1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Install SP3 or Not?

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by Ken, 2009/03/21.

  1. 2009/03/21
    Ken

    Ken Well-Known Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/01/10
    Messages:
    241
    Likes Received:
    0
    I am running XP with SP2 and 181 updates. I did an old application software purge, disk cleanup, defrag, registry clean, and a full external backup. Every thing is just fine and now it wants to install SP3. Should I do it and why?
     
    Ken,
    #1
  2. 2009/03/21
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    SP3 is essentially a roll up of all the patches and updates released since SP2. The few new features are buried deep and are not seen nor are necessary for single users on a home PC. They are aimed at corporate users.

    If you maintain SP2 fully patched your security will not be compromised.

    Although a few people have experienced problems with SP3 the overwhelming majority have not and my recommendation is that you should install it. Sooner or later it is very likely that SP3 will be required by Microsoft Update as SP2 is currently. I ran all the betas and RC's of SP3 and the RTM from the day of release with no issues

    It's really your call - you have prepared your system and I would go for it.

    Rather than let it install through Windows Update I would download the full package from here - unless you are on dialup :) .....

    http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4
     
    PeteC,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2009/03/22
    Ken

    Ken Well-Known Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/01/10
    Messages:
    241
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks, I will install it but not until I am sure I didn't cause any grief by my recent actions. I also want a few good system restore points and a rainy day so I can deal with any possible issues.
     
    Ken,
    #3
  5. 2009/03/26
    Gianni

    Gianni Inactive

    Joined:
    2002/01/07
    Messages:
    106
    Likes Received:
    0
    Gianni,
    #4
  6. 2009/03/26
    Ken

    Ken Well-Known Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/01/10
    Messages:
    241
    Likes Received:
    0
    Done! I disabled the firewall and did the install. After a restart, I did a registry clean of 342 items and enabled the firewall. Total time 40 minutes. I haven't detected any problems. Thanks to all for support and cautions.
     
    Ken,
    #5
  7. 2009/03/26
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/05/10
    Messages:
    28,896
    Likes Received:
    389
    Like success stories :) Glad it went well.
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2009/03/29
    Ken

    Ken Well-Known Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/01/10
    Messages:
    241
    Likes Received:
    0
    Follow up report:
    SP3 absorbed 140 of the previous updates and left 40 intact. The boot up time increased dramatically, but is slowly getting better. I have experienced this before and I don't know why. Two days later another security update came in. I guess Microsoft can never get it right.
     
    Ken,
    #7
  9. 2009/03/29
    mike673

    mike673 Inactive

    Joined:
    2009/03/24
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Before i installed SP3, i disabled my antivirus, then downloaded it. One problem i had was that the "performing cleanup" took 30 minutes, and still was not done so i rebooted my pc
    and it worked fine anyhow even though the app was not finished.
    '
     
    mike673,
    #8
  10. 2009/03/29
    Ken

    Ken Well-Known Member Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/01/10
    Messages:
    241
    Likes Received:
    0
    I also found the cleanup was the longest part, about 15 min. I did a disk cleanup and defrag before I started which probably helped.
     
    Ken,
    #9

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...