Win XP SP3 tech net forum:
http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/...2010&SiteID=17

"MB" <MB@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:835B6F68-0A24-4ECB-9CF9-AD57EF2D532E@microsoft.com...
> Apologies in advance if I've selected the wrong subgroup...
>
> After three unsuccessful attempts to install XP SP3 via Windows Update, I
> am
> once again restored back to SP2 and posting to this group. I am receiving
> the
> same error each time, it freezes up on the Windows XP welcome screen with
> the
> moving bar of little blue tiles still scrolling along the bottom of the
> screen. The first time I downloaded and installed via Windows Update with
> all
> programs closed or disabaled with the exception of McAfee VirusScan, my
> mistake. On the two subsequent installations, I had McAfee and all other
> programs closed, but Windows Update showed the executable as already
> downloaded and ready to install. Sounds like the damage was already done,
> so
> I tried to think through how I could "reset the clock". I could not find
> the
> "successful" SP3 via Add/Remove Programs, so there is evidently no way for
> me
> to "reset" my status via Windows Update and re-download from that
> location.
> Restore kept saving me but did not "reset the clock" on the SP3 download
> either, Windows Update just kept saying that I had already downloaded the
> file. I did manage to find and download the full, "IT professional" 300MB+
> standalone update from Microsoft Download Manager this evening, but I'm
> going
> to hold off installing until I hear from someone in this forum that it
> makes
> sense, would make any difference, or better yet, why I would go through
> this
> entire install/restore sequence for a FOURTH time when I don't know why I
> should even bother?? SP2 and my computer in general worked without issue
> for
> years until today, I made the mistake of trusting that Microsoft would
> make a
> painless, seamless, transparent upgrade/update like all of the others that
> I've downloaded via Windows Update prior to today, very very disappointed.
> Up until today, I am current on everything from both a Windows and Office
> perspective, I don't know whether to just give up, move to Vista, or just
> keep on using SP2 and ignore any suggestions to update to SP3. Maybe
> someone
> hasn't worked the kinks out of this thing yet. Is SP3 worth all of this
> trouble? Someone please tell me, thanks.