XP Service Pack 3 from Microsoft?

[Msbsgblue]

My husband went to Microsoft and ran it to see if he was missing any updates.

It says CRITICAL update Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB936929)

What is this? Is it like SP2? If so I recall some had problems with SP2 so some of use ordered the disk rather then load it from the internet or regular updates.

We are networked together here at home, so not sure if he gets all the updates I do and not sure if I got that one.

Help!

Thank you,
Pat

[lgbpop]

It is a legitimate, new Service Pack. You shouldn't have any problems if M$ got rid of the bugs that have been found over the past three weeks or so.

SP2 unfairly acquired a bad reputation when released because attempting to install it on malware-infected systems caused problems. Clean systems presented no problems whatever. SP3 should present no problems either as long as your system is clean of malware before attempting to install.

The other thing is: Don't try to install it from the internet, as you note; if you have DSL or broadband, download it to your desktop, then install from there.

[Msbsgblue]

I only have dial-up. Here is one problem that may occur. We have Juno as our ISP, Juno disconnects you every 3 hours unless you are very actively surfing. For example, I play Scrabble on the Internet Scrabble Club, exactly every 3 hours I am bumped offline without notice. Now it says it takes 3 hours and 40 something minutes to load SP3, will it pick up where it left off if Juno disconnects us?

I guess on some things I am a bit dense. Malware, do I check for that with Ad-aware or is there another program for that?

[SpywareDr]

Malware, do I check for that with Ad-aware or is there another program for that?

Malware is simply a shortened version of malicious software. It's a general term used to identify a variety of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software, (which includes Viruses, Trojans, Spyware, Adware, etc.).

[Msbsgblue]

Malware is simply a shortened version of malicious software. It's a general term used to identify a variety of hostile, intrusive, or annoying software, (which includes Viruses, Trojans, Spyware, Adware, etc.).

SO, as per the post above how do I make sure I have none of that on my computer before I download the SP3? I do have and do run Ada-ware.

I still need to know what if my ISP bumps me offline while I am downloading the file? Will it pick up where it left off?
See my questions above.

[lgbpop]

Best thing to do to check your system is to follow the instructions here and post a HijackThis log; we'll be happy to check it for you:

VDr's HijackThis Forum Directions

Good question regarding the download interruption; sorry I can't answer that one. Perhaps Juno has a customer service contact, or a forum where you could inquire. There may also be a setting you could change - three hours seems awfully arbitrary. If you can't get a satisfactory answer, M$ may provide SP3 on CD or someone you know might do so.

[grayhorse]

I have had nothing but problems with SP3. It loads and starts installing files and encounters a problem and must uninstall itself. I have tried a number of times, and even tried to download a file and install from the desktop. The last one was the worst because it made the system unbootable. It would restart after the BIOS screen over and over. The only way I could fix this was to reformat the HDD and reinstall Windows XP.

[bruce_b]

First most of the issues with SP3 are with AMD processor based computers.
Second, best thing is to wait for Microsoft to release the SP3 on a CD which
should be around late June (I hope) or get someone on a high speed connection
to download the SP3 ISO and burn it to a CD for you. Installs go a lot better off
a cd than off an in progress download or a file saved to your hard drive.

[SpywareDr]

HP begs AMD PC owners to put XP SP3 on ice
http://www.channelregister.co.uk/200...hp_xp_sp3_amd/

"HP is working diligently with Microsoft on a software update and will be proactively distributing a patch this week through HP Update that will prevent this error from occurring," said the computer giant in a statement. "HP recommends consumers with AMD-based desktops wait until after HP's or Microsoft's updates have been deployed on their systems to install Service Pack 3."

On Wednesday HP, which is the world’s biggest computer vendor, posted advice on its website about its Pavilion and Compaq Presario desktop PCs:

“After installing the initial release of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP an error condition can occur. The Service Pack 3 update copies an Intel power management driver to the computer that was not on the computer before the update.

“During Windows startup, computers with AMD processors may experience a blue screen error,” it said.

( ... customers have also complained that the glitch has occurred following the install of XP SP3 on PCs from Dell, Gateway and Lenovo, while others have suggested Asus chipsets have also been crippled by the reboot problems.)

HP said it hopes to push out a patch named SP37394 to customers within the next week. No word yet on when y’all can expect to see a fix from Microsoft, however.

Microsoft TechNet Forums » Windows XP IT Pro » Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
After XP SP3 Upgrade - Device Manager Empty / Network Connection Icons Missing
http://forums.microsoft.com/technet/...&tf=0&pageid=0


Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (All Languages)
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3). This support for SP3 is valid until April 14, 2009. For more information about this policy, visit the Windows XP Support Lifecycle page located at http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=3223. Chat and e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. For all other Windows XP issues, visit the Help and Support site at http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173, and then choose your product.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File (544.9 MB)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en