Ouch, I'm still running SP3 on a Gateway Notebook and a Dell desk top (2007 model) and have no problems. I'm thinking of also updating an HP Notebook, but wait as I continue to read about SP3 problems. My Gateway, most used by me, has AVG 7.5, the AVG AntiSpy, Spybot, SpywareBlaster, and SuperAntiSpy.. and I haven't detected any problems, albeit when I run the anti spyware programs they usually find some bad guys....which I delete and go on my way. I'll take a read of the link provided above when I get some time.

blocking sp3 does not in anyway block any other updates so do not worry about that. Minnie what has you confused? did you not know sp3 had been installed on your pc? It went out through auto updates as stated in the original post. susanjn be very very happy do a little dance and rejoice you are one of the lucky ones that is all I can say. (or you have not noticed yet the effects) The horrors others have experienced are quite true and quite numerous and still happening. Anyone doing the install with out first disabling all other programs and most especially any type of security programs including AV, firewall etc can definitely expect problems. Best way to do it still is to go to the actual sp3 download site and download the full sp3 update version(NOT from windows updates), then turn off every thing on the pc or best start in safe mode and try to install. If you have IE7 you better uninstall it prior to putting on sp3 as specified in the instructions listed in an above post. I still don't have it don't plan on getting it.

I still use land-line phone, and I can tell you all the poor reception I hear on the calls, long distance and local, come from poor performance of the cellular on the other end. When I call someone else on a land-line the call is clear and never drops out. I returned an Acer notebook early this year because of driver problems and poor technical support, I also note it had Vista. I then looked for a notebook with XP, found a good deal on a Gateway, demo unit, which had XP. I also have a Dell PC with XP Media and the Dell update DvDs to "Upgrade" to Vista. I have not done so, nor do I plan to, and given the good news that there is a SP3 coming for XP, I'm happy with my decision. SP2 is fine, but SP3 says to me MS will support XP for many years to come. PC World ran tests of Vista and picked as one of the test machine the same Dell PC I have. They said it worked ok, but slower than XP. Whatever the eye candy is with Vista, I've missed seeing it.

yes that is a good idea to have one of those links handy and run one on occasion, most recently I have been suggesting this one which is very good by Eset. FREE Online Virus Scan also Lynn if she does not have a firewall program on her pc and you do not want to put one on be sure that her windows firewall is at least turned on in the security center in control panel, that gives a little protection.