SP3 from Automatic Updates

I installed Windows XP SP2 about three years ago and have kept right up to date with all updates issued by Microsoft since then.

Because I understand SP3 does not offer additional features and is basically a collection of all the updates following on from SP2, and some people seem to have had problems after installing SP3 and also I have an AMD processor (with which there is an SP3 issue) I decided not to install SP3 when it was offered some time ago.

Recently however the yellow shield appeared in my system tray but when I realised the only update it contained was SP3 I cancelled the installation. However the yellow shield has remained in the system tray and I cannot find a way to remove it. Does anyone know how to remove it or, if it stays there will it impede the next monthly updates to be issued by MS or will they be added to the SP3 update? If the latter how will I be able stop the installation of SP3 whilst allowing any others to be installed?

 

The same thing happened with me. If you refuse the installation 3 times, it will eventually ask you if you want to hide the update. Check that box and it will not appear again. This is my experience and I hope it works for others who do not want SP3.

 

Evan, the SP3 update will appear at least 3 times after you perform what you suggested. Eventually you get a checkbox to hide the update. Then it will not appear again.

 

I don't know if this was due to the fact that I tried to update to SP3, no fewer than, ten times, and the installation aborted no matter what method I use (complete file, safe mode,etc). But, the yellow shield has come up to point me to a few security updates. Never to SP3. However, if I went to the updates site, only SP3 was available. Three different Microsoft tech, just gave up.
So, I am staying with SP2, because I am sick and tired of wasting time.

 

Many thanks ackerberg and Evan Omo for your suggestions. Tried Evan's method first (4 times) but still the yellow shield persisted. Then did ackerberg's method (again 4 times) and so far the shield seems to have disappeared.

On a slightly different angle, I have found in the past that before I have got round to actioning the shield it disappears (sometimes for a few days) and suddenly re-appears. During its 'absence' I have failed to find any trace of it or any means of manually making it re-appear. Does anyone have any ideas about this please.

 

The yellow shield is back again and no matter what I try I cannot get rid of it!!! Selecting Custom Install then unchecking the check box above the 'Check Updates to install' box and clicking 'Close', produces a Hide Updates window with another check box 'Don't notify me about these updates again'. If I check that box and click OK will that 'check' apply ONLY to this particular (SP3) update, or will it inhibit reminders for future updates such as those generally released on the second Tuesday of the month?

Would like to hear of reader's experiences with that method. I would also like to hear from anyone regarding the point I raised in the second paragraph of my post above this.

 

That is the box you should check so it does not show the SP3 update again. But just to be sure it does not install automatically, always use the custom installation when getting windows updates.

 

ackerberg - Thanks for that. I was just a bit uncertain whether checking that box would inhibit notification of other updates to be issued in future. Anyway have done the necessary and the yellow shield has now disappeared.