Service Pack 3 - should I?

Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!

In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was "defective"
and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of Movie
Maker that came with SP2.

Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.

Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
mid-techno knowledge users?

On Wed, 22 Jun 2005 16:45:07 -0700, "blondiesque"
<> wrote:

>Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>
>In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
>DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
>documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was "defective"
>and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of Movie
>Maker that came with SP2.
>
>Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
>anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
>Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>
>Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
>mid-techno knowledge users?
BEFORE doing ANY SP installs you should backup EVERYTHING you would be
afraid to lose!

Windows XP SP2 has not caused any probems for my, have installed XP on about
50 other computers without any trouble

"blondiesque" <> wrote in message
news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-...
> Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>
> In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
> "defective"
> and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
> Movie
> Maker that came with SP2.
>
> Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>
> Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> mid-techno knowledge users?
>

Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
If not, what for?
You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.

SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
problems.
All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
update particularly a Service Pack.

Who told you SP-2 was defective?
What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.

Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
computer manufacturers long ago.
Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved their
issues.
But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
installation of SP-2.

The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your computer
is ready for SP-2:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"blondiesque" <> wrote in message
news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-...
> Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>
> In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
> "defective"
> and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
> Movie
> Maker that came with SP2.
>
> Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>
> Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> mid-techno knowledge users?

I waited a long to time to install SP2 after hearing all the doom and gloom
talk. I took the necessary precautions and installed it finally. It's
great. No problems at all.

Helen

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
> If not, what for?
> You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
> As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.
>
> SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
> Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
> problems.
> All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
> update particularly a Service Pack.
>
> Who told you SP-2 was defective?
> What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
> If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
> getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.
>
> Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
> computer manufacturers long ago.
> Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved their
> issues.
> But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
> installation of SP-2.
>
> The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your computer
> is ready for SP-2:
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> http://www.dts-l.org
>
>
> "blondiesque" <> wrote in message
> news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-...
>> Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>>
>> In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
>> DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
>> documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
>> "defective"
>> and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
>> Movie
>> Maker that came with SP2.
>>
>> Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
>> anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
>> Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>>
>> Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
>> mid-techno knowledge users?
>
>

Helen;
Nothing is perfect and there are just to many variables totally beyond
Microsoft's control.
But taking the necessary precautions reduces the risk as your experience
demonstrates.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Gaga6" <> wrote in message
news:...
>I waited a long to time to install SP2 after hearing all the doom and gloom
>talk. I took the necessary precautions and installed it finally. It's
>great. No problems at all.
>
> Helen
>
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
>> If not, what for?
>> You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
>> As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.
>>
>> SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
>> Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
>> problems.
>> All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
>> update particularly a Service Pack.
>>
>> Who told you SP-2 was defective?
>> What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
>> If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
>> getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.
>>
>> Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
>> computer manufacturers long ago.
>> Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved
>> their issues.
>> But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
>> installation of SP-2.
>>
>> The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your
>> computer is ready for SP-2:
>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>>
>> --
>> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
>> http://www.dts-l.org

When I run the Microsoft Office Update Check I am "told" that the required
update is Office XP Service Pack 3. Am I confused?

Last October, after installing Service Pack 2, after a week, I was unable to
access "My Computer" and the programs I was running would freeze. When I
called DELL... and after being on hold for what seemed hours, the first
technician told me that they were receiving many techncial issue calls
because of sp2, not every computer would be affected (something about
something on the actual harddrive).

Eventually, I couldn't run any program, acces my floppy drive, etc. So I
called DELL again when I tried to back up what ever files I could. The
second technican told me the same story. I was walked through the process of
reformatting and told to call DELL once that process was complete. The third
technican told me about the same issues with SP2 while assisting with
installing all the drivers, etc.

How would I know if there is a problem with my computer before installing
aservice pack 3?


"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:

> Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
> If not, what for?
> You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
> As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.
>
> SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
> Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
> problems.
> All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
> update particularly a Service Pack.
>
> Who told you SP-2 was defective?
> What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
> If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
> getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.
>
> Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
> computer manufacturers long ago.
> Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved their
> issues.
> But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
> installation of SP-2.
>
> The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your computer
> is ready for SP-2:
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> http://www.dts-l.org
>
>
> "blondiesque" <> wrote in message
> news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-...
> > Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
> >
> > In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> > DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> > documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
> > "defective"
> > and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
> > Movie
> > Maker that came with SP2.
> >
> > Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> > anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> > Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
> >
> > Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> > mid-techno knowledge users?
>
>
>

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

This is what has been detected to install

"blondiesque" wrote:

> When I run the Microsoft Office Update Check I am "told" that the required
> update is Office XP Service Pack 3. Am I confused?
>
> Last October, after installing Service Pack 2, after a week, I was unable to
> access "My Computer" and the programs I was running would freeze. When I
> called DELL... and after being on hold for what seemed hours, the first
> technician told me that they were receiving many techncial issue calls
> because of sp2, not every computer would be affected (something about
> something on the actual harddrive).
>
> Eventually, I couldn't run any program, acces my floppy drive, etc. So I
> called DELL again when I tried to back up what ever files I could. The
> second technican told me the same story. I was walked through the process of
> reformatting and told to call DELL once that process was complete. The third
> technican told me about the same issues with SP2 while assisting with
> installing all the drivers, etc.
>
> How would I know if there is a problem with my computer before installing
> aservice pack 3?
>
>
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:
>
> > Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
> > If not, what for?
> > You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
> > As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.
> >
> > SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
> > Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
> > problems.
> > All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
> > update particularly a Service Pack.
> >
> > Who told you SP-2 was defective?
> > What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
> > If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
> > getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.
> >
> > Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
> > computer manufacturers long ago.
> > Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved their
> > issues.
> > But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
> > installation of SP-2.
> >
> > The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your computer
> > is ready for SP-2:
> > http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
> >
> > --
> > Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> > http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> > http://www.dts-l.org
> >
> >
> > "blondiesque" <> wrote in message
> > news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-...
> > > Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
> > >
> > > In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> > > DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> > > documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
> > > "defective"
> > > and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
> > > Movie
> > > Maker that came with SP2.
> > >
> > > Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> > > anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> > > Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
> > >
> > > Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> > > mid-techno knowledge users?
> >
> >
> >

That is Office XP Service Pack 3.
Some of us thought you were referring to Windows XP SP-3 which does not yet
exist.
In any case, you should install the Office Service Pack.
Similarly to a Windows Service Pack, you should ensure the computer is
ready.
As a minimum, be sure your computer is spyware and virus free.
Reboot just before installing and disable all unnecessary programs before
starting the installation.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"blondiesque" <> wrote in message
news:BEB36B31-D5DB-46B6-8906-...
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
> This is what has been detected to install

You have not stated what OS you are using.
SP 3 exists for NT4 and W2k, and either should be updated to
the latest which is in both cases long past SP3.

Dell and others tend to always say what they are sure will work,
reinstall. This helps them 1) handle the most calls in the least time,
2) say something that will for sure work

Most problems with application of MS released service is due
to what is running on the machine, like running antivirus at time
of install, like infestation with malware, etc. There was a small
glitch (with non-laptop machines) for very new machines when
SP2 for XP released due to manufacturers having sent out the
then newest Intel processors for production runs that were not
supposed to have been released to the public.


--
Roger Abell
Microsoft MVP (Windows Security)
MCSE (W2k3,W2k,Nt4) MCDBA
"blondiesque" <> wrote in message
news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-...
> Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>
> In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
"defective"
> and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
Movie
> Maker that came with SP2.
>
> Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>
> Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> mid-techno knowledge users?
>