Should I update my Windows XP Service Pack 2 to SP3?

Question

Should I update my Windows XP Service Pack 2 to SP3? I get these notices that I should update 2 to 3, however, I have heard that it makes XP (which I love) to act a little flaky like Windows Vista (which I still hear is having issues and problems). Should I leave "things well enough alone" and just ignore the notices to update to SP3 or is it OK to go ahead and try it. I guess I could do a "Restore" and go back to the day before I updated, if "push comes to shove".. Thanks!

John "V"

Answer 1

hi

SP3 is not something else, just windows files are updatingwith no any other change in view, preform and any thing else u may think abouts. its just like uupdatinga software from one version to another.  

Answer 2

it depends. if u can update thts better.. . u can do this way if u dont want to update.. go to start menue.

all programmes..>>Accessories>>System Tools>>Security Center and disable automatic update..

if u are have a problem feel free to contact me..

Answer 3

I don't agree with you that Xp SP3 makes it flaky like Vista(which by the way is the worst operating system in the entire history of Mankind). Upgrading over the net can become a pain in the *** if your  copy of the OS is pirated. Even if it isn't it get's long and boring over dial-up networks. However if you do get a decent speed, then my advice would be to surely go ahead and upgrade it. You might even find it with all those freeware CD s.

Answer 4

I would say stick with SP2 as many of my friends have had significant performance issues after installing SP3, no doubt a cynical move from M$ to encourage people to move to Vista.

LUg.

Answer 5

You should upgrade, but be warned: it'll be really annoying to install.

p.s. If you don't want to go through all the trouble of installing it, just don't.

Answer 6

I've heard this question answered a lot.

Summary: There's a lot to consider, so I've sumarized the high points, and given you link to read the details if you wish.

>SP3 takes up over a half gig of hard disk space, 1 gb is recommended.

>You should UNinstall IE7 BEFORE you install SP3. If you don't, you may experience problems.

>Installing IE7 should be after installing SP3. It is not clear if you don't want IE7 how well SP3 works with old IE6.

>Installatiion takes a long time, even for cable.

>You may already have all of the Critical Updates it installs, and you can get the add-ons separately in a link I'll give you below (near bottom of that web page)

>Comment from MS:

" Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers’ experience with the operating system. This white paper summarizes what is new in Windows XP SP3."

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/detai...

>>>Before you touch that mouse! Read this:

You should unload IE7 (roll back to IE6) BEFORE installing SP3, or it will cause problems.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...

>>SP3 is perceived to make MS apps load faster.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...

MyNote: If you have all of the updates to SP2, you have the largest percentage of what is in SP3.

>>MS cautions "DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update. " here...

http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsof...

>>>Cautions:

May 2008 ''It's not uncommon for major operating system updates to cause problems. Typically, the glitches are due to conflicts with software, such as drivers, system files, or applications already resident on the user's PC. Microsoft has yet to indicate whether it will issue an update to address some of the problems, though it has done so with previous updates. "

http://www.informationweek.com/news/wind...

======================================...

My view:

My XP OS is running just fine and dandy with SP2 + ALL Critical Updates, and IE6

I have noted MANY users complain on Yahoo Software sections about both IE7 AND SP3.

My son has a constantly updated system, and he loves SP3.

I'm sticking with what I have for now. IE6 +SP2 especially since my system is older. I'll wait a year until all of the bugs are out of SP3.

You have to decide for yourself.

Glad to help

^j^♥

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