Yes. Then be sure to look for updates after the install, I installed SP3 on a computer for someone last week and afterwards had 81 updates to install. I had rolled the computer back to 2006 with an Acronis image they had no idea was on the computer.

MS will no longer provide support for versions of XP without SP3, so it is definitely time to install.

when installing sp3 use all original info and follow the suggested protocols, sp3 has not changed it is still as it was originally so any preparations and guidelines should still be followed.
this site lists the preparations and installation guidelines which were originally issued.
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) Installation Guidelines

OK, I think I'm going to also finally install SP III, but I have two questions.

first one is, in that link Raven provided it says to Download SP3 from Microsoft's Windows Update. I don't see any way to just download (and not install) it, as when I'm on the MS update page it says download and install. So how would I just download it, and not install?

That link also said to 'disconnect the network' and I'm not sure what that means.

The standalone deployable download is here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

there is a direct download for sp3 where you can download it to the pc then install it which they have in general recommended doing so that you can disable all firewalls and antivirus programs to do the install. You can also order a cd with sp3 for your collection should you want to do that. On this site is listed the various downloads, you would want the stand alone version(top of list) from the list if you want to download it to the pc then be able to disconnect and disable your firewall and antivirus programs
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

this is the direct page from MS with directions and lists for all download types and how to order the cd also provides the link to the stand alone sp3
Service Pack 3 (SP3).

do not worry that it says for IT professionals it is the one for use as stand alone.
disconnect means unplug your pc from the internet whether it be from your router or modem or how ever you are connected because you will be shutting down the firewall and AV programs you do not want to be connected.

Right on folks, now I'm all set. Appreciate the help!

excellent please let us know how it went for you. Should you run into problems it is best not to do a system restore but instead to go to add remove programs and remove sp3 instead, that way you do not end up with a mish mash of 2 and 3.

I haven't installed SP3 either.

Guess I should, but after reading all the above, it seems confusing.

Can't I just accept it next time I get the Windows updates? They still tell me I have it hidden and that I should get it.

Sue

it can be done that way but due to some of the problems that have come with sp3 from the beginning it has been advised to do it as a download then turn off all firewall and antivirus programs before doing the install. But you can certainly do it through windows update for some it works fine that way however it can have the same complications which originally happened when it came out. It is totally up to each person how to proceed, it is always best to do so fully informed though, which is why I like to help provide that info.

My best advice to anyone is to use an imaging program and do an image of your system prior to doing any big update such as a service pack so if something goes wrong you just go back to the image you had saved. That is a good policy for a routine update in fact.

this is one of the free imaging programs out there, there are others, should it be needed.
disk imaging software

I still have an XP machine so I got off the pot and ordered my XP SP3 DVD as well as the Vista SP1 and Vista SP2 DVDs.
Nice to have on hand. Thanks for reminding me

I've copied and pasted all the above and saved it til I have time to read it over and get it done,

Thanks,

Sue

I have yet to do the SP3 thing too but too chicken to.
I have the CD I ordered way back when but am too feared at screwing up.
As long as all is well here, I left it be with the way I have been and enjoying all.

Urlee

I have had SP3 for XP installed almost since day 1. Never had any issues with the install and they were all done via updates. Just make sure you do a system clean with virus and malware scan before installation. Lot of problem people have had were because their machines were "dirty".Just wanted to get the DVDs in case I have need to re-install the OS as MS is no longer supporting machines without XPSP3

I have been reading all of this about SP3 for XP and went to MS to see if I had it. I went back into last year a little and didn't see it. What was the date it first came out?

I looked for a place to ask if I had it and couldn't find anything.

Thanks!

marciasc, one SP3 blocker I have in my documents goes back to 11/5/07, so its at least that old. Also found two or three more SP 3 blocks. Seems I really didn't want it. Guess its time to get it now.

I have found the easiest, most convenient, and safest way is to order the cd/dvd of any released SP directly from Microsoft. This is particularly true for those of us still on DUN.

The disk is not system dedicated so it can be used more than once on your own system if necessary or it can be shared with others. The cost has been $10.00 or less with delivery in about a week.

DA

To know what you currently have as far as service packs on your system go to your start> my computer and right click choose properties and there on the general tab of system properties you will see listed what you have.

DA, I also always keep the cd in my collection, whether I ordered it or burned the iso, I want a copy on hand in my files. Back when they put out sp2, MS had copies of it in various locations where you could just pick it up for free which was great I wish they had done the same for sp3, I remember going to Staples and picking up my copy of sp2 which I of course still have in my files. Guess they figured out they could make a few more dollars by making people pay for it this time.

Those that had successful sp3 install results are of course very fortunate and that is great however it is a well known fact that many many did have issues with sp3 so for that reason it is best to go into it knowingly and with knowledge on your side.
Please do let us know how it went when you give it a go!

and to clarify MS is STILL SUPPORTING xpsp2 it has NOT stopped support of it yet. As of now July is the date when it could end.

Raven, I did what you said...start, my computer etc. and on the general tab I just haved Used space and Free space shown. I clicked on everything there and didn't find anything to show me what I have.

If SP3 goes back for months, I might have it already as it doesn't offer it to me when I check for window updates.

Thanks!

another way to get to the same area is go to control panel and double click on system that will present you with the system info on the general tab.

you added a step,what you did was go into my computer(opened it) then you right clicked on the C drive and chose properties, that gives you the C drive info, not what you want.

You want to go to start> my computer and RIGHT CLICK directly on My computer icon then choose properties
If you happen to have a my computer icon on your desktop go to it and right click on that icon and choose properties.

OK folks, all went well installing SPIII.

really appreciate the advice and hand holding :-)

joefromsd,
Care to tell the steps you did to do it and from where for me to follow?

I'm about to update to SP3 on my computers and looked at the instructions Ravencajun linked above:

1. Call your computer's manufacturer or check their support website to see if there are any compatibility issues with your computer. Confirm that your BIOS firmware and device drivers are up-to-date. At minimum, your XP computer must be running Service Pack 1 for SP3 to install.
2. To cover every installation option, make sure that you have at least 1.8 GB of free space on your computer's hard drive. Take this opportunity to confirm that you have enough available storage for optimal performance of your computer. Delete any unused programs and data.
3. Perform complete antivirus and spyware scans with up-to-date virus and spyware definitions.
4. Back up your data and make certain you can reinstall it.
5. Remove any Microsoft applications, such as Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit and Remote Desktop Connection (RDP), that will prevent SP3's installation.
   -------------------------------------

Some of these I don't know how to do. How do I do this?:

Confirm that your BIOS firmware and device drivers are up-to-date.
--------------------------------------------
Other things I want to doublecheck I really have to do:

Remove any Microsoft applications, such as Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit and Remote Desktop Connection (RDP), that will prevent SP3's installation.

Do I really have to remove IE8. Some of our computers have IE7 - others have IE8. I am not sure if I have Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit and Remote Desktop Connection (RDP). Would I find these in add/remove programs? What do they do? If I have them, do I really have to remove them? And if so, where do I go to re-install? Same with IE8.

Thanks.
Lynn.

PS - I did order the installation CD a while back and have that to use. I gather it's preferable to downloading?

Yes remove IE 8 and IE 7.

You might read my post of Fri, May 28, 10 at 18:16, for some possibilities.

Trigger SP3 Install Revisited - Got It!
Posted by mxyplx (My Page) on Fri, May 28, 10 at 18:16