the consequently the post-3 Windows Updates and I'm all set? If this is the case I'd be more than happy to wait until I order and receive the SP3 CD from Microsoft, in order to help my friend to reinstall his XP much faster, I mean.

Side Note: Also, no offence to anyone out there but; if you do not positively know the answer, please do not bother posting – Thanks

Good Luck! -- COMP​

 

From: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/cc164204.aspx

1 is required, 2 is recommended.

 

Thanks so much for the prompt response Solaris.

Good Luck! -- COMP​

 

I recently reinstalled XP Home on my 4-year-old Dell laptop. The disk that came with it included SP2, and I had never upgraded to SP3. I was able to reinstall the OS, all the drivers, SP3, and 114 additional updates in less than two hours.

 

If you use a disk that has SP3 installed, you are golden.
Will still need to do Windows Updates, though.

 

>> I was able to reinstall the OS, all the drivers, SP3, and 114 additional updates in less than two hours. md2lgyk <<

That's wonderful md2lgyk...

As I recall it: In my case; the I last time when I 'reinstalled' + Updated Windows XP, the two things which took the most time were: (1) the Operating System CD did not even have SP1 and so I had to download and install SP1, then SP2 and finally SP3 with all of the residual files from Windows Update last and (2) during the process of downloading each of the Service Packs, it would consequently stall for some odd reason again and again and so I would then have to shut down the dialog box and then have start all over again!

Incidentally if you Google the terms "windows update stuck" it garners "About 3,320,000 results" so I am certainly not alone regarding this problem.

Also another time consumer; during the entire reinstall + update process, was the fact that the additional residual files from those necessary Windows Updates (after the SP's were done) consequently kept asking me to 'confirm' requiring me to either check YES or NO in order to continue, which was extremely frustrating because it meant I couldn't simple step away for a while during an 'automatic update.' Therefore, what I had to do was to then stay near the computer the entire time; while waiting for the consequent downloading and installing. And some of the completed updates required a restart of the computer and then having to go back to Windows Update site again for even more delayed (and sometimes stalled) updates.

This time; my friend's current computer is an older Dell Dimension and he only has the original Windows XP CD that came with it (sans any extra included Service Packs or the Hardware Drivers) so I'll probably need to download the additional drivers from Dell support online in advance and then need to 'update' them as well. Incidentally, Microsoft support for Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) ended in July of 2010; so anyone attempting to reinstall and run Windows XP SP2 after support ended, cannot not even receive security updates for Windows anymore. Therefore, I will likely download from Windows XP Service Pack 2 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers from here and then wait for the SP3 CD to arrive in the mail from Microsoft. I think it only costs like 5-10 bucks to have this delivered but will be well worth it in time saved IMO.

Good Luck! -- COMP​

 

http://majorgeeks.com/Microsoft_Windows_XP_Service_Pack_3_d4323.html

 

>> If you use a disk that has SP3 installed, you are golden. Will still need to do Windows Updates, though. <<

Thanks for the tips hrlow2; and for the Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 Final MajorGeeks download link, as well.

Coincidentally, I just spoke to another friend on the phone who actually has the Service Pack 2 on CD (which he had previously ordered from Microsoft) so that should save me the trouble of having downloading (SP2, I mean) from that link which I mentioned earlier.

Good Luck! -- COMP​