Windows XP Service Pack 3?

Question

My computer just prompted me to install and update, 'Windows XP Service Pack 3' It says that before i install this update that i should back up my system, how risky is this? what is this?

Answer 1

Go for it ... I downloaded SP3 nd have installed it on about 20 machines so far without any problems at all ... it's  no more than a big regular update ... don't be too concerned

Answer 2

It shouldn't be too risky because it's been out since March, so they should have gotten the bugs out of it by now

What is it? Well it is mostly security updates - it barely makes any changes to the computer other than adding updates

I would recommend you back up  your system anyway

Answer 3

SP3 is in my opinion a little screwey... not sure exactly why, but I manage 6 XP units and almost every one gets varying degrees of glitches and driver issues, so, short answer: back up ALL your data files + drivers before you install.  Actually, this should be done every couple of weeks as a standard operation.  Do one baseline B.U., then do 'incremental' after that, and keep one copy (CD/DVD) near the unit, and one copy 'off site' in case of fire, or other disaster.

Answer 4

There is a very slight chance that things might get hosed up but there is every time you download and install anything. SP3 is massive so they warn you. May want to be sure your tunes vids pics docs etc are backed up but they should be backed up anyway. I'd put it in. I put it in 2 of my XP rigs with no ill-effects.  

Answer 5

SP3 IS A ROLL-UP OF PREVIOUSLY RELEASED PATCHES AND FIXES FOR XP.IF YOU ALREADY HAVE MOST UPDATES INSTALLED,SP3 REPLACES AND UPDATES ALL YOUR PREVIOUS SP2 FILES.IF YOU FEEL THAT YOU NEED TO BACK UP FILES GO FOR IT.I HAVE INSTALLED SP3 ALREADY A FEW TIMES ON DIFFERENT PC'S AND HAVENT DID A BACK -UP AND THEY SEEM TO ALL BE WORKING FINE.ITS REALLY UP TO YOU.IT WONT HURT TO BE SAFE.