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Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
I would like some advice for installing Service Pack 3. It took me almost 2 years to upgrade to SP2, I’m hoping that it won’t take me that long this time. But, I need assurances that it will not break my computer.
Are all or most of the bugs out of SP3 or should I wait a little longer? I did a search on this topic and none were found.
All advice will be appreciated.
Gloria
If you don’t already have it installed, ( right click my computer>proprties to see if it is ) then go for it.
Thanks Bob…. Sorry if I sound hyper sensitive but you see, the problem for us dummies is that for everyone that recommends a product there is an equal number who don’t, in fact there are some who actually advise against it. I just did a search on Google for a site from which to download it and from the 29 million hits I clicked on this one : – [ http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Micro…-3/1197391546/1 ] SORRY EXPERTS, NEED HELP ON HOW TO MAKE IT INTO A LINK- WAS ABLE TO ON THE OLD LOUNGE BUT NOT THIS ONE.] Anyway, on the said site there are blogs for individuals that have encountered problems (blued out screens etc) so as the saying goes…if it aint broke, don’t fix it. Yep, it’s ok for you experts who can easy rectify things if they go wrong but for many, trepidation is the name of the game. SORRY. SF 
it’s ok for you experts who can easy rectify things if they go wrong but for many, trepidation is the name of the game. SORRY. SF
Using that logic then, would you conclude that it’s probably best NOT to apply ANY updates, Service Packs, hotfixes, etc……. because at some point in time, SOMEBODY has encountered problems after applying these? 
You can download SP-3 from Download details: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers. NOTE: Don’t be put off by the title. It is just the full SP-3. I’ve had very good results using it instead of letting Windows Update determine the pieces to install. I also recommend that you burn the downloaded file to a CD/DVD so it is available should you ever need it again.
I am guilty of not updating SP3 because I didn’t want to deal with Windows Update service. I like the idea of having a full copy available. It will save time to have everything on hand for install during reformats. Thanks for the link! 
You should consider slipstreaming SP3. See Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows: Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 3 (SP3) for details.
I suppose I ought to. Thanks for the link. Do you suppose I could follow directions? 
Gloria,
To say that SP3 includes things that you don’t use or never heard of, is saying and assuming a LOT!
Do you really mean that you understand ALL of the bits and pieces of Windows? There are a lot of security fixes and improvements in SP3, so you SHOULD go for it. I DO however, remember the hassle we went through in convincing you to install SP2, so do your thing but you SHOULD update to SP3.
( it seems to me that you had a copy of True Image, so if you make an image before you update, you can always revert back with TI, if there were some unseen problem ) 
Gloria,
To say that SP3 includes things that you don’t use or never heard of, is saying and assuming a LOT!Do you really mean that you understand ALL of the bits and pieces of Windows? There are a lot of security fixes and improvements in SP3, so you SHOULD go for it. I DO however, remember the hassle we went through in convincing you to install SP2, so do your thing but you SHOULD update to SP3.
( it seems to me that you had a copy of True Image, so if you make an image before you update, you can always revert back with TI, if there were some unseen problem )
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Have you ever heard about computer users who know a lot about nothing, well that’s me. You won’t have to work so hard this time, I’ll take the bull by the horns and install it just as soon as I work up just a little bit more courage.
Gloria
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