Windows Service Pack 3 Install Issues?

Question

After looking around I decided to update my XP to Service Pack 3. I download the ISO image from Microsoft and burnt it to a disc. The install was going okay while it was extracting the files. When that finished I was so happy because updating was finally working. THEN, a message popped up saying I didn't have a sufficient service pack on my computer. It said I at least needed Service Pack 1 to update. Isn't that what the computers come with???? Help?

Answer 1

You need at least Service Pack 1 to upgrade to Service Pack 3. Service Pack 3 includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers’ experience with the operating system. It is largely every critical update issued since Service Pack 2 (released August 2004), up to the April 2008 time frame. The second sourced link of mine below is the link to download Service Pack 2. Your best bet is to install SP2 first, THEN SP3.

Answer 2

I think that your PC is not come with service pack. Service pack 3 requires that an another version of service pack should be installed on the target PC. There are some normal version of XP that doesnt include service pack files. May be your OS isnt bundled with service pack 1 or 2. One thing you can see it. Just right click "my computer" icon----go to proparties. ,if your OS come with service pack that it shows under general tab like below----------

System:

Microsoft windows XP

Version:.......

Service pack.................

If it doesnt show anything it mean your OS doesnt include an service pack. Install service pack 1 or 2 and try to install service pack 3.

Answer 3

You must first have at least Service Pack 1 installed before you can install Service Pack 3 (not a usual thing for Microsoft). If your CD is from before Sep 2001, then it will not have SP1.