windows service pack?

Question

i had my windows service pack deleted, i have the CD to reinstall it..if i do install XP then will it get rid of all my files and softwares like photoshop?

is it necessary to have a service pack?

thankyou

Answer 1

1) The XP disk isn't the service pack, it's XP. If you reinstall it you'll lose everything but XP.



2) You can download SP3 from Microsoft. It's a free download.



3) Installing a service pack won't get rid of anything.



4) Yes, you need the latest service pack, and you need all the updates that have been issued since the service pack was issued. Most of the updates in the last year have been security-related, and running without them could allow people to hack into your computer more easily.



If you have Windows Updates turned on, you'll be getting all the updates you're missing, but it could take weeks just to install the updated from SP2 to SP3. Installing the entire SP3 at once will save you lots of restarting.

Answer 2

Windows XP Service Packs 2 and 3 (which includes 2) are very good to have. The close many security loopholes in the original Windows XP and its Service Pack 1.



If you have JUST the Service Pack 2 or 3 CD (as versus a full install disk with Windows XP at the Service Pack 2 or 3 level), installing it won't affect any of your data files or programs. If you have a Windows XP CD at SP2 or 3, it will do a full install and WILL wipe out your data files and programs.



But as even Microsoft suggests, backup your stuff before doing even just the Service Pack upgrade, just in case. Also, it's a good idea to have the original installation disks, with their product keys or serial keys, or whatever their manufacturer calls the numbers necessary to reinstall them, available at all times.



Note that, in general, you can't reinstall software from backup disks. The original CDs are usually necessary.



Hope that helps.

Answer 3

To keep from having to do a complete OS re-install with the CD (which will get rid of ALL your third party software like PhotoShop, etc. AND all of your wanted files...unless you back them up to CD, first...which you should do on a regular basis, anyway) or even an OS Repair, simply use IE (if you normally use another browser like Firefox) to go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and find and get your Service Pack and other updates from there.

Answer 4

no u will live with out the service pack but it is a good idea to have thay make them so pcscan run better ! it will not delete anything reinstalling it .

Answer 5

It won't delete anything. The service pack is what keeps your computer up to date and running properly. I would install it if I were you.