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Upgrading XP-Pro SP2 to SP3

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by JohnB, 2008/11/04.

  1. 2008/11/04
    JohnB Lifetime Subscription

    JohnB Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I got a hand-me-down (or hand-me-up:) ) computer from my daughter that has XP Pro SP2 as the OS. I have updated all the security fixes and now only have SP3 to do. As I am on dial-up I ordered and received the SP3 CD from Microsoft as it took about 10-12 hours to download and install all the fixes noted above.

    My question (concern) is: Is it necessary to upgrade to SP3 for improved operating and/or security?

    The XP Pro OS is an OEM install and I do not have a XP CD.

    I have reveiwed Arie's sticky at the top of the XP forum and can see no problems as far as the MS article goes.

    I will of course make a full image of the hard drive (Acronis TI) and set a new restore point before proceeding.

    Any comments/advice on any other preparation steps to take before I proceed would be appreciated.
     
    JohnB,
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  2. 2008/11/04
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    John,
    SP3 is not a security related update. It's more or less an update rollup with very few changes to the OS. You will appreciate SP3 if you reinstall the OS and don't have to install "a few hundred" updates. So, on a fully updated system, SP3 is optional. Well, for the time being at least. Sooner or later, SP3 will be required to get further updates, just like SP2 is a requirement today.

    If you decide to install SP3, take the following precautionary steps:

    • Clear the Temporary Internet Files, History, Cookies and the contents of "temp" folders.
    • Defragment the hard disk.
    • Create your backup.
    • Disconnect from the internet and restart the computer. Shut down all progarms that run in the background, such as software firewall, antivirus and whichever programs you may have.
    Do the deed!

    Christer
     
    Christer,
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  4. 2008/11/04
    JohnB Lifetime Subscription

    JohnB Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks

    Hi Christer, thanks for the additional info and precautionary steps. Useful info. I am going away for a week (fishing trip:D ) so will probably put the upgrade off until I get back, just in case something messes up. My wife needs the computer while I am gone and if I mess things up she won't let me go.:eek:
     
    JohnB,
    #3
  5. 2008/11/04
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    John,
    you're welcome ... :) ... !

    Don't forget to hang up the "gone fishing" sign ... :p ... !!

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #4
  6. 2008/11/04
    hendry

    hendry Inactive

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    John,
    Its no problem if you want update from SP2 to SP3...
    and will not change to bad for your system.
    But maybe if you want update to SP3, you can install software from Microsoft which requirement SP3.
    i think SP2 is enough
     
    hendry,
    #5

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