Windows XP Home Edition Service pack 3, do I need to install it?

Question

Microsoft updates keeps telling me that service pack 3 is ready to install on my lap top (which has XP with service pack 2 presently installed) --but they are warning me to back up my files before installing this update. Why?? I do not have a back up system installed on my XP home edition, and would not even know what files to back up or how to do it! Some have indicated that XP service pack 3 is trouble and is not really needed. Should XP service pack 3 be installed on my computer? And if not, how do I remove the constant reminders from the yellow shield on the bottom of the task bar which keeps reminding me to install it? What should I do?

Answer 1

it's all good, they only say that to make sure that if SOMETHING random goes wrong, your safe... I've installed it on both xp's twice and everything went smoothly, it fixes up all the xp bugs...

Answer 2

burn the files you would lose, music , movies, documents to a cd or dvd or use a flash drive.

Answer 3

yes install sp3 !

Answer 4

Well i've had SP3 since last year,.possibly early this year,and i don't have know Bugs at all.

SP3 is just updating you're system for the better and there allot more new features you will notice.

SP2 is now kinda out of date,..but if you want to keep it,..then that's up to you.

As you know,..there are allot of new threats out there,..especially on the Web. SP3 has certain components to protect you.

I would definitely install it as it's updating you're whole Systems for the better.

It takes a while to download and install,..but not to long from what i remember.

Make sure you are getting the Updates from the Official http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupd... Windows Update site and know where Else!

Also,..you should have a good Security Pack installed on you're PC to protect you from any Web threats.

SP3 isn't gonna harm you're PC,it's gonna keep you up to date.

Take the plunge,..it will be worth it in the end! ;)

18 hours ago - Edit - Delete

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Answer 5

you don't have to back it will be better security.  

Answer 6

For the purpose of keeping your computer safe from malware, it is always a good idea to install the latest patches.  On the other hand, it is sometimes considered wise to wait for it to settle into the population and let the bugs surface before installing a new patch.

You could weigh the decision to install the patch against the layers of security you have protecting your computer (firewall, anti-virus, safe Internet practices, etc.)  Basically, the more layers of security that are in place, the less critical it may be to install the latest patch.

Answer 7

Make a System Restore point, update your antivirus, a Pack from microsoft mean un update to old drivers into their system, so they can operated better and plug their holes(pacht) but after they instaled if you do not like it, you go to control panel Add/remove programs there you can uninstall it.

Answer 8

install sp3, you dont need to backup, the installer file perfoms a backup of your registry before installation, so if all fails it can revert to old settings, just another annoying windows message.

Answer 9

If you are comfortable with the service pack 2, why would you go for service pack 3? It's like buying a 200 GB with just few files. You'll be over capacity.