Win XP SP3

[SupportDude]

So ... Auto Update keeps trying to install SP3.
What are the pro's and con's of this SP?

Anybody with any negative side affects?

-SD-

http://www.mysupportguy.net

 

[xit]

SP3 is the latest SP for XP, it contains many fixes for this now, very reliable operating system. I have installed it on many systems without a problem, just make sure before you install that your system is ready, that you run anti-virus, anti spyware, and disk cleanup, also a good idea to defrag your hard drive. One other good idea is to set a restore point prior to intallation, just in case.

xit

 

[mscallisto]

Here is a comprehensive explanation of SP3 including what's new, what has been fixed, and what still needs to be fixed.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/832671

sam

 

[ettienne]

No side effects noticed so far, my computer seems to run faster.

 

[linney]

No problems here after several installs. May I suggest that after you have followed "xit's" excellent advice that you temporarily disable all security scanning programs (use MsConfig) to aid in a successful SP3 install.

If all hell breaks loose, then there is always this.

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249#appliesto

 

[aich69]

Was about to rebuild my Toshiba laptop so thought I would install SP3 before I did, if it stuffed it then a rebuild was coming anyway.

Didn't need to do a rebuild, as ettienne says, it actually seems to run faster so stuck with it.

I used to have a handle on life... but it broke. Cpt. Red Bull

 

[BadBigBen]

Pro's:
Xp is faster.
All updates up to point of release in one package.
contains updates not found elsewhere (including the Windows/Microsoft Update site)...

con's:
depending on previous update status, can be a download between 70 to 300+mb...


As with a lot of SP updates, MS gotten an undeserved bad rap, mainly that it took them too long to issue it, aswell as bad OEM distributors who have not done their Homework in the first place (HP, DELL, etc. OEM install issues on AMD systems)...

synopsis:

install it and do not worry too much about it... been on the 23rd install of SP3 by now, with out ANY problems...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[SupportDude]

Thank-you all for the excellent responses.
Guess I'll go ahead and give it a shot.

-SD-

http://www.mysupportguy.net