this from microsoft thanks to Nick MVP:
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Release to Automatic Updates

Microsoft is committed to providing quality products to customers. As part of this commitment, we would like to remind you that Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) will be released to Automatic Updates shortly. The third service pack to Windows XP includes the previously released updates and hotfixes to Windows XP, creating a new baseline for servicing.

Optional Actions

If you wish to prevent users from installing Windows XP SP3 through Automatic Updates, Microsoft recommends you take one or more of the following steps:

1. Download and deploy the Windows Service Pack Blocker Kit. The Blocker Toolkit is available in the Microsoft Download Center.

2. Deploy an update management solution that provides full control over the updates you deploy to computers in your network (Compare Update Management Solutions). IT Administrators using an update management solution should use their productÂs standard features, rather than the Blocker Toolkit, to control SP1 distribution.

Additional Information

Windows XP Service Pack 3

· Windows XP Service Pack 3 Tech Center

Update Management Solutions

· TechNet Update Management Center

Update Management Solutions

· TechNet Update Management Center

· Comparing MBSA, MU, WSUS, and SMS 2003/System Center Configuration Manager 2007

· Windows Server Update Services

· Systems Management Server 2003/System Center Configuration Manager 2007

I just checked I have the auto updates off (red shield with white X)
No critical other than the SP3
Not critical the following
Root Certificate Upgrade
Microsoft.Net Framework 3.0:x86 (KB928416)
Update for Microsoft Core xml Service (MSXML)6.0Service Pack 1 (KB934268)
Have not install those did not understand what they were meant to do.

Is there a problem with sp3 that we should avoid updating?

I also don't understand the additional information ravencajun included (from microsoft). Is this something I need to understand in order to successfully block unwanted updates? I also wonder how and when I will know if it's an appropriate time to allow that update. I suppose staying tuned on this forum would be one way?

Thanks.
Lynn.

Thats what I am doing Lynn waiting for someone to give the ok.

if you search here on the forum for sp3 you fill find many of the answers to your questions. There have been a lot of issues with sp3 which is why some do not want to allow it to download to their pc yet. There are several precautions that should be taken prior to getting sp3.

the second post was a direct quote and link from Nick's blog, he was the one that was being quoted in the first article. Just for extra clarification should anyone need or want it.

It is definitely a good idea to get as much info about it prior to doing the install, in case your pc responds very badly as many have then you at least will be somewhat prepared.
these links might be useful, from Corrine's blog.
Recommendations before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
Windows XP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation

I am so 'sick & tired' of Microsoft and their updates and changes. It is so time consuming to deal with this and worry about problems. If I knew the software I use for work would play nice with Mac, I'd switch!

Jane

Hello,
How do I check to see if my settings are for automatic updates, and/or how can I change it to notify me but not install? IE7 MS XP Thanks.
Sapphires

Sapphires... Do a right click on MY COMPUTER; left click on PROPERTIES; left click on AUTOMATIC UPDATES. I have mine set up to notify me before installing any updates. This way you're able to control what is downloaded. I have XP.
{{gwi:1484661}}

A new note from Nick posted at DSLR: Quote:

Hi everyone
AS some of you may be aware in that Windows XP Service Pack 3 Release to Automatic Updates is imminent. Now should you find that this update is not to your liking or you should find any fault with this update you can always uninstall it and ask here (DLSR) on how to proceed

Please note in that My personal experience with this update is that you may find some software will no longer work. Also please note that My own personal findings are that this is most unlikely for the vast amount of users but there will be some notably those of you who use certain Themes, Visual Styles, Skins, Wallpapers, Backgrounds, Icons, Cursors, Logons, Boot Screen types of software
»support.microsoft.com/kb/950249/en-us
Service Pack 3

end quote

Thanks for all the info....I just changed my automlatic updates to notify me when they were available.

Found this info from a microsoft whitepages, many have been asking is sp3 that important, my opinion has been if you have all your windows updates current then NO since it really does not make any major changes.

"IS SP3 NECESSARY?

- Short answer, NO

- The following is a quote from the Microsoft's Whitepaper on SP3

"Windows XP SP3 includes all previously released Windows XP updates, including security updates and hotfixes, and select out-of-band releases. For example, the service pack includes functionality previously released as updates, such as the Microsoft® Management Console (MMC) 3.0 and the Microsoft Core XML Services 6.0 (MSXML6).

Microsoft is not adding significant functionality from newer versions of Windows, such as Windows Vista, to Windows XP through XP SP3. For instance, Windows XP SP3 does not include Windows Internet Explorer 7, although Windows XP SP3 does include updates to both Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7, and it will update whichever version is installed on the computer. One notable exception is that, SP3 does include Network Access Protection (NAP) to help organizations that use Windows XP to take advantage of new features in the Windows Server 2008 operating system."

For those interested you can download your own copy of this whitepaper from:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en "

Good, now I can forget about this! Thanks for the read, Raven.

Jane

I am bumping this thread up because we are seeing many people getting hit with sp3 through auto update and having serious issues. I am hoping that by seeing this thread they will know if they see sp3 show up for install on auto updates they will be able to turn off all security programs prior to allowing it to install. Follow the steps provided in the link above listing the prerequisites for a good (hopefully) install.

some people have been very lucky and had no issues others have had their pc virtually un-usable.

I can attest to the pc being unusable. I have a desktop which installed SP3, with anti virus disabled and it messed things up..........could not get on at all to even post here so had to take the whole thing to get fixed. During that time I bought my notebook!

Quandry re: XP sp3

I now have both my PC and laptop set to Notify but not install updates BUT before I had taken that step on my PC, there was an update downloaded that required accepting a licensing agreement BEFORE installing......I'm assuming that it is SP3 but I'm not sure. I clicked on "do not agree" (or something like that), so it hasn't installed, I've had the "gold shield with an exclamation mark" sitting in the task area for awhile now.

1) How do I find out if it is indeed SP3?
2) Is there a way to delete the download or should I just leave it sitting there?

I don't want to install it till the experts here think it's a good idea.

June

I've added this to this thread to keep the info. together for anyone else looking for SP3 help.....hope that was the right thing to do.

To find out whether you have SP3, just right click on My Computer and left click on Properties. On the General tab you will see which SP you are upgraded to.

HTH
Pam

You can click on the shield and see what it wants to install. If the box which says 'Express Install' comes up, click on Custom and it will show you what it wants to put in. You can also tell it to not notify you again of the update. That gets rid of the shield.

Or you can install the SP3 Blocker to be sure you don't get it, and not have to worry about it getting on there by mistake.

I put the Block on mine, thanks to a link by the good people here when it first came out. You could find it by searching SP3 but I'm hoping RC or someone will repost it in this thread. Sandy

Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit
direct link to the service pack blocker tool.

Also you can click on the link I had provided for Nick's blog and it has all the clickable links there.
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Release to Automatic Updates

If you do choose to have sp3 install you would be well advised to follow the links I have posted up above that give the prerequisites to do before installing it.

You can also tell it to not notify you again of the update. That gets rid of the shield.

Thank you for the information, breenthumb. When I choose "custom", it does show the SP3 wanting to download, but I'm wondering how I get rid of the shield? I don't see anything to click to do that.
Pam

You guys/gals are great.

Thanks Jane, I did click on Custom Install and that showed me that it is SP3 waiting to be installed. Pam....By unchecking the box for the SP3 update and clicking on "don't notify about this update again" I've gotten rid of the shield. Yippee!

Microsoft sure makes us jump through hoops in order to keep our 'puters running. Good thing there's this MARVELOUS forum to help us out. Thank you, Thank you, and did I say Thank you.

:) June

Pam, I think when I blocked it the shield went away.

Thank you for reposting the Blocker info. Ravencajun. I just noticed that you already had it at the beginning of this thread. Sandy

From MS site~

A blocking tool is available for organizations that would like to temporarily prevent installation of Service Pack updates through Windows Update. This tool can be used with:

* Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (valid through March, 2008)
* Windows XP Service Pack 3 (valid for 12 months following general availability)
* Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (valid for 12 months following general availability)

I am running WinXP SP1. Is this blocker going to work if I don't have SP2?

that means those are the ones that it will block are those listed. So xp service pack 3 is one it will block.

this is what it says about who can use it so yes you can.
System Requirements

* Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2003; Windows Vista; Windows XP

Hi,
Sp3 just downloaded onto my computer before I was aware of the problems, but I have not installed it. Is there a way to remove it now before installation?
Thanks, salbwil

well you could do a system restore to right before it downloaded to your pc, as long as you are absolutely positive it has not installed. Go to add remove programs in control panel and look through the list to make sure sp3 is not listed in the updates. If it is do NOT do a system restore instead choose to remove it from there if that is what you want to do. If it is already installed and you are having no problems you might want to leave it be.
You can also try going to start search and do a search for sp3 on your pc to see if it finds the install file.
You might want to use that blocking tool if you want to keep it off.
http://bertk.mvps.org/
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/systemrestore.mspx

Thankyou, and will do the system restore.
salbwil

Thank you Jane!! I have looked at that little yellow shield for 2 days, fairly sure I did not want to install as I was afraid it would mess up the Theme on my webpage. I did as you suggested and ticked the box that says not to mention this sp3 thing again and sure enough, the shield is gone. I hope I have not prevented any other updates, because I really think they are put there to keep us safe. Ida

Idaf, yesterday I did the same thing as you did to get rid of the shield. Like your concern, I hope it doesn't prevent other updates because it said something like don't show me these updates again (plural).

So, when will it be 'safe' to install SP3? At some point will everyone be given the OK? Will SP18 be out by that time? : )

I just installed SP3. I don't see any change on my computer whatsoever.

Now I'm relly confused
I have

Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3 (build 2600)

re my Belarc report

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.