Hi guys,

My pc keeps wanting me to download Service Pack 3,but I'm a bit wary,worried,after hearing a few horror crashed pc stories,ie:

Windows XP SP3 blame game begins ? The Register etc etc.

Is it quite safe,and I'm the only one still running SP 2?!
..p.s, which version is best..
I see there's 554mb and peeps saying don't go for the 316mb version

Cheers, Dave.

I didn't know there was such a huge controversy going on with Service Pack 3... I mainly stuck with SP2 due to all the GUI customization I have. Apparently one of it is incompatible with SP 3.

And I just used Windows Update... It shows SP3 as 66.9MB. Funneh~

100s of millions of XP users have successfully upgraded - most using Windows Update. Unfortunately, if only 1/10 of 1% fail, that's still millions of broken computers. And millions of broken computer users make a lot more noise than 100s of millions of happy users who tend to make up the not-so noisy "silent" majority.

Some will say that XP SP2 "fully updated" is the same as SP3. It is not. Updated as far as SP2 allows is not the same, or as good as, updating the operating system. SP3 is the latest "updated" version of XP. If you are running XP SP2 regardless how current, you are behind.

XP3 changes some default settings and has a few other subtle additions and changes/enhancements not part of a fully updated SP2. One, sadly, removes the Address bar option from the Taskbar. Fortunately, a tweak came to fix that.

There were also some welcomed security changes - not many, but enough to where if you have not upgraded, you are behind. See Microsoft's abstract, Overview of Windows XP Service Pack 3 (a TinyURL Redirect) for more details.

I recommend you review the MSKB Article 950717, Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.

I personally prefer doing major updates locally, either from an install file on another drive, or by disk. You can use the network install file from here, or order the CD for a small shipping & handling fee from here:

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network - ISO-9660 CD Image File

Windows XP Service Pack 3 on CD - Asia

Windows XP Service Pack 3 on CD - Europe and Africa

Windows XP Service Pack 3 on CD - North America - about $10.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 on CD - South America

What's the risk of updating through windows update?

What's the risk of updating through windows update?

If you mean updates in general, that's for a different discussion. If you mean using WU for upgrading to SP3, I don't know that "risk" is the right word as the shear numbers of successful upgrades would suggest the risk is very low. I think the greater risk comes from not having the computer prepared properly before the upgrade to SP3, regardless how the update is accomplished.

I never have Automatic Updates automatically install anything. If you normally keep your system, and especially your real-time security defenses current, you don't partake in illegal P2P filesharing and you avoid sites badguys wallow in, it is best to select one of the two notify first options, then listen for fallout from the early adapters to ensure a wayward update from Microsoft, non-standard hooks from ZoneAlarm, or bad images from HP/Compaq do not break something.

I prefer doing it from a file or CD because I can control the process, get it over with and move on. With Windows Update, it can take days for the file to fully download, then days more to fully install. While the upgrade is changing critical system files, the anti-malware programs are watching for changes in critical system files, and the user and other programs are making changes to the system. I don't like that.

Also, understand the computer is most exposed to threats during OS installs and major upgrades. So from a security standpoint, it is best to disconnect from any network, then install the operating system, apply all patches, setup a firewall and anti-malware defenses. Then connect to your local network, and finally the Internet. This is especially important if you cannot be 100% certain all computers on your local network (the "Trusted Zone") are 100% malware free.

Okay! Thanks for the detailed explanation of everything. Appreciate that. I never knew most of the things you just explained so it's good to know.

Thanks again lol