Latest thinking on SP3?

July 17, 2008

Windows Gurus,

What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

fixes were made for any security flaws.

I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

What about on my -work critical- machine?

Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

than this humble programmer does. :)

Cheers.

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

Most people have not had problems but there are some that do.

I still plan to hold off installing SP3 for a while.

Also if I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the

file and not use Automatic Updates.

I would also create an"Image Backup" of my drive prior

to installing SP3 just in case you do have problems.

Don't have any Image Backup software:

Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)

http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC

(Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D7C9A07A-5267-4BD6-87D0-E2A72099EDB7&displaylang=en

(Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en

Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP Service

Pack 3'

Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP SP1

or SP2."

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3

Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing Windows XP Service

Pack 3 (SP3)

(For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed)

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us

Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

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

Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.

Also includes troubleshooting information.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

Post Installation Cleanup:

http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack

3

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support

(Via Email, Chat or Phone support)

http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:

How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

Where to download SP3

SP3 file download:

(File is large but will only install components that you PC requires)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

ISO image - used to create install CD:

(You must have CD burning software that can use an ISO as source)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix

Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup package

for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us

JS

"Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

news:TWLfk.28681$E41.3948@text.news.virginmedia.com...

> Windows Gurus,

>

> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>

> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

> from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>

> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>

> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS than

> this humble programmer does. :)

>

> Cheers.

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

The advise given to you was wrong. SP3 has been the best service pack

ever to come out from Microsoft. I have installed SP3 in almost 1000

mission critical systems in a university and have seen or heard of any

problems thus far!

Go ahead and install it. I suggest download the full package from here:

<http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en>

HTH

Poster Matt wrote:

> Windows Gurus,

>

> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>

> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install

> SP3 from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>

> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>

> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

> than this humble programmer does. :)

>

> Cheers.

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

JS wrote:

> Most people have not had problems but there are some that do.

> I still plan to hold off installing SP3 for a while.

>

> Also if I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the

> file and not use Automatic Updates.

Thanks for your highly comprehensive reply JS. If you're going to hold

off installing I'll follow suit.

Out of interest what are the advantages of installing SP3? SP2 is very

stable with the software I've got running and I believe quite secure,

and I've a small and sweet version of Linux running on my router called

OpenWRT, and this makes my PC v. secure.

Thanks again.

> I would also create an"Image Backup" of my drive prior

> to installing SP3 just in case you do have problems.

> Don't have any Image Backup software:

> Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)

> http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

>

> How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

>

> How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC

> (Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)

> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D7C9A07A-5267-4BD6-87D0-E2A72099EDB7&displaylang=en

> (Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)

>

> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en

> Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP Service

> Pack 3'

> Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP SP1

> or SP2."

>

> The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3

> Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing Windows XP Service

> Pack 3 (SP3)

> (For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed)

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us

>

> Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/cc164204.aspx

>

> Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us

>

> List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

>

> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

> Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.

> Also includes troubleshooting information.

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

>

> Post Installation Cleanup:

> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

>

> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack

> 3

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us

>

> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support

> (Via Email, Chat or Phone support)

> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

>

> Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:

> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

>

> Where to download SP3

> SP3 file download:

> (File is large but will only install components that you PC requires)

> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

>

> ISO image - used to create install CD:

> (You must have CD burning software that can use an ISO as source)

> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

>

> Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix

> Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup package

> for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.

> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us

>

> JS

>

> "Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

> news:TWLfk.28681$E41.3948@text.news.virginmedia.com...

>> Windows Gurus,

>>

>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>>

>> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

>> from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>>

>> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>>

>> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS than

>> this humble programmer does. :)

>>

>> Cheers.

>

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

ANONYMOUS wrote:

> The advise given to you was wrong. SP3 has been the best service pack

> ever to come out from Microsoft. I have installed SP3 in almost 1000

> mission critical systems in a university and have seen or heard of any

> problems thus far!

Can you tell me what advantages I will gain from installing it?

Thanks.

>

> Go ahead and install it. I suggest download the full package from here:

>

> <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en>

>

> HTH

>

> Poster Matt wrote:

>

>> Windows Gurus,

>>

>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>>

>> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install

>> SP3 from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>>

>> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>>

>> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

>> than this humble programmer does. :)

>>

>> Cheers.

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:10:59 GMT, Poster Matt

<postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote:

> Windows Gurus,

>

> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

> fixes were made for any security flaws.

Not very good advice, in my view.

You should install SP3. In my view one should always keep up with the

latest critical updates and service packs for Windows.

Whenever everything new comes out, there are always some people with

problems. But in fact, the enormous majority of those who have

upgraded to SP3 have had no problems at all with it,

If you're reading about problems *here*, this where people come with

their problems, not with their successes. You get a very distorted

view of what's going on in the real world here; as someone once said,

"hang around a transmission shop and you will think that all cars have

transmission problems."

Most problems, by far, that people report here--whether or not they

are SP3-related--have nothing to do with defects in the software. They

result from people's ignorance, from bad or inadequate hardware, from

old drivers, from viruses, from spyware, and so on. And except for

very rare situations, they always get a fix for their problems, and in

most cases, that fix is a very simple one to implement.

But read here first: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

> from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>

> What about on my -work critical- machine?

Just as with taking any other big step, you should always make sure

you have a backup of anything critical, so you're not up the creek

even if something unlikely happens.

> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

> than this humble programmer does. :)

>

> Cheers.

--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

A big advantage-----You'll be up to date.

"Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

news:KqMfk.28717$E41.13415@text.news.virginmedia.com...

> ANONYMOUS wrote:

>> The advise given to you was wrong. SP3 has been the best service pack

>> ever to come out from Microsoft. I have installed SP3 in almost 1000

>> mission critical systems in a university and have seen or heard of any

>> problems thus far!

>

> Can you tell me what advantages I will gain from installing it?

>

> Thanks.

>

>>

>> Go ahead and install it. I suggest download the full package from here:

>>

>> <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en>

>> HTH

>>

>> Poster Matt wrote:

>>

>>> Windows Gurus,

>>>

>>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>>>

>>> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

>>> from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>>>

>>> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>>>

>>> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

>>> than this humble programmer does. :)

>>>

>>> Cheers.

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

As far as advantages I have not heard of any, except that by about April of

2009 I believe SP2 updates will no longer be available and I expect to be at

SP3 long before that date.

To quote Microsoft:

"Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates

for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new

functionalities, which do not significantly change customers' experience

with the operating system. This white paper summarizes what is new in

Windows XP SP3."

I am getting ready to run several tests on a PC with SP2 installed and then

installing SP3.

JS

"Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

news:wpMfk.28716$E41.5300@text.news.virginmedia.com...

> JS wrote:

>> Most people have not had problems but there are some that do.

>> I still plan to hold off installing SP3 for a while.

>>

>> Also if I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the

>> file and not use Automatic Updates.

>

> Thanks for your highly comprehensive reply JS. If you're going to hold off

> installing I'll follow suit.

>

> Out of interest what are the advantages of installing SP3? SP2 is very

> stable with the software I've got running and I believe quite secure, and

> I've a small and sweet version of Linux running on my router called

> OpenWRT, and this makes my PC v. secure.

>

> Thanks again.

>

>> I would also create an"Image Backup" of my drive prior

>> to installing SP3 just in case you do have problems.

>> Don't have any Image Backup software:

>> Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)

>> http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

>>

>> How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

>>

>> How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC

>> (Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)

>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D7C9A07A-5267-4BD6-87D0-E2A72099EDB7&displaylang=en

>> (Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)

>>

>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en

>> Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP

>> Service Pack 3'

>> Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP

>> SP1 or SP2."

>>

>> The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3

>> Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing Windows XP

>> Service Pack 3 (SP3)

>> (For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed)

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us

>>

>> Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

>> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/cc164204.aspx

>>

>> Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us

>>

>> List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

>>

>> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

>> Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.

>> Also includes troubleshooting information.

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

>>

>> Post Installation Cleanup:

>> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

>>

>> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service

>> Pack 3

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us

>>

>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support

>> (Via Email, Chat or Phone support)

>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

>>

>> Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:

>> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

>>

>> Where to download SP3

>> SP3 file download:

>> (File is large but will only install components that you PC requires)

>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

>>

>> ISO image - used to create install CD:

>> (You must have CD burning software that can use an ISO as source)

>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

>>

>> Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix

>> Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup

>> package

>> for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.

>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us

>>

>> JS

>>

>> "Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

>> news:TWLfk.28681$E41.3948@text.news.virginmedia.com...

>>> Windows Gurus,

>>>

>>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>>>

>>> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

>>> from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>>>

>>> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>>>

>>> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

>>> than this humble programmer does. :)

>>>

>>> Cheers.

>>

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

Unknown wrote:

> A big advantage-----You'll be up to date.

That's an outcome, not an advantage!

The advantages are... what?

Cheers.

> "Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

> news:KqMfk.28717$E41.13415@text.news.virginmedia.com...

>> ANONYMOUS wrote:

>>> The advise given to you was wrong. SP3 has been the best service pack

>>> ever to come out from Microsoft. I have installed SP3 in almost 1000

>>> mission critical systems in a university and have seen or heard of any

>>> problems thus far!

>> Can you tell me what advantages I will gain from installing it?

>>

>> Thanks.

>>

>>> Go ahead and install it. I suggest download the full package from here:

>>>

>>> <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en>

>>> HTH

>>>

>>> Poster Matt wrote:

>>>

>>>> Windows Gurus,

>>>>

>>>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>>>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>>>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>>>>

>>>> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

>>>> from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>>>>

>>>> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>>>>

>>>> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

>>>> than this humble programmer does. :)

>>>>

>>>> Cheers.

>

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

>Windows Gurus,

>

>What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>fixes were made for any security flaws.

>

>I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

>from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>

>What about on my -work critical- machine?

>

>Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

>than this humble programmer does. :)

>

>Cheers.

It's safe and I've already installed on well over 35 machines that

I've fixed. The only odd-ball thing I've dealt with are PCs that never

had the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility installed. I've

installed it on a few AMD-based PCs fine. There have been close to 75+

post-SP3 hotfixes released now so if there is something that trips up

some specific thing, it's likely been addressed already. Some have

also said to remove Antivirus and other anti-malware / anti-spyware

apps. I've not run into any blue-screen or other show-stoppers on any

PCs running older apps. I would suggest making sure such apps are as

updated / patched-up as possible as a precaution. I have it running on

500+ production machine at my location since the beginning of May with

zero issues. It is a worthy update with the standard precaution: back

up what you really need; if you have an AMD-based PC, install the AMD

"pre-SP3 patch" from Microsoft.

- Thee Chicago Wolf

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

Thanks. --See my reply to Ken.

JS wrote:

> As far as advantages I have not heard of any, except that by about April of

> 2009 I believe SP2 updates will no longer be available and I expect to be at

> SP3 long before that date.

>

> To quote Microsoft:

> "Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates

> for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new

> functionalities, which do not significantly change customers' experience

> with the operating system. This white paper summarizes what is new in

> Windows XP SP3."

>

> I am getting ready to run several tests on a PC with SP2 installed and then

> installing SP3.

>

> JS

>

> "Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

> news:wpMfk.28716$E41.5300@text.news.virginmedia.com...

>> JS wrote:

>>> Most people have not had problems but there are some that do.

>>> I still plan to hold off installing SP3 for a while.

>>>

>>> Also if I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the

>>> file and not use Automatic Updates.

>> Thanks for your highly comprehensive reply JS. If you're going to hold off

>> installing I'll follow suit.

>>

>> Out of interest what are the advantages of installing SP3? SP2 is very

>> stable with the software I've got running and I believe quite secure, and

>> I've a small and sweet version of Linux running on my router called

>> OpenWRT, and this makes my PC v. secure.

>>

>> Thanks again.

>>

>>> I would also create an"Image Backup" of my drive prior

>>> to installing SP3 just in case you do have problems.

>>> Don't have any Image Backup software:

>>> Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)

>>> http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/

>>>

>>> How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

>>>

>>> How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC

>>> (Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D7C9A07A-5267-4BD6-87D0-E2A72099EDB7&displaylang=en

>>> (Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)

>>>

>>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en

>>> Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP

>>> Service Pack 3'

>>> Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP

>>> SP1 or SP2."

>>>

>>> The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3

>>> Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing Windows XP

>>> Service Pack 3 (SP3)

>>> (For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed)

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us

>>>

>>> Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

>>> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/cc164204.aspx

>>>

>>> Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us

>>>

>>> List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

>>>

>>> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

>>> Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.

>>> Also includes troubleshooting information.

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

>>>

>>> Post Installation Cleanup:

>>> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827

>>>

>>> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service

>>> Pack 3

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us

>>>

>>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support

>>> (Via Email, Chat or Phone support)

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

>>>

>>> Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:

>>> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353

>>>

>>> Where to download SP3

>>> SP3 file download:

>>> (File is large but will only install components that you PC requires)

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

>>>

>>> ISO image - used to create install CD:

>>> (You must have CD burning software that can use an ISO as source)

>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

>>>

>>> Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix

>>> Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup

>>> package

>>> for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.

>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us

>>>

>>> JS

>>>

>>> "Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

>>> news:TWLfk.28681$E41.3948@text.news.virginmedia.com...

>>>> Windows Gurus,

>>>>

>>>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>>>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>>>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>>>>

>>>> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

>>>> from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>>>>

>>>> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>>>>

>>>> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

>>>> than this humble programmer does. :)

>>>>

>>>> Cheers.

>

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:10:59 GMT, Poster Matt

> <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote:

>

>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>

> Not very good advice, in my view.

>

> You should install SP3. In my view one should always keep up with the

> latest critical updates and service packs for Windows.

>

> Whenever everything new comes out, there are always some people with

> problems. But in fact, the enormous majority of those who have

> upgraded to SP3 have had no problems at all with it,

>

> If you're reading about problems *here*, this where people come with

> their problems, not with their successes. You get a very distorted

> view of what's going on in the real world here; as someone once said,

> "hang around a transmission shop and you will think that all cars have

> transmission problems."

>

> Most problems, by far, that people report here--whether or not they

> are SP3-related--have nothing to do with defects in the software. They

> result from people's ignorance, from bad or inadequate hardware, from

> old drivers, from viruses, from spyware, and so on. And except for

> very rare situations, they always get a fix for their problems, and in

> most cases, that fix is a very simple one to implement.

>

> But read here first: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

I must admit to being somewhat confused now, getting replies that

suggest the opposite of each other.

JS says there are no real advantages according to Microsoft:

To quote Microsoft:

"Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released

updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small

number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change

customers' experience with the operating system. This white paper

summarizes what is new in Windows XP SP3."

He also says:

"As far as advantages I have not heard of any, except that by about

April of 2009 I believe SP2 updates will no longer be available and I

expect to be at SP3 long before that date."

But Ken implies that to not update my mean I'm missing a critical

update, is that right? I'm up-to-date with all critical updates unless

there are some which are SP3 only:

"You should install SP3. In my view one should always keep up with the

latest critical updates and service packs for Windows."

My principle fears are that it might cause problems with my system and

that there are security flaws, or hardware conflicts. Of course I'll

have the system properly backed up before an install (it always is

anyway). But it would be a major hassle if I had problems.

I think I'll err on the side of caution and leave off for a while,

unless someone can give me a good reason to install SP3. So far I've

been told I should because 'it's always best to' but with no specific

reason why. Is the security better, is it more stable (I do get the

occasional system crash), am I missing something useful?

Thanks for your replies and I'd really like a response to the paragraph

above.

Cheers.

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

When the next SP3 security update is released you'll be ready.

"Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

news:3%Mfk.28754$E41.23158@text.news.virginmedia.com...

> Unknown wrote:

>> A big advantage-----You'll be up to date.

>

> That's an outcome, not an advantage!

> The advantages are... what?

>

> Cheers.

>

>> "Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

>> news:KqMfk.28717$E41.13415@text.news.virginmedia.com...

>>> ANONYMOUS wrote:

>>>> The advise given to you was wrong. SP3 has been the best service pack

>>>> ever to come out from Microsoft. I have installed SP3 in almost 1000

>>>> mission critical systems in a university and have seen or heard of any

>>>> problems thus far!

>>> Can you tell me what advantages I will gain from installing it?

>>>

>>> Thanks.

>>>

>>>> Go ahead and install it. I suggest download the full package from

>>>> here:

>>>>

>>>> <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en>

>>>> HTH

>>>>

>>>> Poster Matt wrote:

>>>>

>>>>> Windows Gurus,

>>>>>

>>>>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>>>>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>>>>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>>>>>

>>>>> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install

>>>>> SP3 from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>>>>>

>>>>> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>>>>>

>>>>> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

>>>>> than this humble programmer does. :)

>>>>>

>>>>> Cheers.

>>

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:18:26 GMT, Poster Matt

<postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote:

> Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> > On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:10:59 GMT, Poster Matt

> > <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote:

> >

> >> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

> >> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

> >> fixes were made for any security flaws.

> >

> > Not very good advice, in my view.

> >

> > You should install SP3. In my view one should always keep up with the

> > latest critical updates and service packs for Windows.

> >

> > Whenever everything new comes out, there are always some people with

> > problems. But in fact, the enormous majority of those who have

> > upgraded to SP3 have had no problems at all with it,

> >

> > If you're reading about problems *here*, this where people come with

> > their problems, not with their successes. You get a very distorted

> > view of what's going on in the real world here; as someone once said,

> > "hang around a transmission shop and you will think that all cars have

> > transmission problems."

> >

> > Most problems, by far, that people report here--whether or not they

> > are SP3-related--have nothing to do with defects in the software. They

> > result from people's ignorance, from bad or inadequate hardware, from

> > old drivers, from viruses, from spyware, and so on. And except for

> > very rare situations, they always get a fix for their problems, and in

> > most cases, that fix is a very simple one to implement.

> >

> > But read here first: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

>

> I must admit to being somewhat confused now, getting replies that

> suggest the opposite of each other.

That's life, I'm afraid. You can find people with opposing views on

almost anything. You'll have to decide for yourself to to believe.

By the way, although I basically disagree with JS, I *completely*

agree with him when he says "I would also create an"Image Backup" of

my drive prior to installing SP3 just in case you do have problems."

That is certainly the prudent thing to do.

> JS says there are no real advantages according to Microsoft:

>

> To quote Microsoft:

> "Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released

> updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small

> number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change

> customers' experience with the operating system. This white paper

> summarizes what is new in Windows XP SP3."

You can read that as there being no advantages, or you can read that

as there being no disadvantages. It's basically a rollup of all the

fixes that came before, so should not cause any problems.

Regarding that "small number of new functionalities," if you've kept

up with all previous updates, you already have everything except

those. If Microsoft has released that "small number of new

functionalities" as a normal update, rather than realesing SP3 which

included them, would you have installed it? An answer of yes to that

question, but no to the question of installing SP3 makes no sense.

They are essentially the same.

> He also says:

> "As far as advantages I have not heard of any, except that by about

> April of 2009 I believe SP2 updates will no longer be available and I

> expect to be at SP3 long before that date."

It is also possible (perhaps even likely) that future upgrades will be

based upon SP3, and such upgrades may not be installable if you don't

have it. That's wht I think you should always be current.

> But Ken implies that to not update my mean I'm missing a critical

> update, is that right? I'm up-to-date with all critical updates unless

> there are some which are SP3 only:

>

> "You should install SP3. In my view one should always keep up with the

> latest critical updates and service packs for Windows."

>

> My principle fears are that it might cause problems with my system and

> that there are security flaws, or hardware conflicts. Of course I'll

> have the system properly backed up before an install (it always is

> anyway). But it would be a major hassle if I had problems.

>

> I think I'll err on the side of caution and leave off for a while,

> unless someone can give me a good reason to install SP3. So far I've

> been told I should because 'it's always best to' but with no specific

> reason why. Is the security better, is it more stable (I do get the

> occasional system crash), am I missing something useful?

>

> Thanks for your replies and I'd really like a response to the paragraph

> above.

I don't agree that refusing to install a Microsoft update is "erring

on the side of caution," but it's your choice, of course.

--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

Please Reply to the Newsgroup

July 17, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

> Whenever everything new comes out, there are always some people with

> problems. But in fact, the enormous majority of those who have

> upgraded to SP3 have had no problems at all with it,

....and the ones that get problems, usually had a serious mess, and serious

problems lurking in there anyway,

....and are often the ones that say, after I've sat down in front of it and

literally done nothing other than press the ATX power up button on the

front of the case, which miraculously produces a BSOD, or a cyclic reboot,

or a device driver error, or a "clickety-click,

clickety-click,clickety-click,clickety-click, from the hard disk, and the

customer says, (all together now :-),,,,,

"It was working okay the last time I used it"

regards, Richard

July 18, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

Yes Poster Matt, especially on your new PC. Just some install

recommendations to try and avoid the dreded "can't uninstall IE 7.0" after

an SP3 install. Try to install in this order, on your new PC;

- Windows XP SP2

- When that's done, go into Add/Remove programs and install the addtional

windows components you need, like IIS,... don't remove any.

- Install Windows XP SP3.

- Back to Add/Remove programs and remove Windows components you don't need

(**not** IE), like messenger if you don't require it.

- If your into Folder redirection to different disc, and page file

redirections and settings, **now** is a good time to do it.

- Install Mother/Main board chipsets, drivers,....

- Graphics Card driver

- Sound Card Driver.

- All other drivers.

- Windows Media Player 11

- *** Internet Explorer 7.0 ***, you will not have any problem removing it

if you need to later down the track.

- Go hell for leather on all other software.

On your work critical machines, assuming you don't have tonnes of them,

remove IE 7.0 if it is installed on them, install SP3, install IE7.0.

Hope this gives you some idea to assist you.

- WindPipe.

"Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

news:TWLfk.28681$E41.3948@text.news.virginmedia.com...

> Windows Gurus,

>

> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>

> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

> from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>

> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>

> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS than

> this humble programmer does. :)

>

> Cheers.

July 18, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

Poster Matt wrote:

> Windows Gurus,

>

> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>

> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install SP3

> from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>

> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>

> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

> than this humble programmer does. :)

>

> Cheers.

Works fine on the 26 machines I put it on. Face it, life's full of

little "risks", but you run a greater risk when you get behind a

steering wheel than you do by installing critical maintenance. And by

NOT installing SP3 you're running a greater risk that one of the

problems fixed by it is going to hit you.

July 18, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

Unknown wrote:

> When the next SP3 security update is released you'll be ready.

Ok, thanks.

> "Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

> news:3%Mfk.28754$E41.23158@text.news.virginmedia.com...

>> Unknown wrote:

>>> A big advantage-----You'll be up to date.

>> That's an outcome, not an advantage!

>> The advantages are... what?

>>

>> Cheers.

>>

>>> "Poster Matt" <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote in message

>>> news:KqMfk.28717$E41.13415@text.news.virginmedia.com...

>>>> ANONYMOUS wrote:

>>>>> The advise given to you was wrong. SP3 has been the best service pack

>>>>> ever to come out from Microsoft. I have installed SP3 in almost 1000

>>>>> mission critical systems in a university and have seen or heard of any

>>>>> problems thus far!

>>>> Can you tell me what advantages I will gain from installing it?

>>>>

>>>> Thanks.

>>>>

>>>>> Go ahead and install it. I suggest download the full package from

>>>>> here:

>>>>>

>>>>> <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en>

>>>>> HTH

>>>>>

>>>>> Poster Matt wrote:

>>>>>

>>>>>> Windows Gurus,

>>>>>>

>>>>>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>>>>>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>>>>>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>>>>>>

>>>>>> I'll be installing XP SP2 on a new PC this weekend, should I install

>>>>>> SP3 from the auto-update at the same time or would this be premature?

>>>>>>

>>>>>> What about on my -work critical- machine?

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Thanks guys, you lot know a lot more about the ins-and-outs of the OS

>>>>>> than this humble programmer does. :)

>>>>>>

>>>>>> Cheers.

>

July 18, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

Ok, thanks for taking the time to reply at length Ken.

Cheers.

Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:18:26 GMT, Poster Matt

> <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote:

>

>> Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

>>> On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:10:59 GMT, Poster Matt

>>> <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote:

>>>

>>>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

>>>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

>>>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

>>>

>>> Not very good advice, in my view.

>>>

>>> You should install SP3. In my view one should always keep up with the

>>> latest critical updates and service packs for Windows.

>>>

>>> Whenever everything new comes out, there are always some people with

>>> problems. But in fact, the enormous majority of those who have

>>> upgraded to SP3 have had no problems at all with it,

>>>

>>> If you're reading about problems *here*, this where people come with

>>> their problems, not with their successes. You get a very distorted

>>> view of what's going on in the real world here; as someone once said,

>>> "hang around a transmission shop and you will think that all cars have

>>> transmission problems."

>>>

>>> Most problems, by far, that people report here--whether or not they

>>> are SP3-related--have nothing to do with defects in the software. They

>>> result from people's ignorance, from bad or inadequate hardware, from

>>> old drivers, from viruses, from spyware, and so on. And except for

>>> very rare situations, they always get a fix for their problems, and in

>>> most cases, that fix is a very simple one to implement.

>>>

>>> But read here first: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

>> I must admit to being somewhat confused now, getting replies that

>> suggest the opposite of each other.

>

> That's life, I'm afraid. You can find people with opposing views on

> almost anything. You'll have to decide for yourself to to believe.

>

> By the way, although I basically disagree with JS, I *completely*

> agree with him when he says "I would also create an"Image Backup" of

> my drive prior to installing SP3 just in case you do have problems."

> That is certainly the prudent thing to do.

>

>> JS says there are no real advantages according to Microsoft:

>>

>> To quote Microsoft:

>> "Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released

>> updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small

>> number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change

>> customers' experience with the operating system. This white paper

>> summarizes what is new in Windows XP SP3."

>

> You can read that as there being no advantages, or you can read that

> as there being no disadvantages. It's basically a rollup of all the

> fixes that came before, so should not cause any problems.

>

> Regarding that "small number of new functionalities," if you've kept

> up with all previous updates, you already have everything except

> those. If Microsoft has released that "small number of new

> functionalities" as a normal update, rather than realesing SP3 which

> included them, would you have installed it? An answer of yes to that

> question, but no to the question of installing SP3 makes no sense.

> They are essentially the same.

>

>> He also says:

>> "As far as advantages I have not heard of any, except that by about

>> April of 2009 I believe SP2 updates will no longer be available and I

>> expect to be at SP3 long before that date."

>

> It is also possible (perhaps even likely) that future upgrades will be

> based upon SP3, and such upgrades may not be installable if you don't

> have it. That's wht I think you should always be current.

>

>> But Ken implies that to not update my mean I'm missing a critical

>> update, is that right? I'm up-to-date with all critical updates unless

>> there are some which are SP3 only:

>>

>> "You should install SP3. In my view one should always keep up with the

>> latest critical updates and service packs for Windows."

>>

>> My principle fears are that it might cause problems with my system and

>> that there are security flaws, or hardware conflicts. Of course I'll

>> have the system properly backed up before an install (it always is

>> anyway). But it would be a major hassle if I had problems.

>>

>> I think I'll err on the side of caution and leave off for a while,

>> unless someone can give me a good reason to install SP3. So far I've

>> been told I should because 'it's always best to' but with no specific

>> reason why. Is the security better, is it more stable (I do get the

>> occasional system crash), am I missing something useful?

>>

>> Thanks for your replies and I'd really like a response to the paragraph

>> above.

>

> I don't agree that refusing to install a Microsoft update is "erring

> on the side of caution," but it's your choice, of course.

>

July 18, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

WindPipe wrote:

> Yes Poster Matt, especially on your new PC. Just some install

> recommendations to try and avoid the dreded "can't uninstall IE 7.0" after

> an SP3 install. Try to install in this order, on your new PC;

>

> - Windows XP SP2

> - When that's done, go into Add/Remove programs and install the addtional

> windows components you need, like IIS,... don't remove any.

> - Install Windows XP SP3.

> - Back to Add/Remove programs and remove Windows components you don't need

> (**not** IE), like messenger if you don't require it.

> - If your into Folder redirection to different disc, and page file

> redirections and settings, **now** is a good time to do it.

> - Install Mother/Main board chipsets, drivers,....

> - Graphics Card driver

> - Sound Card Driver.

> - All other drivers.

> - Windows Media Player 11

> - *** Internet Explorer 7.0 ***, you will not have any problem removing it

> if you need to later down the track.

> - Go hell for leather on all other software.

>

> On your work critical machines, assuming you don't have tonnes of them,

> remove IE 7.0 if it is installed on them, install SP3, install IE7.0.

>

> Hope this gives you some idea to assist you.

It does, thanks WindPipe - I'll follow this procedure when installing XP

on the new PC this weekend.

Cheers.

July 18, 2008

Re: Latest thinking on SP3?

On Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:13:45 GMT, Poster Matt

<postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote:

> Ok, thanks for taking the time to reply at length Ken.

You're welcome. Glad to help.

> Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> > On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:18:26 GMT, Poster Matt

> > <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote:

> >

> >> Ken Blake, MVP wrote:

> >>> On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:10:59 GMT, Poster Matt

> >>> <postermatt@no_spam_for_me.org> wrote:

> >>>

> >>>> What's the latest thinking on SP3? I got advise when it first became

> >>>> available that I should wait a while till the bugs got ironed out and

> >>>> fixes were made for any security flaws.

> >>>

> >>> Not very good advice, in my view.

> >>>

> >>> You should install SP3. In my view one should always keep up with the

> >>> latest critical updates and service packs for Windows.

> >>>

> >>> Whenever everything new comes out, there are always some people with

> >>> problems. But in fact, the enormous majority of those who have

> >>> upgraded to SP3 have had no problems at all with it,

> >>>

> >>> If you're reading about problems *here*, this where people come with

> >>> their problems, not with their successes. You get a very distorted

> >>> view of what's going on in the real world here; as someone once said,

> >>> "hang around a transmission shop and you will think that all cars have

> >>> transmission problems."

> >>>

> >>> Most problems, by far, that people report here--whether or not they

> >>> are SP3-related--have nothing to do with defects in the software. They

> >>> result from people's ignorance, from bad or inadequate hardware, from

> >>> old drivers, from viruses, from spyware, and so on. And except for

> >>> very rare situations, they always get a fix for their problems, and in

> >>> most cases, that fix is a very simple one to implement.

> >>>

> >>> But read here first: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

> >> I must admit to being somewhat confused now, getting replies that

> >> suggest the opposite of each other.

> >

> > That's life, I'm afraid. You can find people with opposing views on

> > almost anything. You'll have to decide for yourself to to believe.

> >

> > By the way, although I basically disagree with JS, I *completely*

> > agree with him when he says "I would also create an"Image Backup" of

> > my drive prior to installing SP3 just in case you do have problems."

> > That is certainly the prudent thing to do.

> >

> >> JS says there are no real advantages according to Microsoft:

> >>

> >> To quote Microsoft:

> >> "Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released

> >> updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small

> >> number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change

> >> customers' experience with the operating system. This white paper

> >> summarizes what is new in Windows XP SP3."

> >

> > You can read that as there being no advantages, or you can read that

> > as there being no disadvantages. It's basically a rollup of all the

> > fixes that came before, so should not cause any problems.

> >

> > Regarding that "small number of new functionalities," if you've kept

> > up with all previous updates, you already have everything except

> > those. If Microsoft has released that "small number of new

> > functionalities" as a normal update, rather than realesing SP3 which

> > included them, would you have installed it? An answer of yes to that

> > question, but no to the question of installing SP3 makes no sense.

> > They are essentially the same.

> >

> >> He also says:

> >> "As far as advantages I have not heard of any, except that by about

> >> April of 2009 I believe SP2 updates will no longer be available and I

> >> expect to be at SP3 long before that date."

> >

> > It is also possible (perhaps even likely) that future upgrades will be

> > based upon SP3, and such upgrades may not be installable if you don't

> > have it. That's wht I think you should always be current.

> >

> >> But Ken implies that to not update my mean I'm missing a critical

> >> update, is that right? I'm up-to-date with all critical updates unless

> >> there are some which are SP3 only:

> >>

> >> "You should install SP3. In my view one should always keep up with the

> >> latest critical updates and service packs for Windows."

> >>

> >> My principle fears are that it might cause problems with my system and

> >> that there are security flaws, or hardware conflicts. Of course I'll

> >> have the system properly backed up before an install (it always is

> >> anyway). But it would be a major hassle if I had problems.

> >>

> >> I think I'll err on the side of caution and leave off for a while,

> >> unless someone can give me a good reason to install SP3. So far I've

> >> been told I should because 'it's always best to' but with no specific

> >> reason why. Is the security better, is it more stable (I do get the

> >> occasional system crash), am I missing something useful?

> >>

> >> Thanks for your replies and I'd really like a response to the paragraph

> >> above.

> >

> > I don't agree that refusing to install a Microsoft update is "erring

> > on the side of caution," but it's your choice, of course.

> >

--

Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

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