WindowsXP SP3

First, Why do I really need SP3. since I have kept the updates current?
Now, I decided to install SP3 and went to Microsoft download page. The problem is that it lists three files to choose to download. I cannot tell which file I should download. I searched the site, but can't find any details of contents of each file, so I don't know which to choose to download. I may just forget it unless there is a good reason to download it. I haven't found one yet. Please help me decide. Thanks in advance.
Red

 

I installed Windows XP Service Pack 3 Build 5512 Final ISO from http://www.majorgeeks.com/Microsoft_Windows_XP_Service_Pack_3_d4323.html as soon as it was released, with no troubles.

If you confident that you have all updates, then maybe don't bother with SP3.

I haven't found any advantages in installing SP3 as far as in the day-to-day operation of my PC. Obviously though, the security updates are of benefit.

Those more expert in this field, please add your comments. Bazza

 

I have wondered the same thing..... I have Windows XP Professional SP2, and have all the windows updates, as my computer is on AU..... I have seen lots of "errors" posted around with SP3, and have been afraid to download it myself.

I would be interested in some more info on this SP3. I did go to Microsoft website, but way too much "gotta be a lawyer to understand it" stuff!

Does anyone have any "reg. people" answers? I don't know how long SP2 will be supported by Microsoft, but might be something worth looking into. How about it, Major, any thoughts on this ?

OK, would like to thank "redryder" for asking this question, as I came here tonight to ask the very same one! Thank you redryder for beating me to the punch on this one.... Hope we get an answer :wave

PS: Just exactly what is the advantage to downloading SP3? I would really like to know. Thanks.

 

I updated my old PC, my sister's and a friend's all running XP home and my laptop with XP MCE and have had no problems. First, I made sure I had up to date drivers and programs (when possible) before I proceeded.

 

Hi there, "Just Playin'", thanks for the reply... What scared me, was all the stuff about "BEFORE DOWNLOADING, READ THIS......" and all the errors it can cause.....

As far as drivers, I would have NO IDEA as to where to begin there... :eek

I just assume the AU is doing it's thing, but I did uncheck the box for SP3 so it won't download, until I learn more about it...

Thanks for the shout !

 

I will give you what I understand of sp3. I Believe it has it's advantages except for it's shear size. In that it is a compilation of security updates and other bug fixes that ms has come up with for their OS. I also believe that it may include all of sp1 and 2 but I am not certain.

It does seem a little more user friendly when it comes to setting up file sharing or other things. I am still exploring it's tools and uses as I am a whole lot greener than I would like to be myself.

Just thought I would give you my thoughts on it.
Sincerely,
White

 

Thanks "White".... Still, it is a little cloudy for me... Like, what do I need to know before downloading it, and the drivers are really confusing... I am afraid to go ahead and let it download, only to find all kinds of whatever's..... If it is just a combo of SP1 and SP2, that shouldn't be too bad.. Keep us posted, we'll let you sort it out first!
Thanks for the reply!

 

OK, dr.m, I think you have convinced me, so I will take the plunge and allow it to download... :wave....... IF I have any problems with it, I will contact you.....:-D I am no GEEK, for sure, but do know that a lot of the people here are a heck of a lot more experienced than me in this stuff...

As long as no one else is having any problems, maybe MS has worked out the bugs.... I'll keep ya posted... I take it you don't notice anything different as far as your OS goes, eh?

From your description, it sounds like just a bunch of hotfixes and updates then... I guess I'll find out.... thanks!

 

Well, it looks like we have a good one going. I think that I'll just set back for a while and see where this thing goes. As of now, I really don't see a need for SP 3. You guys keep your eyes open and keep us all posted. Thanks for all who have posted.
Red

 

Don't forget there are a lot of further updates since SP 3. I found this out yesterday as I was trying to install IE8 Beta (It failed again--but that is another story :cry ). Bazza

===

 

Ohhhhh, now that is getting scary..... I don't mind the updates, they are all AU anyway, but I am still hesitant on the SP! I went to Windows Update, and looked yet again at the "What to know B-4 you install SP3......." and it just overwhelmed me yet AGAIN! Nope, didn't download it..... :banghead

I think the safest thing to do at this time, is to just wait it out, and see what the rest of ya have to say...... Like I said , I ain't no Teckie! :cry
Thanks, and I'll keep an eye on this thread.

 

OK, Now that I have gone over all of your thoughts on this matter, and decided to TAKE THE PLUNGE AND JUST DO IT.....:-D

Now, I am finding I have another "issue"..... My computer is set on AU.... BUT, I "unchecked" the download for SP3.... so it wouldn't download UNTIL I got more info...

Well, I went into WU website, and cannot re-check it! :cry There is NO box to re-check!

That is a 15+ hour download, and I am NOT on hi-speed, so how in the heck do I get it back onto AU? That is the best way for me to download such HUGE files.... Anybody have an idea on this? Thanks, and in the meantime, I will continue to hunt for information....

 

Hi there, MarkTrent... Sure, I usually do download all of the updates, however, I have seen a LOT of 'errors' people have had, so I was just waiting for all the bugs to get worked out.. That is all...... Not a "personal whim" either!

Now that it seems to be 'safe', I am ready to give it a whirl..... I just don't have 15+ hours to sit here and wait for it to download... Any idea on how I can get it back onto AU?

 

You could order SP3 on CD. See Windows XP Service Pack 3 CD

 

Are: Windows XP SP3

A SP3 disk would seem to be the only answer for those still on dial up. Depends on cost. Also,are all those updates that came out after SP3 strictly for SP3 or have I been downloading updates onto my SP2? Maybe they are compatible until Microsoft stops service for SP2. I'm not that knowledgeable about this thing. Just an idea. Great Discussion, Thanks Everyone

 

Hi Trent, I just came home with my CD. That is exactly what I did. Now, all I have to do is load it..

As far as "hiding" that update, I didn't "hide" it, I just unchecked the box... I didn't hide it, and when I click onto the "show hidden updates" on the left side, it showed I don't have any... Go figure! I have it now burned to a CD, so all is well with the world......

Sorry for the confusion earlier! I didn't mean to butt in, really. Thanks for the idea, and all the advice..:wave

 

Well lets see to DL XPSP3 all you need to do is go to
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...fd-6f69-4289-8bd1-eb966bcdfb5e&DisplayLang=en
and you will DL the exe version of it.
or got to
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en
for the iso version.
Which would require you to use additional software to mount it on a virtual drive and then either burn it to disk or run it from the virtual drive
The only Software I use for mounting and burning is Magic Iso with the Magic Disk plug-in.

But there are others out there that you can use.

The main reason i see that you would want the upgrade is to keep you comp up to date
with the extra security updates provided by it. That and bug fixes that may not be available otherwise.

Sincerely,
White

 

Hi White, Sorry, but that REALLY confuses me now! I hope I am not butting in here, but I have no idea what you are talking about... I had someone on Hi-Speed burn SP3 to a CD for me, so I am just waiting to get up the nerve to load it... I sure hope you were replying to someone else here!
OK, yous guys have a good day, :wave

 

yes you are correct, sorry I just thought it may be helpful for some that may review this post later to know exactly where to get it. I am still learning the basics of this forum too. please bear with me.

White

 

Hi White, Mark is right, I misunderstood your post, , you have nothing ot be sorry about.. :wave

I am no expert at this stuff either, always trying to learn, so I do hope you all can bear with me too. I do NOT want to offend anyone at all here.. Must be another one of those blonde days! :wave