Updates since SP3 on XP

Hi, Since updating to SP3 of Windows XP a few months ago I notice that I
don't seem to see any updates in the Windows Update site except for Defender
def updates and occasionally one or two others like Silverlight. None of the
usual Security updates that used to appear always.
Is this correct or is something not working right? And how would I
troubleshoot this?

hottroc wrote:
> Hi, Since updating to SP3 of Windows XP a few months ago I notice
> that I don't seem to see any updates in the Windows Update site
> except for Defender def updates and occasionally one or two others
> like Silverlight. None of the usual Security updates that used to
> appear always.
> Is this correct or is something not working right? And how would I
> troubleshoot this?

Please define 'a few months ago' more precisely...

Also - please perform the following:
Start button --> RUN --> type in:
winver
--> Click OK.

Type out the entire "Version" line from the window that appears and look at
the picture at the top of the Window and tell us what flavor of Windows XP
you have.

Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and choose "custom" (not
'express') and see what it comes up with. (*do not install any of the
optional stuff yet.) Come back here and let us know what is listed for
"high priority updates'...

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

>
> Please define 'a few months ago' more precisely...

Cant remember exactly but it was before Christmas, about end November (?).

> Also - please perform the following:
> Start button --> RUN --> type in:
> winver
> --> Click OK.
>
> Type out the entire "Version" line from the window that appears and look at
> the picture at the top of the Window and tell us what flavor of Windows XP
> you have.

Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254 : Service Pack 3)
XP Prof.

>
> Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and choose "custom" (not
> 'express') and see what it comes up with. (*do not install any of the
> optional stuff yet.) Come back here and let us know what is listed for
> "high priority updates'...

That's what I usually do, No high priority updates available, that is the
reason for the note. Earlier today I had the Defender def update and one
other but don't get much else like I used to pre-sp3.

Start | Run | (type) winver | OK

Post the entire second line of text ("Version 5.1...") displayed in the
resulting window.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

hottroc wrote:
> Hi, Since updating to SP3 of Windows XP a few months ago I notice that I
> don't seem to see any updates in the Windows Update site except for
> Defender def updates and occasionally one or two others like Silverlight.
> None of the usual Security updates that used to appear always.
> Is this correct or is something not working right? And how would I
> troubleshoot this?

hottroc wrote:
> Since updating to SP3 of Windows XP a few months ago I notice
> that I don't seem to see any updates in the Windows Update site
> except for Defender def updates and occasionally one or two others
> like Silverlight. None of the usual Security updates that used to
> appear always.
> Is this correct or is something not working right? And how would I
> troubleshoot this?

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> Please define 'a few months ago' more precisely...
>
> Also - please perform the following:
> Start button --> RUN --> type in:
> winver
> --> Click OK.
>
> Type out the entire "Version" line from the window that appears and
> look at the picture at the top of the Window and tell us what
> flavor of Windows XP you have.
>
> Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and choose "custom" (not
> 'express') and see what it comes up with. (*do not install any of
> the optional stuff yet.) Come back here and let us know what is
> listed for "high priority updates'...

hottroc wrote:
> Cant remember exactly but it was before Christmas, about end
> November (?).
>
> Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254 : Service Pack 3)
> XP Prof.
>
> That's what I usually do, No high priority updates available, that
> is the reason for the note. Earlier today I had the Defender def
> update and one other but don't get much else like I used to pre-sp3.

If you have given everything accurately - you do *not* have the final
version of Windows XP Service Pack 3 installed. For example, my "version"
is:

Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236 : Service Pack 3)

You either have a pre-release version of SP3 installed or a failed
installation of Service Pack 3. In either case - the solution is similar.

- Uninstall whatever you think is Service Pack 3 throught Add or Remove
Programs in Control Panel.
- Properly prepare (cleanup and backup) your machine for Service Pack 3 for
Windows XP installation.
- Reboot.
- Install Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.
- Reboot three or so times after the installation.
- Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and install all "High Priority"
updates, most "Optional, Software" updates (I recommend avoiding the
"Windows Search" related ones) and completely avoid the "Optional, Hardware"
updates; rebooting as needed and revisiting until none are left.

That should get you where you need to be - and that is the 'general' steps -
but, not knowing you and/or your 'computer skills' - here is a bit more
detail (with a little extra cleanup/updating included to make sure you have
the latest everything when you are done...) Some of the links you would
need in the steps can be found in the relevant links section below. Also -
right after the 'step-by-step', you'll find three other links that can help
you prepare more fully to install SP3 successfully the first time.

1) Download the full SP3 installation file and/or burn the ISO download to
CD (links for either below.)
2) Ensure (as well as plausible) you have no spyware/malware by doing a full
scan with SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes (links for both below.)
3) Disk Cleanup (link below.)
4) CHKDSK (link below.)
5) Defragment (link below.)
6) Ensure your hardware drivers are up to date (from the hardware
manufacturer's respective web pages.) Belarc Advisor can be used to get
a decent list of hardware for your system to help you with this (link
below.)
7) Reboot right before you try to install SP3.
8) Disconnect from the internet before installing (physically.)
9) Disable your antivirus and antispyware applications when you are about to
install Windows XP SP3.
10) Install Windows XP SP3.
11) Reboot, logon, wait a few minutes, reboot, logon, wait a few minutes,
reboot, logon...
12) Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and install all "High
Priority" updates, most "Optional, Software" updates (I recommend avoiding
the "Windows Search" related ones) and completely avoid the "Optional,
Hardware" updates; rebooting as needed and revisiting until none are left.

Below are some web pages and such that can help you with firther information
and free assistance (some time-sensitive help included) with Windows Xp SP3.

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717


Relevant Links:

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

Need software to write that to CD?
ISORecorder page (with general instructions on use):
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm
(* you need the proper hardware and media.)

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for
IT Professionals and Developers (works just as well for you.)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

SuperAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/

MalwareBytes
http://www.malwarebytes.com/

How to use Disk Cleanup
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312

How to scan your disks for errors (CHKDSK)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265

How to Defragment your hard drives
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848

Belarc Advisor
http://belarc.com/free_download.html


** Hope that helps **

Please - come back - let us know how it goes for you. You may even find
your computer is working *better* if everything listed above is done in the
order shown.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Start | Run | (type) winver | OK
>
> Post the entire second line of text ("Version 5.1...") displayed in the
> resulting window.
> --

Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254 : Service Pack 3)

Hi Shenan,

What a great post, thank you for your thorough and helpful reply.

I am somewhat surprised and a little annoyed that my SP3 is not what it
should be. The update seemed to go fine and gave me every impression of
success. Also seems to be working as far as I can tell.
Also if some of my files are not latest SP3 versions then why the hell
doesn't Windows Update tell me so and offer to update them.

Still I will go through your post and follow the steps, but it will have to
wait a little longer till I have a bit more spare time.

Thanks again,

Regards,
hottroc.

hottroc wrote:
<paste>
> Hi, Since updating to SP3 of Windows XP a few months ago I notice that I
> don't seem to see any updates in the Windows Update site except for
> Defender def updates and occasionally one or two others like Silverlight.
> None of the usual Security updates that used to appear always.
> Is this correct or is something not working right? And how would I
> troubleshoot this?
</paste>
>> Start | Run | (type) winver | OK
>>
>> Post the entire second line of text ("Version 5.1...") displayed in the
>> resulting window.
>
> Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254 : Service Pack 3)

=> First, please read & heed the following:

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful (uninstall and)
installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

=> You have a beta build of WinXP SP3 installed. Uninstall it via
Add/Remove Programs.

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249

After rebooting at least twice, proceed per the following:

HOW TO get WinXP SP1 or SP2 fully patched after a "clean install":

1. Download & save the installer for WinXP SP3 to your desktop:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...8-1e1555d4f3d4

[Yes, you can skip SP2 if you're running WinXP SP1.]

2. Read & heed:
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx

3. Logged in as Administrator, if necessary, double-click on the saved file
to install WinXP SP3. Follow all prompts; be patient, and reboot twice when
the install completes.

4. Do Resolution Method 2 here (trust me):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

5. Go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com | Install any required software
then click on CONTINUE | Select CUSTOM and scan | Install any critical
security updates offered. Again, follow all prompts.

[I do NOT recommend installing IE7 via Windows Update.]

6. Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled; cf.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

Additional References:

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select "Windows
XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"

5 steps to help protect your new computer before you go online
[clean install = new computer]
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...nced/xppc.mspx

Steps To Help Prevent Spyware
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/com...e/prevent.mspx
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

On Thu, 5 Mar 2009 04:20:04 -0800, hottroc wrote:

> Hi, Since updating to SP3 of Windows XP a few months ago I notice that I
> don't seem to see any updates in the Windows Update site except for Defender
> def updates and occasionally one or two others like Silverlight. None of the
> usual Security updates that used to appear always.
> Is this correct or is something not working right? And how would I
> troubleshoot this?

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Service Pack 3 Resource Page
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../bb794714.aspx

Good luck

hottroc wrote:
> Since updating to SP3 of Windows XP a few months ago I notice
> that I don't seem to see any updates in the Windows Update site
> except for Defender def updates and occasionally one or two others
> like Silverlight. None of the usual Security updates that used to
> appear always.
> Is this correct or is something not working right? And how would I
> troubleshoot this?

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> Please define 'a few months ago' more precisely...
>
> Also - please perform the following:
> Start button --> RUN --> type in:
> winver
> --> Click OK.
>
> Type out the entire "Version" line from the window that appears and
> look at the picture at the top of the Window and tell us what
> flavor of Windows XP you have.
>
> Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and choose "custom" (not
> 'express') and see what it comes up with. (*do not install any of
> the optional stuff yet.) Come back here and let us know what is
> listed for "high priority updates'...

hottroc wrote:
> Cant remember exactly but it was before Christmas, about end
> November (?).
>
> Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254 : Service Pack 3)
> XP Prof.
>
> That's what I usually do, No high priority updates available, that
> is the reason for the note. Earlier today I had the Defender def
> update and one other but don't get much else like I used to pre-sp3.

Shenan Stanley wrote:
> If you have given everything accurately - you do *not* have the
> final version of Windows XP Service Pack 3 installed. For example,
> my "version" is:
>
> Version 5.1 (Build 2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236 : Service Pack 3)
>
> You either have a pre-release version of SP3 installed or a failed
> installation of Service Pack 3. In either case - the solution is
> similar.
>
> - Uninstall whatever you think is Service Pack 3 throught Add or
> Remove Programs in Control Panel.
> - Properly prepare (cleanup and backup) your machine for Service
> Pack 3 for Windows XP installation.
> - Reboot.
> - Install Service Pack 3 for Windows XP.
> - Reboot three or so times after the installation.
> - Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and install all "High
> Priority" updates, most "Optional, Software" updates (I recommend
> avoiding the "Windows Search" related ones) and completely avoid
> the "Optional, Hardware" updates; rebooting as needed and
> revisiting until none are left.
>
> That should get you where you need to be - and that is the
> 'general' steps - but, not knowing you and/or your 'computer
> skills' - here is a bit more detail (with a little extra
> cleanup/updating included to make sure you have the latest
> everything when you are done...) Some of the links you would need
> in the steps can be found in the relevant links section below.
> Also - right after the 'step-by-step', you'll find three other
> links that can help you prepare more fully to install SP3
> successfully the first time.
>
> 1) Download the full SP3 installation file and/or burn the ISO
> download to CD (links for either below.)
> 2) Ensure (as well as plausible) you have no spyware/malware by
> doing a full scan with SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes (links
> for both below.) 3) Disk Cleanup (link below.)
> 4) CHKDSK (link below.)
> 5) Defragment (link below.)
> 6) Ensure your hardware drivers are up to date (from the hardware
> manufacturer's respective web pages.) Belarc Advisor can be
> used to get a decent list of hardware for your system to help
> you with this (link below.)
> 7) Reboot right before you try to install SP3.
> 8) Disconnect from the internet before installing (physically.)
> 9) Disable your antivirus and antispyware applications when you are
> about to install Windows XP SP3.
> 10) Install Windows XP SP3.
> 11) Reboot, logon, wait a few minutes, reboot, logon, wait a few
> minutes, reboot, logon...
> 12) Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and install all "High
> Priority" updates, most "Optional, Software" updates (I recommend
> avoiding the "Windows Search" related ones) and completely avoid
> the "Optional, Hardware" updates; rebooting as needed and
> revisiting until none are left.
>
> Below are some web pages and such that can help you with firther
> information and free assistance (some time-sensitive help included)
> with Windows Xp SP3.
>
> A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from
> Microsoft*...
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131
>
> WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>
> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717
>
>
> Relevant Links:
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en
>
> Need software to write that to CD?
> ISORecorder page (with general instructions on use):
> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm
> (* you need the proper hardware and media.)
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for
> IT Professionals and Developers (works just as well for you.)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
> SuperAntiSpyware
> http://www.superantispyware.com/
>
> MalwareBytes
> http://www.malwarebytes.com/
>
> How to use Disk Cleanup
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312
>
> How to scan your disks for errors (CHKDSK)
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
>
> How to Defragment your hard drives
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848
>
> Belarc Advisor
> http://belarc.com/free_download.html
>
>
> ** Hope that helps **
>
> Please - come back - let us know how it goes for you. You may even
> find your computer is working *better* if everything listed above
> is done in the order shown.

hottroc wrote:
> What a great post, thank you for your thorough and helpful reply.
>
> I am somewhat surprised and a little annoyed that my SP3 is not
> what it should be. The update seemed to go fine and gave me every
> impression of success. Also seems to be working as far as I can
> tell.
> Also if some of my files are not latest SP3 versions then why the
> hell doesn't Windows Update tell me so and offer to update them.
>
> Still I will go through your post and follow the steps, but it will
> have to wait a little longer till I have a bit more spare time.

Truthfully - if you have a beta version (pre-release) and you installed it
in November/December 2008... That took some effort or some definite mistakes
to lead you to a pre-release version as opposed to the final SP3 - given how
many months since the pre-release versions had been replaced with the full
release.

If it was a corrupt installation - it is possible that a pre-existing issue
caused the corrupt installation and there would be no real (practical) way
for anyone to test for every possibility (given the millions of differences
possible in any two systems) - so it can happen - you just may have been
'that lucky' - you may want to go play a lottery or two... *grin*

If you go through the steps I laid out - you should be okay.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html