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Windows XP SP3 - Is it safe to do the upgrade now ???

 
 
Bubey
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Posts: n/a

 
      02-24-2009
I have read quite a few article that SP3 had problems and to wait to
upgrade.
I've waited for quite awhile now so was wondering if they've worked all the
bugs out......Thanks in advance for the help.

 
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Shenan Stanley
Guest
Posts: n/a

 
      02-24-2009
Bubey wrote:
> I have read quite a few article that SP3 had problems and to wait to
> upgrade.
> I've waited for quite awhile now so was wondering if they've worked
> all the bugs out......Thanks in advance for the help.


Nothing has or will change with Windows XP SP3. The majority of the issues
you read about will be because the computer in question *had* a problem to
begin with and had that problem been properly dealt with (or never caused)
then SP3 would not have exposed the issue (because it wouldn't have existed
to expose.)

I've installed Windows XP SP3 onto thousands upon thousands of machines
by now - I may have ran into issues on a dozen or so machines - and for the
majority of those, my bad.

Short:

With proper preparation - you are unlikely to have problems - and if you
have been performing proper maintenance all along - even if you do - you are
only out a short period of time (restoring from the backup/drive image you
made wisely before diving in...)

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

Suggestions:

1) Download the full SP3 installation file and/or burn the ISO download to
CD.
2) Ensure (as well as plausible) you have no spyware/malware by doing a full
scan with SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes.
3) CHKDSK
4) Defragment
5) Ensure your hardware drivers are up to date (from the hardware
manufacturer's respective web pages.)
6) Reboot right before you try to install SP3.
7) Disconnect from the internet before installing (physically.)
8) Disable your antivirus and antispyware applications when you are about to
install SP3.

Some (if not all) of that is covered in the above links.


Long:

Like it or not - Windows XP SP3 is something that you probably should
install if...

- You are currently running Windows XP (32bit).
- You care about keeping your machine current and running its best.
- You wish to continue running Windows XP for some indeterminate time into
the future.
- You want to free support if you have any trouble installing it (SP3 that
is.)

Service Pack 3 is mostly all of the updates released after SP2 and until the
release of SP3. You may think to yourself that you have been keeping your
PC updated - so you probably have all those updates - fact is, you'd be
incorrect. You may have all the publically released ones, but SP3 contains
1179 previously released updates - guaranteed you do not have them all
installed without it. ;-)

Most of the issues people have had with SP3 have to do with their particular
configuration or a problem caused by a third party change/mis-configuration
on their system - and almost all have a relatively simple fix.

Before starting, know where you can get help:

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*
until April 2009...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

Other than "Automatic Updates" or the Windows Update web page - how can you
get SP3?

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

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


Do a little reading - to ensure you are ready...
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

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...1/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:
Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."


Did all that and have some issues you believe might be related to SP3?
Check these out:

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

Workarounds:
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
1. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
2.http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
3. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05...boots_crashes/
4.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/...icleId=9084418
5. You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to
Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a
non-Intel-processor-based computer (Revised 06 May-08):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to install
SP3... I suggest going straight to the third method of this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

Beyond that - some simple maintenance might be needed - like installing the
latest hardware drivers from your hardware vendors...

Good luck to you! You shouldn't need it, however, with just a little
planning. ;-)

Come back - let us know what you decide to do and how your decision goes for
you...

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


 
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PA Bear [MS MVP]
Guest
Posts: n/a

 
      02-24-2009
Like free support? You've got less than 2 months left, after which you'll
pay $159 USD/hour and up!

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

Like getting security updates? Like being able to use Windows Update? If
you don't have SP3 installed a year from now, you won't get anymore updates
and you won't be able to use Windows Update website.

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

I've never given you a bum steer before, Bubey, and I'm not givin' you one
now!
--
~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/

Bubey wrote:
> I have read quite a few article that SP3 had problems and to wait to
> upgrade.
> I've waited for quite awhile now so was wondering if they've worked all
> the
> bugs out......Thanks in advance for the help.


 
Reply With Quote
 
Bubey
Guest
Posts: n/a

 
      02-24-2009
Thanks PA Bear for the info. I had started to read that article on MS on
how to get your
machine read for SP3, but with the deadline looming I'll get to it right
away.......Bubey

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:...
Like free support? You've got less than 2 months left, after which you'll
pay $159 USD/hour and up!

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

Like getting security updates? Like being able to use Windows Update? If
you don't have SP3 installed a year from now, you won't get anymore updates
and you won't be able to use Windows Update website.

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

I've never given you a bum steer before, Bubey, and I'm not givin' you one
now!
--
~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/

Bubey wrote:
> I have read quite a few article that SP3 had problems and to wait to
> upgrade.
> I've waited for quite awhile now so was wondering if they've worked all
> the
> bugs out......Thanks in advance for the help.


 
Reply With Quote
 
Bubey
Guest
Posts: n/a

 
      02-24-2009
Thanks for the info Shenan....Bubey

"Shenan Stanley" <> wrote in message
news:...
Bubey wrote:
> I have read quite a few article that SP3 had problems and to wait to
> upgrade.
> I've waited for quite awhile now so was wondering if they've worked
> all the bugs out......Thanks in advance for the help.


Nothing has or will change with Windows XP SP3. The majority of the issues
you read about will be because the computer in question *had* a problem to
begin with and had that problem been properly dealt with (or never caused)
then SP3 would not have exposed the issue (because it wouldn't have existed
to expose.)

I've installed Windows XP SP3 onto thousands upon thousands of machines
by now - I may have ran into issues on a dozen or so machines - and for the
majority of those, my bad.

Short:

With proper preparation - you are unlikely to have problems - and if you
have been performing proper maintenance all along - even if you do - you are
only out a short period of time (restoring from the backup/drive image you
made wisely before diving in...)

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

Suggestions:

1) Download the full SP3 installation file and/or burn the ISO download to
CD.
2) Ensure (as well as plausible) you have no spyware/malware by doing a full
scan with SuperAntiSpyware and MalwareBytes.
3) CHKDSK
4) Defragment
5) Ensure your hardware drivers are up to date (from the hardware
manufacturer's respective web pages.)
6) Reboot right before you try to install SP3.
7) Disconnect from the internet before installing (physically.)
8) Disable your antivirus and antispyware applications when you are about to
install SP3.

Some (if not all) of that is covered in the above links.


Long:

Like it or not - Windows XP SP3 is something that you probably should
install if...

- You are currently running Windows XP (32bit).
- You care about keeping your machine current and running its best.
- You wish to continue running Windows XP for some indeterminate time into
the future.
- You want to free support if you have any trouble installing it (SP3 that
is.)

Service Pack 3 is mostly all of the updates released after SP2 and until the
release of SP3. You may think to yourself that you have been keeping your
PC updated - so you probably have all those updates - fact is, you'd be
incorrect. You may have all the publically released ones, but SP3 contains
1179 previously released updates - guaranteed you do not have them all
installed without it. ;-)

Most of the issues people have had with SP3 have to do with their particular
configuration or a problem caused by a third party change/mis-configuration
on their system - and almost all have a relatively simple fix.

Before starting, know where you can get help:

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*
until April 2009...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

Other than "Automatic Updates" or the Windows Update web page - how can you
get SP3?

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

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


Do a little reading - to ensure you are ready...
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

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...1/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:
Internet Explorer:
"If you have installed Windows Internet Explorer® 7 or a beta version of
Internet Explorer 8, and then install Windows XP SP3, you cannot uninstall
Internet Explorer. To avoid this, ensure Internet Explorer 7 or a beta
version of Internet Explorer 8 is not installed before installing Windows XP
SP3. If you have already encountered this issue, uninstall Windows XP SP3,
uninstall Internet Explorer, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002:
"If you install Windows XP SP3 on a computer running Windows XP Media Center
Edition 2002 with SP1, Windows XP Media Center Edition may malfunction. To
avoid this, install Windows XP SP2 before you install Windows XP SP3. If
this issue has already occurred, uninstall Windows XP SP3, install Windows
XP SP2, and then reinstall Windows XP SP3."


Did all that and have some issues you believe might be related to SP3?
Check these out:

It seems some people are unable to get further updates after installing
SP3... Seems some have experienced a symptom similar to doing a repair
installation on Windows XP - and the same fix seems to work for them for
that...

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update, from Microsoft
Update, or by using Automatic Updates after you repair a Windows XP
installation: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some people experience an "endless reboot" issue...

Workarounds:
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
[NB: The above has been updated many times and now includes "a small tool
that will detect the IntelPPM problem and mitigate it before installing
[WinXP SP3]."

1. Boot into Safe Mode and rename INTELPMM.SYS to INTELPMM.OLD.
2. After booting into Safe Mode:
Start --> Run --> (copy/paste)
sc config intelppm start= disabled
--> OK --> Reboot into normal (Windows) mode.

Other references include:
1. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
2.http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx
3. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05...boots_crashes/
4.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/...icleId=9084418
5. You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to
Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a
non-Intel-processor-based computer (Revised 06 May-08):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Some people have gotten an "Access Denied" message when trying to install
SP3... I suggest going straight to the third method of this article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

Beyond that - some simple maintenance might be needed - like installing the
latest hardware drivers from your hardware vendors...

Good luck to you! You shouldn't need it, however, with just a little
planning. ;-)

Come back - let us know what you decide to do and how your decision goes for
you...

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


 
Reply With Quote
 
Bubey
Guest
Posts: n/a

 
      04-21-2009
Hi PA Bear,
Unfortunately due to family things I didn't get to do this. So I'm trying
now.
Can you give me the link where I can download it to my hard drive and put
it on a CD for safe keeping. I've been searching but only seem to get the
ones that start the automatic installation.......Thanks !

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
news:...
Like free support? You've got less than 2 months left, after which you'll
pay $159 USD/hour and up!

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

Like getting security updates? Like being able to use Windows Update? If
you don't have SP3 installed a year from now, you won't get anymore updates
and you won't be able to use Windows Update website.

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

I've never given you a bum steer before, Bubey, and I'm not givin' you one
now!
--
~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/

Bubey wrote:
> I have read quite a few article that SP3 had problems and to wait to
> upgrade.
> I've waited for quite awhile now so was wondering if they've worked all
> the
> bugs out......Thanks in advance for the help.


 
Reply With Quote
 
PA Bear [MS MVP]
Guest
Posts: n/a

 
      04-21-2009
Lucky for you the free unlimited installation and compatibility support for
WinXP SP3 has been extended (but certainly not indefinitely) beyond the
original 14 April 2009 cut-off date. US-only:
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

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
[Has info on installing via Windows Update, link to full-file download
(316.4MB), and ordering the CD]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389/
--
~PA Bear


Bubey wrote:
> Hi PA Bear,
> Unfortunately due to family things I didn't get to do this. So I'm trying
> now.
> Can you give me the link where I can download it to my hard drive and put
> it on a CD for safe keeping. I've been searching but only seem to get the
> ones that start the automatic installation.......Thanks !
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" <> wrote in message
> news:...
> Like free support? You've got less than 2 months left, after which you'll
> pay $159 USD/hour and up!
>
> => Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
> Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3) and *only until* 14 Apr-09.
> Go to http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...spx?gprid=1173 | select
> "Windows XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
>
> Like getting security updates? Like being able to use Windows Update? If
> you don't have SP3 installed a year from now, you won't get anymore
> updates
> and you won't be able to use Windows Update website.
>
> => WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
> http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron...tallation.aspx
>
> I've never given you a bum steer before, Bubey, and I'm not givin' you one
> now!
>
> Bubey wrote:
>> I have read quite a few article that SP3 had problems and to wait to
>> upgrade.
>> I've waited for quite awhile now so was wondering if they've worked all
>> the
>> bugs out......Thanks in advance for the help.


 
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