Thanks JS you've more or less backed up what I've just been reading.. I'll
stay as I am for a while..better the devil you know!
--
Gren


"JS" wrote:

> Service Pack 3 is not bug free, so if I where you I'd hold off installing
> for a while.
> However if you want to byte the bullet then here are some things you should
> know.
> Preference is to download the Service Pack and not use Windows Update.
> Read the articles below: It's a long list but it could save your bacon.
>
> How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
>
> How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC
> (Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
> (Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
> Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP Service
> Pack 3'
> Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP SP1
> or SP2."
>
> The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
> Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing Windows XP Service
> Pack 3 (SP3)
> (For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed)
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us
>
> Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../cc164204.aspx
>
> Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us
>
> List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/
>
> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
> Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
> Also includes troubleshooting information.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us
>
> Post Installation Cleanup:
> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827
>
> How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack
> 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us
>
> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support
> (Via Email, Chat or Phone support)
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131
>
> Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
> How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
>
> Where to download SP3
> SP3 file download:
> (File is large but will only install components that you PC requires)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> ISO image - used to create install CD:
> (You must have CD burning software that can use an ISO as source)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix
> Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup package
> for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us
>
>
> Just some of the SP3 Issues:
> (see the next to last entry in this list for more issues)
>
> Windows XP SP3 Issues and Fixes Continued:
> (Note: there is a section of this article devoted to System Restore points,
> read it!)
> http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2008/0...o-not-install/
>
> After you create Windows XP Service Pack 3 slipstreamed media, your product
> key is not accepted
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950722/en-us
>
> XP SP3: Registry Corruption & Norton SymProtect:
> Symptoms: After installing XP Service Pack 3,
> Device Manger is empty; the Network Connections panel is empty;
> there are no Network connection icons; and/or there is problematic
> or no Wireless or Ethernet connectivity;
> the Safely Remove Hardware icon no longer appears;
> USB devices no longer function, including mice.
> You may not have all of these symptoms, only some of them.
> Solution: http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&...st=0&sk=t&sd=a
>
> The Address toolbar no longer appears on the taskbar after you install
> Windows XP Service Pack 3
> Describes why the Address toolbar is no longer visible on the taskbar
> A workaround (this is not a fix - the address bar is gone) for this missing
> functionality is provided.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/951448/en-us
>
> Restore the Address Bar in Windows XP SP3:
> http://blog.ryantadams.com/2008/05/0...indows-xp-sp3/
> Note: I have not tried this as I'm still at SP2, so run at your own risk!
>
> SP3-based computer loses wireless connectivity when it resumes from standby
> or from hibernation,
> or you receive an error message when you try to put the computer in standby
> or in hibernation
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/951447/en-us
>
> Device Manager and Network Connections may be blank after you install
> Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953791/en-us
>
> Device Manager may not show any devices and Network Connections may not
> show any network connections after you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953979/en-us
>
> Changes to the 802.1X-based wired network connection settings in Windows XP
> Service Pack 3
> Describes that the AuthMode and SupplicantMode registry entries are no
> longer used in
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 for a 802.1X-based wired network connection.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949984/en-us
>
> You cannot connect to an 802.1X wired network after you upgrade to Windows
> XP Service Pack 3
> Problem in which you cannot connect to an 802.1X wired network.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953650/en-us
>
> Error messages when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
> "Service Pack 3 installation did not complete" and "An internal error
> occurred"
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949384/en-us
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 installation fails with an error message, and the
> following error is logged in the service pack installation log: "8007F0F4 -
> STATUS_PREREQUISITE_FAILED"
> You must take one of the actions that are described in this article to
> resolve this issue.
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949388/en-us
>
> The Authentication tab is missing in the properties dialog box of the wired
> network adapter after you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950725/en-us
>
> Error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
> "Access is denied" or "Service Pack installation did not complete"
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377/en-us
>
> You do not have enough free disk space on %SystemDrive% to install Service
> Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949385
>
> Error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
> "Setup has detected that another update is in progress Please complete that
> installation or removal and try again"
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949381/en-us
>
> You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to Windows
> XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a non-Intel-processor-based computer
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372
>
> Error message during every restart after you install Windows XP Service Pack
> 3:
> "The procedure entry point apsSearchInterface could not be located in the
> dynamic link library wlanapi.dll"
> Describes a situation in which you receive an error message every time that
> you restart a Windows XP-based computer.
> Specifically, this problem occurs after you install Windows XP Service Pack
> 3 (SP3).
> A resolution is provided: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950720/en-us
>
> Error message after you upgrade a computer that uses a processor other than
> an Intel processor to Windows XP Service Pack 2 or to Windows XP Service
> Pack 3: "STOP: 0x0000007E"
> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=953356
> This is the patch to fix the above issue "For non-Intel processors"
> ***Must be applied before installing SP3***
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
> From: Jesper Johansson's blog
> Does your AMD-based computer boot after installing XP SP3?
> (Affects AMD-based computers with OEM images, primarily HP Desktops)
> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
>
> A blank desktop may appear when you log on to a Windows XP-based computer:
> (Hotfix for SP2 and SP3)
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948277/en-us
>
> Event ID: 5603 occurs when you install Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1,
> Windows XP Service Pack 2, or Windows XP Service Pack 3:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/915148/en-us
>
> Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update,
> from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after
> you repair a Windows XP installation
> (This KB article may also solve SP3 Windows Update will not work problem)
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
>
> Some third-party programs may experience a change in functionality after you
> install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947309
>
> Problems occur after installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 or
> Windows Vista Service Pack 1 with a Norton 2008 product installed:
> Info and Fix:
> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...08051623552079
>
> The print operation fails, or partial pages are printed when you try to
> print to a Citizen printer or to an Alps printer
> http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;951822
>
> Custom settings in the Oobeinfo.ini file are lost after you upgrade a
> computer to Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953651/en-us
>
> Windows Installer 4.5
> (supports SP2 and SP3)
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942288
>
> The long list of things you don't want to know about Service Pack 3:
> http://support.microsoft.com/search/...mm=1&spid=1173
>
>
> How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249/en-us
>
> JS
>
>
>
>
> "ellivnerg" <ellivnerg@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:76C0A27B-3022-4AB2-AEC9-63F441B5F90D@microsoft.com...
> >I have been running windows XP with SP2 and all the updates since 2007 I am
> > aware that SP3 is now available as a download. Do I need to download this
> > as
> > not being very comp. literate I am reluctant to alter things that are
> > running ok i.e. dont tamper if not broken. I would appreciate any
> > helpfull
> > advice on this
> > --
> > Gren
>
>
>