13 replies to this topic

[DAVID E]

Has anyone downloaded the Service Pack 3 as yet? I don't feel the need and I remember how Service Pack 2 caused a lot of problems initially with a lot of folks.

[fairlopgirl]

The technician downloaded SP3 when he reinstalled my computer. I've had no problem.

Jram says you don't need it as long as you keep your updates up-to-date.

[Broni]

Quote

Jram says you don't need it as long as you keep your updates up-to-date.

I second this.
If you want to try, make sure, your computer is clean of junk, malwares, etc., defragged, and up to date.
More about SP3: http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.ph...ic,58486.0.html

[LRI41]

I would suggest ordering the CD rather than downloading it.

Windows XP SP3 CD


Order Windows XP Service Pack 3 on a CD
To order Windows XP SP3 on a CD, visit one of the following Microsoft Web sites, as appropriate for your region:

Asia

https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/start.om?...&NewTrans=1

Europe and Africa

https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/start.om?...&NewTrans=1

North America

https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/start.om?...&NewTrans=1

South America

https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/start.om?...&NewTrans=1


Telephone MSFT at 1-800-360-7561, and choose the prompt for help/info about
service packs.

[Rearl]

I let Microsoft download this service pack on 5 computers without problems. 4 are XP Pro and 1 XP Home.

[DAVID E]

I may try it down the road but not now with everything running pretty well. My memory is still fresh about Service Pack 2 and it's problems. However, I can't imagine it being any worse than some of the updates with Zone Alarm Pro I once had and the problems that created...glad that's gone too. They have a forum all their own and it was full every night of folks complaining about the updates and the havoc it caused.

[dobhar]

Hi David...

I have installed SP3 on all (3 units...just converted one to Ubuntu Linux) my WinXP home PC's and Laptops. At work we have installed SP3 on 15 PC's and Laptop's (My work PC and Laptop are part of the test) for testing SP3 for corporate usage. We plan on expanding this to another 15 WinXP PC's for more testing. If all continues to go as well as it has been going then we will update all our work PC's and Latops to SP3...close to 650 units).

I know that Smokey is not happy with SP3...
http://www.smartestcomputing.us.com/index....st&p=124963

[Smokey]

dobhar, on Nov 8 2008, 01:03 PM, said:

I know that Smokey is not happy with SP3...
http://www.smartestcomputing.us.com/index....st&p=124963

This is still true as far as I'm concerned.
I've had to fix a number of computers because of sp3.
The problems with sp3 occur when it's installed on HP computers that have a factory installed backup partition. If you install sp3 on one of these computers it will not boot without troubleshooting and using a work around. It will also crash XP on any computer that has an Asus A8N32 SLI Deluxe motherboard in it. The work around for these computers are a re-configuration of the bios and or a possible bios flash.

I look at it like this; if you have to use a "work around" to install a service pack, don't bother to install it. SP3 may work great for you, "may" being the operative word.
Like jram said earlier, an updated SP2 is just as good as SP3 without any headaches.

Dobhar works in the IT department, if he has trouble with SP3 he will know what to do. Ask yourself, will I know what to do if my computer doesn't boot after I install sp3?

[dobhar]

Smokey said:

Ask yourself, will I know what to do if my computer doesn't boot after I install sp3?

This says it all! If your not afraid of doing a reinstall or paying someone to fix your PC if SP3 fails then don't play with it.

I'm not afraid so I will definitly plunge in feet first and get my feet wet then the rest of my body...and yes it has bitten my in the ass from time to time

[lilmama]

Dobhar: I *am* afraid. When my computer is ailing ---- I'm a crazy person. Until I am told I *have* to install SP3 ---- I'm not gonna. I went thru the "agonies of the damned" prior to my installation of SP2.

If/when I *have* to install SP3, count on it, my friend ---- if I have a problem..... I'm gonna come whining to you for help. :) If the installation goes well ---- I promise I'll let *you* know ............ first! :) Just be there for me ---- in either case.

[DAVID E]

For the time being all seems to be operating pretty smooth(except Incredimail of which there seems to be no fix) so I think I'll not wake a sleeping lion just yet. It was an "update" that screwed up my IncrediMail a few months ago. Thanks for all the comments and recommendations-well taken.

[frazzm737]

David, have you considered getting rid of Incredimail. It takes some effort, but I was able to succeed, so I am sure you could get rid of that beast also. I found good instructions by googling 'uninstall Incredimail.'

[DAVID E]

I don't really want to get rid of it but I'm beginning t see no choices. Peggy has been a sweetheart helping me fix it since the people at IncrediMail haven't been a lot of help. I went through so many different things attempting to fix the problems but to no avail. Something somewhere is awry but I can't find out what. I'm still continuing to use OE for the time being. I've heard it's a real pain trying to get rid of it...sort of like Norton who left all manner of little treats in the registry.

[frazzm737]

David, if you will follow these instructions, that beast will be gone in no time!

http://tinyurl.com/ybo2r7