Is SP3 safe to download now?

Hello all!

I have read somewhere that MS is "forcing" the latest SP3 download now. I have my updates set to show, but not download without my consent. (Or however that choice reads).

Now my security icon shows up stating that SP3 is ready for download (like it always does when there are new downloads ready). My question is, is this okay to download now? (I have read that so many people had issues with there computers after having downloaded this service pack!) Has there been any news of MS fixing any of the issues people had with this new service pack?

I read through the "sticky" on this, but was still a little confused (i.e what you should do prior to installing this service pack, etc.). I wonder how many people were unaware of that prior to installing the service pack? I know I wouldn't be if I hadn't been such an avid reader on this BBS!

I haven't done anything yet (with either the information on the sticky or with the download of SP3). Just wanted a little more information on what I should/shouldn't do at this point?

I forgot to mention, I am using WinXP Pro, IE6 (in case that makes any difference in the outcome of the download?)

Regards,
Vicki

 

I was just getting set to post my own thread to ask that exact question. Thanks for saving me the effort.

 

Hi Vicki & Virginia, I have 5 XP Home OS Comps all with SP3 - no major problems. Do follow Mike Flynns recommendations regarding cleaning computer with cleaners he suggested. I downloaded SP3 to Desktop and then disconnected Broadband and did Mike's clean out, then shut down ALL AV's, Filters, Spam, etc. then opened and ran SP3. There does seem to be a slow down with my main Comp which Reports indicate AVG 8.0 may be the cause. Otherwise all is OK. Neil.

 

Vicki - sorry to step on your thread, but I have a further question for retiredlearner. Could you direct me to Mike Flynn's recommendations. I searched through his posts for the past month as well as doing general searches on this board and can't locate what you referenced. Thanks.

 

Robert,

Unless I'm mistaken, I think this is the post that retiredlearner is talking about. If Microsoft is "forcing" SP3, I guess I should read up on the posting and get ready for it.

Mike

 

Thank you!

Thank you Pete for your in-depth reply! I feel a little better now knowing a little more about the SP3!

I'm still not completely comfortable with going ahead with the download, and based on part of your reply:

I think I may wait awhile longer.

Thanks again for helping clear up some of my confusion!

Regards,
Vicki

 

Hi Virginia, sorry to come in late but I see you've been answered in full by Minnesotamike and PeteC. I've been busy cleaning out AVG8.0 as there was a conflict with Firefox3.0. I installed Avast4.8 and all seems back to normal (whatever that may be) as Firefox was taking well over a minute to open. I guess really with all the technology "improvements" you either go for it or wait and see, or use the old adage "If it ain't broke - don't fix it ". Neil

 

Vicki - thanks for letting me tag along in your thread. And thanks to Pete, Mike, and Neil for all your input. I think I may take Vicki's lead on this and wait a while but I now feel I have a good hold on the things I need to do once I decide to do the deed.

 

SP-3 incorporates all MSFT XP dfixes. If one ever has to do a reinstall having SP-3 will make that laborious process easier and quicker.

 

Srv Pck 3 wipes out Outlook Express

Has anyone had Service Pack 3 wipe out Outlook Express? Even the icon in my tray has been replaced with Internet Properties.

I've used System Restore to undo the installation, and OE comes back. But then I tried the Service Pack download and install again, and OE disappeared again. I guess I'll go back to System Restore and forget about downloading the Service Pack 3 --- unless someone can tell me what else to do.
Alice

 

Downloadimng SP-3

I was very carefull to dot all the is and cross all the Ts when I downloaded SP-3. After installing every thing seemed to work normally with a slight increase in response time. But as time went on provblems started arrising and finally I got the dreaded BSOD which advised me that a major error had occurred and I needed to shut down and reboot. That I did a half a dozen times with nothing changing-the BSOD kept appearing. I then did a disk Check, a Disk scan, registry repair, Disc repair- All to no avail. Still having a problem. Is SP-3 readty for download?? Not in my mind.

PS anyone have the URL for the Microsoft site devoted to SP-3??