SP3?

Okay, I'm seeing a lot of problems with SP3. So I have to ask: is this safe
to install? Is it going to crash my system and cause problems the way that
SP2 did?

nancyeddy

--
http://nancyeddy.com

Nancy wrote:
> Okay, I'm seeing a lot of problems with SP3. So I have to ask: is
> this safe to install? Is it going to crash my system and cause
> problems the way that SP2 did?

First - are you saying that installing SP2 crashed your systems and/or
caused problems with your system?

Second - no one can answer that. Your machine is *your* machine. Unique by
hardware components (maybe) and by hardware+software installed (almost
definitely) and by your usage and maintenance of it (definitely.) What
will/won't have adverse or advantageous affects on your computer will be
different than just about everyone else on the planet in the same situation
with SP3.

My observations (YMMV) and suggestions for a safe/healthy install...

Short version: know what you are getting into and properly prepare.

Longer version:

Windows XP Service Pack 3 has worked for 100's of thousands
(if not millions upon millions) of users. Strictly speaking -
percentage-wise - those with issues are not just in the minority - but
'super-minority'. Also - most problems installing it have been caused by
something already being wrong with the machine in question and the
installation of SP3 merely exposing that fact.

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals
and Developers
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...1/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
.. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
..
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
.. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05...boots_crashes/
..
http://www.computerworld.com/action/...leId=9084 418
.. 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
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to install
SP3...
Method 3 of this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

Hope that helps!

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

According to Microsoft, SP3 is supposed to be safer and more versatile
then SP2. They said SP2 was full of crashes and Windows errors. If
people are having problems with it, I say don't download it.


--
igotvirus91
------------------------------------------------------------------------
igotvirus91's Profile: http://forums.techarena.in/member.php?userid=51573
View this thread: http://forums.techarena.in/showthread.php?t=985952

http://forums.techarena.in

Nancy wrote:
> Okay, I'm seeing a lot of problems with SP3. So I have to ask: is
> this safe to install? Is it going to crash my system and cause
> problems the way that SP2 did?

igotvirus91 wrote:
> According to Microsoft, SP3 is supposed to be safer and more
> versatile then SP2. They said SP2 was full of crashes and Windows
> errors. If people are having problems with it, I say don't download
> it.

igotvirus91,

I have no idea what you just said. It seems to be something, but I cannot
piece it together.

Where did you read this supposed Microsoft statement comparing SP2 and SP3?
Who are "they"?
I've seen people have trouble posting on these newsgroups... I'll let you
read the advice into that. ;-)

Nancy, et al;

I'll repeat my posting again - just so it gets better Google scores and
might actually assist those pondering (and bothering to research) an
installation of SP3 for Windows XP. ;-)

First - are you saying that installing SP2 crashed your systems and/or
caused problems with your system?

Second - no one can answer that. Your machine is *your* machine. Unique by
hardware components (maybe) and by hardware+software installed (almost
definitely) and by your usage and maintenance of it (definitely.) What
will/won't have adverse or advantageous affects on your computer will be
different than just about everyone else on the planet in the same situation
with SP3.

My observations (YMMV) and suggestions for a safe/healthy install...

Short version: know what you are getting into and properly prepare.

Longer version:

Windows XP Service Pack 3 has worked for 100's of thousands
(if not millions upon millions) of users. Strictly speaking -
percentage-wise - those with issues are not just in the minority - but
'super-minority'. Also - most problems installing it have been caused by
something already being wrong with the machine in question and the
installation of SP3 merely exposing that fact.

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals
and Developers
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...1/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
.. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
..
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
.. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05...boots_crashes/
..
http://www.computerworld.com/action/...leId=9084 418
.. 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
(Revised 06 May-08)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to install
SP3...
Method 3 of this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

Hope that helps!

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

When I first installed SP2, it caused my machine all kinds of problems.
Glitches appeared that hadn't appeared before, the installation would start,
then stop, hanging the machine, it kept giving me an 'installation failed'
message, and when I uninstalled and tried to reinstall, it put all kinds of
extra copies of things on my hard drive. So I had a very bad experience with
SP2, which I waited as long as I could before installing in the first place
because of all the network/dialup connection issues I'd heard about.

I'm still on a home network, but now I'm on DSL, and I've read some reports
of those two things being affected by the installation of SP3.

If my machine is fully up to date without SP3, why should I have to install
it. Won't SP3 have mostly the same things that I already have on my system?

nancyeddy

--
http://nancyeddy.com

"Shenan Stanley" <newshelper@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:emnonYczIHA.4912@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Nancy wrote:
>> Okay, I'm seeing a lot of problems with SP3. So I have to ask: is
>> this safe to install? Is it going to crash my system and cause
>> problems the way that SP2 did?
>
> First - are you saying that installing SP2 crashed your systems and/or
> caused problems with your system?
>
> Second - no one can answer that. Your machine is *your* machine. Unique
> by hardware components (maybe) and by hardware+software installed (almost
> definitely) and by your usage and maintenance of it (definitely.) What
> will/won't have adverse or advantageous affects on your computer will be
> different than just about everyone else on the planet in the same
> situation with SP3.
>
> My observations (YMMV) and suggestions for a safe/healthy install...
>
> Short version: know what you are getting into and properly prepare.
>
> Longer version:
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 has worked for 100's of thousands
> (if not millions upon millions) of users. Strictly speaking -
> percentage-wise - those with issues are not just in the minority - but
> 'super-minority'. Also - most problems installing it have been caused by
> something already being wrong with the machine in question and the
> installation of SP3 merely exposing that fact.
>
> A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from
> Microsoft*...
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT
> Professionals
> and Developers
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>
> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
>
> Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...1/relnotes.htm
>
> Key things to note:
>
> Internet Explorer:
> "If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
> Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
> Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
> version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows
> XP
> SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP
> SP3,
> uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>
> Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
> "If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media
> Center
> Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction.
> To
> avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
> this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
> XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>
> It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
> SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
> installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
> that...
>
> Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
> Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
> installation
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
>
> Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...
>
> From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
> Workarounds:
>
> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
> [NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
> that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
> [WinXP SP3]."
>
> 1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
> 2. After booting into Safe Mode:
> Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
> sc config intelppm start= disabled
> --> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.
>
> Other references include:
> . http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
> .
> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
> . http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05...boots_crashes/
> .
> http://www.computerworld.com/action/...leId=9084 418
> . 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
> (Revised 06 May-08)
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372
>
> Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to install
> SP3...
> Method 3 of this article:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
>
> Hope that helps!
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>

Nancy wrote:
> Okay, I'm seeing a lot of problems with SP3. So I have to ask: is
> this safe to install? Is it going to crash my system and cause
> problems the way that SP2 did?

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> First - are you saying that installing SP2 crashed your systems
> and/or caused problems with your system?
>
> Second - no one can answer that. Your machine is *your* machine. Unique
> by hardware components (maybe) and by hardware+software
> installed (almost definitely) and by your usage and maintenance of
> it (definitely.) What will/won't have adverse or advantageous
> affects on your computer will be different than just about everyone
> else on the planet in the same situation with SP3.
>
> My observations (YMMV) and suggestions for a safe/healthy install...
>
> Short version: know what you are getting into and properly prepare.
>
> Longer version:
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 has worked for 100's of thousands
> (if not millions upon millions) of users. Strictly speaking -
> percentage-wise - those with issues are not just in the minority -
> but 'super-minority'. Also - most problems installing it have been
> caused by something already being wrong with the machine in
> question and the installation of SP3 merely exposing that fact.
>
> A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from
> Microsoft*...
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT
> Professionals and Developers
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>
> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
>
> Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...1/relnotes.htm
>
> Key things to note:
>
> Internet Explorer:
> "If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta
> version of Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3,
> you cannot uninstall Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure
> Internet Explorer 7 or a beta version of Internet Explorer 8 is not
> installed before installing Windows XP SP3. If you have already
> encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3, uninstall
> Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
> Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
> "If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP
> Media Center Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition
> may malfunction. To avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you
> install Windows XP SP3. If this issue has already occurred,
> uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows XP SP2, and then
> reinstall Windows XP SP3."
> It seems some people are unable to get further updates after
> installing SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to
> doing a repair installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems
> to work for them for that...
>
> Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from
> Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a
> Windows XP installation
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
>
> Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...
>
> From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
> Workarounds:
>
> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
> [NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a
> small tool that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it
> before installing [WinXP SP3]."
>
> 1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
> 2. After booting into Safe Mode:
> Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
> sc config intelppm start= disabled
> --> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.
>
> Other references include:
> . http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
> .
> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
> . http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05...boots_crashes/
> .
> http://www.computerworld.com/action/...leId=9084 418
> . 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 (Revised 06 May-08)
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372
>
> Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to
> install SP3...
> Method 3 of this article:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
>
> Hope that helps!

Nancy wrote:
> When I first installed SP2, it caused my machine all kinds of
> problems. Glitches appeared that hadn't appeared before, the
> installation would start, then stop, hanging the machine, it kept
> giving me an 'installation failed' message, and when I uninstalled
> and tried to reinstall, it put all kinds of extra copies of things
> on my hard drive. So I had a very bad experience with SP2, which I
> waited as long as I could before installing in the first place
> because of all the network/dialup connection issues I'd heard
> about.
> I'm still on a home network, but now I'm on DSL, and I've read some
> reports of those two things being affected by the installation of
> SP3.
> If my machine is fully up to date without SP3, why should I have to
> install it. Won't SP3 have mostly the same things that I already
> have on my system?

SP3 contains 1174+ updates released after SP2. You may have 100 or so of
those installed.

If you don't feel a pressing need to install it - don't. No one is making
you do it. Heck - you could still be running Windows 98 if you so desired.

Know that sooner or later - if you continue utilizing Windows XP - you will
need SP3 installed to continue to receive updates. That's pretty much the
only 'forced' part of the whole thing - but that time is some time off.
However - free support for the installation and troubleshooting of SP3
issues only lasts through April 2009 - so put that into your calculations.

If you were to go through the links I gave and properly prepare your
system - including a full system backup before starting - the only thing
*possibly* lost would be your time. It's one of the great features of
computers (where software is concerned) - you can make a full backup and
with little effort - return to that 'snapshot in time' when ever you desire.
A luxury not every thing in life grants you.

My suggestion is to cleanup your machine - update the drivers and installed
software, check for malware and viruses, uninstall unnecessary software,
check the disk for errors, defragment, make a final system backup (imaging
will give the best chance of a complete rollback to a given state - but even
just backing up your stuff and the system state helps) and after reading
through the list of known issues I gave, preparing for those and going
through the assorted check lists - bite the bullet and install SP3.

Chances are - everything will work out fine. I actually have *not*
personally experienced a failed installation in the 1000+ installs I have
done since the release. YMMV.

If it doesn't - I suggest you utilize the free support link I gave you on
another machine and attempt to remedy the issue there and/or here. If you
get frustrated and tiured of trying (if this even happens this way) you can
always revert to your last good backup. In the end - you might expend a
days worth of effort on SP3 itself - if things go awry (I don't count a lot
of the preparation - as technically - many of the things you would do to
prepare - you should be doing anyway) - but you'll end up with a fully
patched system that will likely never have such a drastic upgrade (unless
you try to put Vista on it) again.

But - it's your choice.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

Nancy added these comments in the current discussion du jour ...

> Okay, I'm seeing a lot of problems with SP3. So I have to ask: is
> this safe to install? Is it going to crash my system and cause
> problems the way that SP2 did?
>
Nancy, the question you should be asking is WHY. If your system is stable
on SP2, why risk a visit from Murphy?

--
HP, aka Jerry

"If it waddles like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck"

Shenan Stanley added these comments in the current discussion du jour
....

> Nancy wrote:
>> Okay, I'm seeing a lot of problems with SP3. So I have to ask: is
>> this safe to install? Is it going to crash my system and cause
>> problems the way that SP2 did?
>
> First - are you saying that installing SP2 crashed your systems
> and/or caused problems with your system?
>
> Second - no one can answer that. Your machine is *your* machine.
> Unique by hardware components (maybe) and by hardware+software
> installed (almost definitely) and by your usage and maintenance of
> it (definitely.) What will/won't have adverse or advantageous
> affects on your computer will be different than just about everyone
> else on the planet in the same situation with SP3.
>
> My observations (YMMV) and suggestions for a safe/healthy install...
>
> Short version: know what you are getting into and properly prepare.
>
> Longer version:
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 has worked for 100's of thousands
> (if not millions upon millions) of users. Strictly speaking -
> percentage-wise - those with issues are not just in the minority -
> but 'super-minority'. Also - most problems installing it have been
> caused by something already being wrong with the machine in question
> and the installation of SP3 merely exposing that fact.

ALL versions of Windows work for hundreds of millions of people. That's
not the issue. It is how many does it NOT work for and how can one
predict who they may be? Not easy, methinketh. The key to these things
is to lurk for a LONG time and let others beta test with their Visa
cards and debug the latest whatever. And, that goes for app developers
and not just Windows!

> A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from
> Microsoft*...
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...prid=11273&gpr
> id=522131
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...D=2fcde6ce-b5f
> b-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT
> Professionals and Developers
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...d=5B33B5A8-5E7
> 6-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en
>
> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron.../windows-xp-sp
> 3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

If one actually followed all of the guidelines and observed the
disclaimers, they'd still be running DOS 1.0.

> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
>
> Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...d5a-40d3-a802-
> e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm
>
> Key things to note:
>
> Internet Explorer:
> "If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta
> version of Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you
> cannot uninstall Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet
> Explorer 7 or a beta version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed
> before installing Windows XP SP3. If you have already encountered
> this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3, uninstall Internet Explorer,
> and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>
> Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
> "If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP
> Media Center Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition
> may malfunction. To avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you
> install Windows XP SP3. If this issue has already occurred,
> uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows XP SP2, and then reinstall
> Windows XP SP3."
>
> It seems some people are unable to get further updates after
> installing SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to
> doing a repair installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems
> to work for them for that...
>
> Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from
> Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a
> Windows XP installation
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
>
> Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...
>
> From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
> Workarounds:
>
> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...08/does-your-a
> md-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx [NB: The above
> has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool that will
> detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing [WinXP
> SP3]."
>
> 1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
> 2. After booting into Safe Mode:
> Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
> sc config intelppm start= disabled
> --> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.
>
> Other references include:
> . http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
> .
> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...08/does-your-a
> md-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx .
> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05...reboots_crashe
> s/ .
> http://www.computerworld.com/action/...viewArticleBas
> ic&articleId=9084418 . 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 (Revised 06 May-08)
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372
>
> Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to
> install SP3...
> Method 3 of this article:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
>
> Hope that helps!
>



--
HP, aka Jerry

"If it waddles like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck"

Shenan Stanley added these comments in the current discussion du jour
....

> Nancy wrote:
>> Okay, I'm seeing a lot of problems with SP3. So I have to ask: is
>> this safe to install? Is it going to crash my system and cause
>> problems the way that SP2 did?
>
> Shenan Stanley wrote:
>> First - are you saying that installing SP2 crashed your systems
>> and/or caused problems with your system?
>>
>> Second - no one can answer that. Your machine is *your* machine.
>> Unique by hardware components (maybe) and by hardware+software
>> installed (almost definitely) and by your usage and maintenance of
>> it (definitely.) What will/won't have adverse or advantageous
>> affects on your computer will be different than just about everyone
>> else on the planet in the same situation with SP3.
>>
>> My observations (YMMV) and suggestions for a safe/healthy
>> install...
>>
>> Short version: know what you are getting into and properly prepare.
>>
>> Longer version:
>>
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 has worked for 100's of thousands
>> (if not millions upon millions) of users. Strictly speaking -
>> percentage-wise - those with issues are not just in the minority -
>> but 'super-minority'. Also - most problems installing it have been
>> caused by something already being wrong with the machine in
>> question and the installation of SP3 merely exposing that fact.
>>
>> A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from
>> Microsoft*...
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...&prid=11273&gp
>> rid=522131
>>
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...ID=2fcde6ce-b5
>> fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en
>>
>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT
>> Professionals and Developers
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...id=5B33B5A8-5E
>> 76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en
>>
>> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
>> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...8/windows-xp-s
>> p3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installati on.aspx
>>
>> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
>>
>> Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
>> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...7d5a-40d3-a802
>> -e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm
>>
>> Key things to note:
>>
>> Internet Explorer:
>> "If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta
>> version of Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3,
>> you cannot uninstall Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure
>> Internet Explorer 7 or a beta version of Internet Explorer 8 is not
>> installed before installing Windows XP SP3. If you have already
>> encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3, uninstall
>> Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."
>> Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
>> "If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP
>> Media Center Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition
>> may malfunction. To avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you
>> install Windows XP SP3. If this issue has already occurred,
>> uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows XP SP2, and then
>> reinstall Windows XP SP3." It seems some people are unable to get
>> further updates after installing SP3... Seems some have
>> experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair installation on
>> Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for that...
>>
>> Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from
>> Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a
>> Windows XP installation http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
>>
>> Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...
>>
>> From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
>> Workarounds:
>>
>> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp.../08/does-your-
>> amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx [NB: The above
>> has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool that
>> will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
>> [WinXP SP3]."
>>
>> 1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
>> 2. After booting into Safe Mode:
>> Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
>> sc config intelppm start= disabled
>> --> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.
>>
>> Other references include:
>> . http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790 .
>> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp.../08/does-your-
>> amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx .
>> http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05..._reboots_crash
>> es/ .
>> http://www.computerworld.com/action/...=viewArticleBa
>> sic&articleId=9084418 . 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 (Revised 06 May-08)
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372
>>
>> Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to
>> install SP3...
>> Method 3 of this article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377
>>
>> Hope that helps!
>
> Nancy wrote:
>> When I first installed SP2, it caused my machine all kinds of
>> problems. Glitches appeared that hadn't appeared before, the
>> installation would start, then stop, hanging the machine, it kept
>> giving me an 'installation failed' message, and when I uninstalled
>> and tried to reinstall, it put all kinds of extra copies of things
>> on my hard drive. So I had a very bad experience with SP2, which I
>> waited as long as I could before installing in the first place
>> because of all the network/dialup connection issues I'd heard
>> about. I'm still on a home network, but now I'm on DSL, and I've
>> read some reports of those two things being affected by the
>> installation of SP3.
>> If my machine is fully up to date without SP3, why should I have to
>> install it. Won't SP3 have mostly the same things that I already
>> have on my system?
>
> SP3 contains 1174+ updates released after SP2. You may have 100 or
> so of those installed.

I am VERY cautious about letting MS update my system, so why on Earth
would I allow 1174+ untested (by production users) to suddenly invade
an otherwise stable system? Seems to me that the time to install an SP
is about when the next one goes into beta, as I did with SP2. And, if I
were thinking of Vista today, at least an SP is out or iminent, but I'd
still feel safer six-12 months into it's SP1.

Look, I don't hate MS but if something goes bump in the night with your
O/S, you are toast. Or, you may be in for a really long fix, such as
the nuke and reinstall shuffle.

> If you don't feel a pressing need to install it - don't. No one is
> making you do it. Heck - you could still be running Windows 98 if
> you so desired.
>
> Know that sooner or later - if you continue utilizing Windows XP -
> you will need SP3 installed to continue to receive updates. That's
> pretty much the only 'forced' part of the whole thing - but that
> time is some time off. However - free support for the installation
> and troubleshooting of SP3 issues only lasts through April 2009 - so
> put that into your calculations.

I've got a 2nd PC on SP1 and the only update I get is the malicious
software removal tool. Still, I feel safe enough as IMO the vast
majority of so-called critical fixes aren't, they're just some
compromise that MS had reported to them that they want to close.

> If you were to go through the links I gave and properly prepare your
> system - including a full system backup before starting - the only
> thing *possibly* lost would be your time. It's one of the great
> features of computers (where software is concerned) - you can make a
> full backup and with little effort - return to that 'snapshot in
> time' when ever you desire. A luxury not every thing in life grants
> you.
>
> My suggestion is to cleanup your machine - update the drivers and
> installed software, check for malware and viruses, uninstall
> unnecessary software, check the disk for errors, defragment, make a
> final system backup (imaging will give the best chance of a complete
> rollback to a given state - but even just backing up your stuff and
> the system state helps) and after reading through the list of known
> issues I gave, preparing for those and going through the assorted
> check lists - bite the bullet and install SP3.

All good ideas, but again, IMO, it is NOT a good idea to update drivers
just for the helluva it - ONLY when it is necessary.

> Chances are - everything will work out fine. I actually have *not*
> personally experienced a failed installation in the 1000+ installs I
> have done since the release. YMMV.

You sound pretty knowledgeable and experience so I'm sure you must know
that one cannot prove a negative hypothesis by citing examples because
even after 1,000,000 safe installs of anything, on the 1,000,001 it
could blow down big time. This is precisely why big IT shops build
their own "slams" after rigorously testing anything new for months and
months until they are as sure as they can be that it will work. Real
civilians don't have the luxury of an IT team behind them.

> If it doesn't - I suggest you utilize the free support link I gave
> you on another machine and attempt to remedy the issue there and/or
> here.

Seriously, Shenan, use the free support link when one's system is
destroyed?

If you get frustrated and tiured of trying (if this even
> happens this way) you can always revert to your last good backup.

that's assuming the machine will even start ...

> In the end - you might expend a days worth of effort on SP3 itself -
> if things go awry (I don't count a lot of the preparation - as
> technically - many of the things you would do to prepare - you
> should be doing anyway) - but you'll end up with a fully patched
> system that will likely never have such a drastic upgrade (unless
> you try to put Vista on it) again.
>
> But - it's your choice.
>



--
HP, aka Jerry

"If it waddles like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck"

igotvirus91 added these comments in the current discussion du jour ...

>
> According to Microsoft, SP3 is supposed to be safer and more versatile
> then SP2. They said SP2 was full of crashes and Windows errors. If
> people are having problems with it, I say don't download it.
>
>
like "military intelligence", "microsoft security" and "microsoft
quality" are oxymorons. No, MS is not full of morons, it just means that
they're not exactly noted for bug-free releases of anything.

--
HP, aka Jerry

"If it waddles like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck"