xp pro: should i install service pack 3?

Question

xp pro: should i install service pack 3?

Answer 1

well that's good , not a bead idea!

read this important article by microsoft before you install SP3



Prerequisites to install Windows XP SP3

Before you start to install Windows XP SP3, make sure that your computer meets the following prerequisites:



1. Before you download or install Windows XP SP3, first check hard-disk space



Depending on where you obtain Windows XP SP3, you will have to have a minimum amount of space free on the system disk.

* To install Windows XP SP3 from the Microsoft Download Center, we recommend that you have a minimum of 1,500 megabytes (MB) of free space on the system disk.

* To install Windows XP SP3 from a shared network folder, we recommend that you have about 1,100 MB of free space.

* To install Windows XP SP3 from a CD, we recommend that you have about 1,765 MB of free space.



If you have the following updates on your computer, remove them



Windows XP SP3 cannot be installed if you have the following updates installed on your computer:



* Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit

* Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) 6.0 MUI pack (Update 925877 for Windows XP)



If one or both updates are installed on your computer, remove these updates before you install Windows XP SP3. To uninstall these updates, follow these steps:



a. Click Start, and then click Run.

b. In the Open box, type appwiz.cpl.

c. Click Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit or Remote Desktop Connection.

d. Click Remove.





3. If you have a third-party wireless network adapter, make sure that it is supported



If you have a third-party wireless network adapter, make sure that the device is supported by Windows XP SP3, or make sure that the manufacturer of your wireless network adapter has new drivers available that support Windows XP SP3 before you perform the installation. If you are not sure, contact the manufacturer of your wireless network adapter.

# If you are running antivirus software, disable it



Warning This workaround may make a computer or a network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.



Although disabling your antivirus software is not usually recommended, some antivirus software prevents certain system files from being changed. This may cause the Windows XP SP3 installation to fail. To make sure that you can successfully install Windows XP SP3, temporarily disable your antivirus software including any antispyware and third-party firewall programs. To do this, right-click your antivirus program icon, and then click Disable. The antivirus program icon typically appears in the lower-right corner of the computer screen.



Important Make sure that you enable the antivirus software after Windows XP SP3 is installed.





Recommended steps before you install Windows XP SP3

Before you start to install Windows XP SP3, we recommend that you also take the following steps:



1. Perform a full backup of the files that you have on your computer to an external location



We recommend that you perform a full backup of the files that you have on your computer to an external location, such as an external hard disk, DVD, CD, USB flash drive, or network folder. You can use the Backup and Restore Wizard to back up documents, pictures, and other files. For more information, visit the Microsoft Help and Support Center Web site, and see the "Backing up files and folders" section or view the following knowledge base article:

308422 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308422/ ) How to use the Backup utility to back up files and folders in Windows XP Home Edition

2. If you are running Windows XP Professional, create an Automated System Recovery (ASR) set



Note If your computer is running Windows XP Home Edition, ignore this step. ASR is not available for Windows XP Home Edition.



If your computer is running Windows XP Professional, we recommend that you create an Automated System Recovery (ASR) set before you start the installation. This helps you repair your setup if the installation fails. To create an Automated System Recovery set by using Backup, follow these steps:

1. Open Backup.



By default, the Backup or Restore Wizard starts, unless it is disabled. You can use the Backup or Restore Wizard to create an Automated System Recovery (ASR) set.

2. Click the Advanced Mode link on the Backup or Restore Wizard.

3. On the Tools menu, click ASR Wizard.

4. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.



Important You will need a blank 1.44 MB floppy disk to save the system settings and media to contain the backup files.

For more information, visit the Microsoft TechNet Web site and see "Create an Automated System Recovery

Answer 2

Yes. It contains some bug fixes and other stuff. It's not absolutely vital, but it's a good idea to install it. I never read the whole list of what's included, but there isn't anything harmful, unless you're running a bootleg version of Windows, in which case it will deactivate your system. Oh, yeah. One other thing to be wary of: If you're running a Dell that you've upgraded with a new processor and hard drive, it may deactivate Windows even though it's a valid install. You'll have to call Customer Support and argue with them for like 2 hours to get it fixed.

Answer 3

If you decide to try it, I'd suggest to make a backup of any important files. In the very least, make a System Restore checkpoint in case you needed to try and rollback things to a working state in case something messes up.

Sometimes on certain systems, upgrading from one SP version to the next can actually make things worse, or in some cases Windows no longer works properly on that computer.



If your computer seems to be working great already in it's current state without problems, then you might consider just leaving it at that.

However, newer Service Pack versions does fix various bugs, security vulnerabilities and in some cases help to improve a system's performance and compatibility.



So, there is a risk involved in upgrading, but in most cases you should be able to do it without problems.



Good luck!

Answer 4

Unless you are running something that REQUIRES SP3, then be aware that SP3 has had a lot (a LOT) of bug issues in and of itself. Some computers have experienced it, some not. But the ones that did experience it, were practically crippled. When I read what SP3 supposedly "fixes" it is not, IMO, a critical patch update. However, some things (such as games) require you to have it. But it will state it up front that it's required. Otherwise, be wary before you go down the road. If you do download it, and your computer starts acting squirrelly, you will need to uninstall it.