will upgrading to service pack 3 fix errors in computer?

Question

for example a computer that has XP SP2 has problems like it has been attacked by a virus or other system errors.

Answer 1

I suggest you should upgrade to Service Pack 3 but before, you should repair your computer if it is infected before upgrading.

Service Pack 3 will not fix problems like virus attacks...

Service Pack 3 includes all previously released updates XP. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change your experience with XP Service Pack 2.



New features in Service Pack 3 :

Turns black hole router detection on by default

Network Access Protection client

Windows Imaging Component

Credentials Security Service Provider

Descriptive Security options in Group Policy/Local Security Policy user interface

An updated version of the Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module that is FIPS 140-2 certified

Installing without requiring a product key during setup for retail and OEM versions

Service Pack 3 does contain security updates for .NET Framework version 1.0.

SP3 also omits security updates for Windows Media Player 10 and the Address Bar DeskBand on the Taskbar is no longer included due to legal restrictions.



Problems:

For computers with local hard drive size limitations 1 GB of space required on the local hard drive during download and installation of the service pack is preventing installation and forcing unlimited downloading by the automatic updates, as the service pack is continuously redownloaded after each unsuccessful attempt. A workaround for this has been found, which involves downloading SP3 from the Microsoft download site and installing from an external drive. Then moving the ServicePackFiles folder to another drive and using Regedit to edit the Service Pack Source Path in the registry.



On certain non-Intel machines, SP3 can trigger a stop error which prevents Windows from booting. This happens in cases where the manufacturer wrongly set up a non-Intel machine using an image from an Intel machine. As a result, a key in the registry incorrectly indicates an Intel processor, thus causing SP3 to erroneously attempt to load the intel driver during startup. Microsoft has posted multiple methods for resolving this problem.



Now after reading this you can form your own conclusion.

Answer 2

Server Packs will fix the computer security issues. Will help virus and spyware. Does not fix system errors.

Answer 3

Im sorry but, on every computer that I have downloaded the service pack 3 on (3 computers), it has made my computers horrible. I found that uninstalling it fixed this problem. It would make a blue screen pop up and cover my entire screen telling me that something was mising and to restart my computer. It told me this about every 2 minutes, I wound up just uninstalling it. I recommnend that you just get a really good antivirus and spy-ware program. Also, I would get the new regestry fix 5.0 and run that. You can get it at http://www.freeregistryfix.com/

Answer 4

Before upgrading which you should do and learn to maintain your computer on a regular basis.



Before you start restore your computer to when no errors there by using system restore by date.



If you are not using virus or male ware programs get one and use on regular basis updates etc.



Windows programs are good if kept up to date.



Defrag on regular basis and use disk clean up.



Use windows pop up blocker, Go to internet explorer home page, click tools at top of page, then internet options, then privacy tab, then sites, you can add there name, then block it.



Also you should have only 1 pop up blocker running. ie pop up blocker is excellent because you can change how it monitors the sights, medium, low or high. While you are there you can activate it.





Most people have problems because they do not maintain they just want to use it. Well its like a car, if you do not maintain it you have problems.



Malwarebytes Anti-Malware:

http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Ant...

Download, install, update and select Full Scan.

Remove all infections that it finds after scan.



Spyware Doctor Free Basic Edition - Realtime monitoring:

http://pack.google.com/intl/en/pack_inst...

Download install, update and run.



SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition:

http://www.download.com/SUPERAntiSpyware...

Download, install, check for updates, then select Scan your Computer, select your drive and select Perform Complete Scan



SmitFraud Removal:

Firstly, download the removal tool from here:

http://siri.geekstogo.com/SmitfraudFix.p...

Then follow the instructions on the page

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

remove MS Anti virus



The following free programs have high success rates in removing this parasite:

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware:

http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Ant...

Download, install, update and select Full Scan.

Remove all infections that it finds after scan.



SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition:

http://www.download.com/SUPERAntiSpyware...

Download, install, check for updates, then select Scan your Computer, select your drive and select Perform Complete Scan



Spybot S&D:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/downl...

Download, install, update and Immunize, turn off Tea Timer then click 'Check for problems' then when complete select all and then 'Fix Checked'

Open Spybot, click on Mode, select Advanced, click on Tools then Resident and untick Resident 'Tea Timer'

Do NOT untick Resident 'SD Helper' as that is your protection.



@ nevergrowup:

AVG and other antivirus programs will NOT remove this as it's a malicious codec. As for formatting.....no need.

Avast! Antivirus Home Edition [ http://avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html ] offers realtime protection (which means it will warn you if a virus attempts to get into your computer) and is free.



Use an anti virus and male ware program these are a few.

Answer 5

Upgrading will not eliminate any infection or corruption. Fix it first, then upgrade. If you aren't running a security suite (anti-virus + firewall), get one. There are many free ones (typically requiring more work on your part than the for-fee variety), and everyone has their own favorite. Check the reviews and make your choice.

Answer 6

SP3 will fix security issues, but if you have virus and spyware issues then you'll need to use Antivirus, firewall and spyware programs to fix and protect from future attacks.



It won't fix system errors unless something in XP2 is causing problems and XP3 has been designed to fix it, so if a program isn't working right you'll need to fix it yourself.

Answer 7

yeah you should upgrade to service pack 3

but there is some problem installing service pack 3 on some people's computer therefore resulting in a blue screen of death.

Answer 8

scan with avg 8.0 from cnet first