SP3

[Farms@discussions.microsoft.com Tiffany Farms]

Why after testing is this hanging up when you go to install? Didn't the
testers find this problem? I have never in 10 years had a problem like this!
I had to reload drive with Windows XP, wheb will SP3 be fixed so I can
download it. My time is money!

[Pat]

I hear you. I had the same problem. I installed it and had to do a system
recovery to get it all back...Don't know what the problem is, but I hope it
gets fixed.

[Shenan Stanley]

Your time is money? Interesting.

SP3 has worked for me on a couple hundred machines so far. Sounds like you
have something unique on your machine that isn't happy with SP3. Perhaps
you should get your IT support staff to work on this.

SP3 is SP3 and it is highly unlikely it will change (there could be a
revised version - but I only recall that happening once with a Service
Pack - and that was due to some legalities/Java/blah blah blah... Don't know
details - but it didn't really have anything to do with the Service pack not
working on some people's computers.)

In other words - you will either have to figure out what went wrong and fix
your machine issue with SP3 or use some of that money your time is making
you and pay someone who knows what they are doing to troubleshoot your
specific issue(s) with SP3.

Do you have Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) (a retail
chain management solution for small and midsize customers) installed and
chose to download and install the IT (standalone) version of SP3, by chance?
If so - you may want to visit here:
http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/rms/using/default.mspx

Otherwise - you should do a few things..

1) Before ever trying to install anything that could affect a whole system
that *is money* (or otherwise important) to you - take the time to make an
image/backup of the computer before doing anything, so if things do go awry,
you can restore that image/backup and be back up and running *as you were
before* with little effort and little time. In other words - do it wisely.
Millions upon millions of different software/hardware combinations out
there - unless you were one of the testers, it is unlikely your particular
configuration was one that was tested.

2) Clean up the machine. Make sure you have the latest hardware drivers
(from each manufacturer - not from Microsoft) and software patches (same
thing here - each creator of said software.) Ensure your backups are up to
date (there is a pattern there *grin*) and you have no viruses, trojans,
worms, spyware, adware or other types of malware. CHKDSK and DEFRAGMENT the
machine. Make sure it is up to date with other Windows XP patches.
(Although I might not recommend that for everyone - anyone (like you) that
has had trouble with it in the past might greatly benefit from this cleanup
and could discover - or at least unknowingly fix - whatever proble, it is
you are having.)

3) Instead of generally griping - give some details. This newsgroup is a
place for your peers (people like you) to come and ask or come and give
help. It's difficult to do when all you get in terms of explanation of what
happen is, "SP3 ... hanging up when you go to install". I don't know you, I
don't know your system. You may have Windows XP Home, Windows XP
Professional, Windows XP Media Center or Windows XP TabletPC. You may or
may not have had WIndows XP Service Pack 2 already installed. The machine
may be Intel or AMD. It may have 64MB memory or 4GB. You may have 1GB free
on a 40GB drive or you may have 250GB free on a 750GB drive. You may know
what a hardware device driver is or you may not. You may have downloaded
the IT install (standalone) version of SP3 or you may have used the Windows
Update Web page or you might have downloaded the ISO version, burned it to
CD and tried to install from there. You may or may not have been logged in
as an administrative user. You may or may not know how to get updates for
any software you run.

Put quite simply - you have wasted your supposedly valuable time by posting
a rant on this newsgroup - yet you didn't put any of that time into trying
to help yourself actually resolve the issue you were ranting about.

You have to ask for help and give a few details in order to get it and then
utilize said advice to solve your unique issue - or you can give some of
that money your time is making you to someone with the expertise to get the
job done. That is your choice. ;-)

I know I am willing to help you if you are willing to give some details.
Perhaps myself or someone else in these newsgroups can assist you and get
the issue resolved. You might even use the free support that is available
(or point someone doing the work for you to it...)

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.

. US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131
. CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131
. UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-uk&prid=11273&gprid=522131
. AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131
. Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173
(Select your location --> select Windows XP --> select Windows XP Service
Pack 3)

Good luck to you!

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

[Shenan Stanley]

Tiffany Farms wrote:
> Why after testing is this hanging up when you go to install? Didn't
> the testers find this problem? I have never in 10 years had a
> problem like this! I had to reload drive with Windows XP, wheb will
> SP3 be fixed so I can download it. My time is money!

Pat wrote:
> I hear you. I had the same problem. I installed it and had to do a
> system recovery to get it all back...Don't know what the problem
> is, but I hope it gets fixed.

SP3 has worked for me on a couple hundred machines so far. Sounds like you

have something unique on your machine that isn't happy with SP3. Perhaps
you should get your IT support staff to work on this.

SP3 is SP3 and it is highly unlikely it will change (there could be a
revised version - but I only recall that happening once with a Service
Pack - and that was due to some legalities/Java/blah blah blah... Don't know
details - but it didn't really have anything to do with the Service pack not
working on some people's computers.)

In other words - you will either have to figure out what went wrong and fix

your machine issue with SP3 or pay someone who knows what they are doing to

troubleshoot your specific issue(s) with SP3.

Do you have Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) (a retail
chain management solution for small and midsize customers) installed and
chose to download and install the IT (standalone) version of SP3, by chance?
If so - you may want to visit here:
http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/rms/using/default.mspx

Otherwise - you should do a few things..

1) Before ever trying to install anything that could affect a whole system

that is important to you - take the time to make an image/backup of the

Put quite simply - you have wasted your time by posting a rant on this

newsgroup - yet you didn't put any of that time into trying to help yourself
actually resolve the issue you were ranting about.

You have to ask for help and give a few details in order to get it and then

utilize said advice to solve your unique issue - or you can give money to

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

<IMHO>
Temporarily disable all real-time protections afforded by your anti-virus
application, any anti-spyware applications, and any third-party firewall
prior to installing SP3. If you disable a third-party firewall, make sure
you then enable the Windows Firewall: The machine should not be connected to
the internet without an active firewall.

NB ZA Free users: Uninstall ZA Free via Add/Remove Programs and enable the
Windows Firewall before installing SP3.

After installing SP3 /and rebooting twice/, check to make sure your
real-time protections have been re-enabled; If you disabled a third-party
firewall, remember to re-enable it and disable the Windows Firewall.
</IMHO>

[Sorry about your name.]

--
~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/

[tonyb]

Shenan, I had major problems with SP3 last night and the only security
programs I have on my computer is Live One Care. This is Microsofts error.
They provided an update without testing it properly and users are being
severly hampered by the results.

I was online with MS XP support for 4 hours last night. Spoke with 4
different techs and they still could only correct 80% of my problems.

Finally I got the last update to download and install by disabling Live One
Care's anti virus.

This is the first problem I've had like this. MS is typically great about
providing quality tested updates. This one slipped through that process.
And you guys are going to be spending a lot of time cleaning up this mess.

[Lee]

There are in fact major problems (plural) with SP# installations. The
toughest one is when you get over half way through the installation and it
stops with an error about access denied. That is a registration problem on
many configurations. MS has a work-around at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377/
Good luck.
--
Lee0078

"tonyb" wrote:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/bb410118.aspx>

[Frustrated]

I've tried 3 times to downlaod SP# and all it goes is hang there, I've
rebooted and no change. Why is it Microsoft can't make anything that isn't
full of bugs?
It would be nice if this bloated corporation acted like they gave a damn
about it's customers

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

<IMHO>
Temporarily disable all real-time protections afforded by your anti-virus
application, any anti-spyware applications, and any third-party firewall
prior to installing SP3. If you disable a third-party firewall, make sure
you then enable the Windows Firewall: The machine should not be connected to
the internet without an active firewall.

NB ZA Free users: Uninstall ZA Free via Add/Remove Programs and enable the
Windows Firewall before installing SP3.

After installing SP3 /and rebooting twice/, check to make sure your
real-time protections have been re-enabled; If you disabled a third-party
firewall, remember to re-enable it and disable the Windows Firewall.
</IMHO>

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

Steps to take before you install WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of WinXP SP3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 Apr-09. Chat and
e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.

• US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3

--
~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/

[AliceZ]

Just went to Critical Updates / Custom and see notice for download of SP3.
My husband and I are not at all familiar with computers, etc., and wonder if
it is required that SP3 be downloaded?
If "Yes," is it as simple as just clicking on the download and just let it
install?
Or are there many, many things we must be aware of before downloading, etc.
This has us quite confused and anxious. We just have our notebook and desktop
with WinXPsp2, which we use at home.
Alice

[Engel]

Hello Alice,

Yu can start here:

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
<http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717>

Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
<http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/cc164204.aspx>

Good luck
- -- ---

[AliceZ]

Thanks. I am reading on this 'board' that downloading/installing SP3 is
causing many problems.
I read this elsewhere:
"Drawbacks / flaws: Third party software bundled in the download may
represent serious threats to your computer." and:
"In conclusion: If your copy of Windows is legit and genuine, I see
absolutely no reason for downloading this package."
==================================

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Note the folks who had no problems whatsoever installing or after installing
SP3 do not tend to post here, Alice.

--
~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/

[AliceZ]

Thank you.
But, what does this mean please:
"Third party software bundled?"

======================

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

I dunno but if you give me the source where you read that, I'll take a look
at it.

WinXP SP3 does not included any "third-party bundled software" whatsoever.
--
~PA Bear

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Follow-up:

If you're referring to http://www.soft32.com/download_123572.html, this
"editor's review" is referring to:

1. A risky download of a beta build of WinXP SP3 that's...

2. Hosted here
http://www.soft32.com/Download/Free/Microsoft_Windows_XP_Service_Pack_3/4-123572-1.html
(NOT by Microsoft!); and...

3. The download page contains the following caveat:

<QP>
This download may include additional applications bundled with the
software's installer file. Third-party applications bundled with this
download may record your surfing habits, deliver advertising, collect
private information, or modify your system settings... [Now you know why I
called it a "risky download"! <wink>]
</QP>

So, it's not talking about WinXP SP3 final as released by or
downloaded/installed from Microsoft.

--
~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/

PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
> I dunno but if you give me the source where you read that, I'll take a
> look
> at it.
>
> WinXP SP3 does not included any "third-party bundled software" whatsoever.
>

[AliceZ]

Is downloading SP3 the only way to get SP3 for WinXPsp2? 70MB I believe.
(Quite confusing and complicated for those of us who do not know much about
computers, downloading, etc.)
Or is there a SP3 CD available?

[Shenan Stanley]

No actual CD yet. There is an ISO image one could download and burn to a CD
for a CD version of the SP3 patch.

65MB is the size of the download if done from WindowsUpdate and the scan
finds you are *up to date with patches* already. It only gets the
additional information needed in the download. Otherwise the file is well
over 300MB.

If you are a non-tech - visiting http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and
scanning your system should do what you want.

[Harry Johnston [MVP]]

AliceZ wrote:

> Just went to Critical Updates / Custom and see notice for download of SP3.
> My husband and I are not at all familiar with computers, etc., and wonder if
> it is required that SP3 be downloaded?

It fixes a large number of bugs, but most people aren't affected by them. If
you are otherwise up to date, I would recommend waiting a few months before
installing SP3.

Harry.

[Harry Johnston [MVP]]

AliceZ wrote:

There will be, but there will probably be a charge for handling and delivery.

Harry.

[AliceZ]

Thank you both.
We are senior citizens living on small monthly income and we have learned
that MS even charges a fairly high fee if you want to telephone them with a
question. But we would pay the fee for shipping charges.
One would think that being that MS is such a large company, they would think
more about the people who use their products (willingly or unwillingly) and
try to offer them asnwers to questions for free, especially the folks who are
living on limited incomes. But guess that is wishful thinking.
=========

[AliceZ]

Yesterday when we went to the Critical Updates page and clicked on EXPRESS,
it just showed IE7 (which we did not download because people were saying they
had problems after installing it).
When we clicked on CUSTOM, we saw there that there was the download for the
SP3.
Just now I went back there and clicked on the EXPRESS, and the SP3 is now
showing there as a HIGH PRIORITY update. (MS took it out of the CUSTOM and
put it in the EXPRESS as a HIGH PRIORITY.
It appears that MS is "pushing" it now and we are so confused about this
recent "update" as is all our friends. I wonder how many others there are
like us (senior citizens) who don't know anything about computers and is
being "bombarded" with messages about this new SP3.

=========

[Harry Johnston [MVP]]

AliceZ wrote:

> One would think that being that MS is such a large company, they would think
> more about the people who use their products (willingly or unwillingly) and
> try to offer them asnwers to questions for free, especially the folks who are
> living on limited incomes. But guess that is wishful thinking.

Support for service pack 3 is available free of charge until sometime in 2009.
So if you do install it this year and run into trouble, Microsoft will at least
try to help.

Harry.

[jimmier]

before i got the sp3 had no issues what so ever and then they said oh its a
critical update so i did get the update loaded the SP3 rebooted and guess
what happen IT WENT TO A BLUE SCREEN OF DEATH...
so started up in safe mode then did a system restore and went back to sp2
after that everthing went back to normal.
contacted them and all they did was trying to pass the buck
NEXT TIME IM BUYING A APPLE, MAC !!!!!!

[Kayman]

Next time do your homwork!

Things to do prior downloadin/installing SP3.

1.Make an Image backup of the hard drive/Windows Partition before you
install SP3,

2.Test your System Restore to see if it is working correctly.

3. Make absolutely sure the machine's free of any hijackware, Trojan, or
virus infections before installing SP3.

4. Run Disk Cleanup then run a Defrag session before installing SP3.

5. Disable all real-time protections (anti-virus; anti-spyware;
third-party firewall) before downloading/installing SP3.

6. Reboot twice after installing SP3.

7. Run another Defrag.

Detailed information:

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en

Release Notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=60807c3a-8969-4ddf-beb2-8bfac9ed416b&displaylang=en&tm

Release notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/cc164204.aspx

Create an Automated System Recovery set using Backup
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/a3516977-259b-4d55-98f9-12dbc4eb06311033.mspx?mfr=true

How to Set up and Use Automated System Recovery in Windows XP
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb456980.aspx

Recover from a system failure using Automated System Recovery
http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/library/e96185f5-50b7-4b14-a2fd-0155d6b174f91033.mspx?mfr=true

Windows XP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx

[AliceZ]

Saw someplace that someone said free help was available for SP3 until April
2008 (which I thought was strange).
You say sometime in 2009, which I really hope is true, because if me or my
husband tried to install it and anything went wrong, we would be absolutley
"lost" without our notebook.
Would you know method of contacting MS for the free-support for problems
with SP3?
(We always have updated every week from Critical Updates. But heard that SP3
has third party software bundled in the download which may represent serious
threats to your computer. That also scares us!)

===============

[Han]

=?Utf-8?B?QWxpY2Va?= <Ali...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in
news:FD6DC4CF-6F4F-4639...@microsoft.com:

> Saw someplace that someone said free help was available for SP3 until
> April 2008 (which I thought was strange).
> You say sometime in 2009, which I really hope is true, because if me
> or my husband tried to install it and anything went wrong, we would be
> absolutley "lost" without our notebook.
> Would you know method of contacting MS for the free-support for
> problems with SP3?
> (We always have updated every week from Critical Updates. But heard
> that SP3 has third party software bundled in the download which may
> represent serious threats to your computer. That also scares us!)

If you don't have a recent "image" of your hard drive, you may be SOOL if
something goes wrong with your system. Unfortunately, I believe that you
will need to buy "third-party" software such as Acronis or Norton Ghost
(first party being M$, second party being you).

Where did you hear about 3rd party software bundled with SP3? How could
that be if it came straight from M$, unless they had officially
incorporated it?

--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

[Shenan Stanley]

AliceZ wrote:
<snipped>

> Saw someplace that someone said free help was available for SP3
> until April 2008 (which I thought was strange).
> You say sometime in 2009, which I really hope is true, because if
> me or my husband tried to install it and anything went wrong, we
> would be absolutley "lost" without our notebook.
> Would you know method of contacting MS for the free-support for
> problems with SP3?
> (We always have updated every week from Critical Updates. But heard
> that SP3 has third party software bundled in the download which may
> represent serious threats to your computer. That also scares us!)

<snipped>

I think if you visit this link:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

I think you will see your answer in red. ;-)

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

There will be a shipping & handling fee for the CD when it's available.

*Free* unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3), until 14 April *2009*. Chat

and e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada.

• US:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• CA:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-ca&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• UK:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-gb&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• AU:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-au&prid=11273&gprid=522131

• Other: http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
Windows XP | select Windows XP Service Pack 3

--
~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/

[AliceZ]

Thank you. If we did download (or install from CD), and when the download is
finished, does it AUTOMATICALLY install itself?
And we do not have to do anything (other than download it)?
Or do we have to click on an .exe file, or something else like that?

=======

[AliceZ]

Just wanted to add that I saw the following on another site
(http://www.soft32.com/download_123572.html) and it has me a bit scared to
download the SP3 because it mentions something about 3rd party software:
"Pluses: The hotfixes and security updates a Microsoft genuine.
Drawbacks / flaws: Third party software bundled in the download may

represent serious threats to your computer.

In conclusion: If your copy of Windows is legit and genuine, I see
absolutely no reason for downloading this package."

Do you have any comments about this?
Thanks
======

[Shenan Stanley]

AliceZ wrote:
> Just wanted to add that I saw the following on another site
> (http://www.soft32.com/download_123572.html) and it has me a bit
> scared to download the SP3 because it mentions something about 3rd
> party software: "Pluses: The hotfixes and security updates a
> Microsoft genuine.
> Drawbacks / flaws: Third party software bundled in the download may
> represent serious threats to your computer.
> In conclusion: If your copy of Windows is legit and genuine, I see
> absolutely no reason for downloading this package."
>
> Do you have any comments about this?

I do.

That pages is dedicated to "Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 SP3 Build
3264 RC1", not the final release (not even RC2 or RC2 Refresh) of the
Service Pack 3 for Windows XP. Inn other words - "Release Candidate 1", put
there about 12/20/2007...

If you actually quote the entirety of what you have partially quoted - this
becomes clearer...

<full quote starts here>
Editor's Review - Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Preview actually contains security updates and
hotfixes issued by Microsoft Corp. up to April 2nd, 2006; 248 files in total
Each hotfix needs to be installed manually. when downloading, you may also
get additional applications bundled with the software's installer file.
These third party application may represent a hazard for your computer, so
you will need to carefully read the installation notes. Attention: Internet
Explorer 7 is not included in the package.

Pluses: The hotfixes and security updates a Microsoft genuine.

Drawbacks / flaws: Third party software bundled in the download may
represent serious threats to your computer.

In conclusion: If your copy of Windows is legit and genuine, I see
absolutely no reason for downloading this package.

<full quote ends here>

I agree - completely - with the above. In fact - I think the above quote is
not strong enough. I would shorten it and say...

"Windows XP Service Pack 3 Preview - if you are not an Information
Technology type - testing this on a test machine - don't get it. It's not
for public consumption. This is a 'release candidate' - there is no support
for it and no guarantee it will work. Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3
SP3 Build 3264 RC1 - the RC1 stands for "Release Candidate 1", only get it
if you know what you are doing and will be able to properly protect
yourself."

In other words, AliceZ, the quote and the page you linked to have nothing to
do with the final release of Windows XP SP3 other than the random comments
made by people at the bottom - the "Latest user reviews"... And then I
would have to question why anyone would post a comment about the fully
released product on the old and not updated web page about a release
candidate released for said product months after the page was first
published... Not so sure I could trust their evaluation of the full product
if they cannot tell the difference. ;-)

I know you are nervous about installing SP3 - I am in fact *GLAD* that you
are. It means you are careful. However - don't get buried in the piles of
bad news when there is plenty of good news and people installing SP3 without
problems. Unfortunately - you have come to the 'hospital' for 'when things
go wrong with Windows Update' <-- or the newsgroups where people ask for
help with their problems with Windows Updates --> and you are thinking that
this represents the whole. It's like basing your world view by sitting in
an emergency room of any large city all day and night. All you see is
sickness, pain and hurting coming in the door - after all - it's an
emergency room. How many times have you popped into an emergency room just
to let the staff there know you didn't fall and break your hip - just to do
it?

You need to take the installation of SP3 wisely - prepare for it. The
computer is a fantastic thing in that you can actually (easily) perform full
system backups with the right tools and if something happens - you can roll
back to where you were before that something happened. In other words - my
suggestions for SP3 are simple:

1) Backup everything...

First - backup the files most important to you. Pictures, music, documents,
emails, contacts, web page favorites, etc. You should be doing that
consistently anyway - on a regularly scheduled basis - because that is
REALLY what you worry about with the computer. The stuff of *yours* it has
in it.

Second - if possible - use a software package like Symantec Ghost, Acronis
TrueImage or BootItNG and some external storage (external USB hard disk
drive twice or more the size of your system (C:) drive used space would be
good) to make a complete backup of your system - a 'snapshot in time' if you
will - of what it is now. That includes all your files, all your settings,
all your programs - it is literally your system set aside at XX:XXAM/PM on
whatever date you take the image. Then if you immediately install SP3 and
things do go wrong - you utilize said software to return to XX:XXAM/PM on
whatever date you made that image - like what you just did never happened.
Sounds complicated - but if yo look into getting one of those packages -
you'll find out it really is not.

2) Prepare your machine...

Beyond backing up - clean off stuff you don't need.
- Have a program installed that you never use? Uninstall it.
- Have files you can burn to CD/DVD permanently - since you only look at
them once in a blue moon? Do so.
- Have you checked for updates for said software package you DO utilize?
Windows XP is not the only application on your computer. I bet you have
Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, WordPerfect, Open Office or something
installed to help you type up documents. Or perhaps a program to help you
sort pictures? What about one to play music or movies? Something to help
you manage you finances, maybe? When was the last time you visited the web
page for the manufacturer of said product and seen if there were any updates
for those things?
- Visit the hardware manufacturer's web page for each of the devices in your
computer and get the newest hardware driver and install it. Motherboard
chipset, video card, sound card, network card, modem. This will be made
much easier if (as many people do) you have a 'big box' machine - one
manufactured/sold/supported by a large company like Dell, IBM, HP, Packard
Bell, Gateway, etc. You can visit the web page for said manufacturer,
usually go to their support web page and give a model number or serial
number (or both) and see what drivers are available and get them all in one
place.
- Run your updated antivirus against your machine - do a FULL scan. Clean
up anything it finds.
- Run at least one - if not several - antispyware applications against your
machine and cleanup anything they find (SuperAntiSpyware, Spybot Search and
Destroy, LavaSoft Ad-Aware 2007, etc.)
- Use disk cleanup to clear out some space and cleanup your system restore
to the last one only. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310312
- Run a CHKDSK on your system drive. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/315265
- Run a defragmentation on your system drive.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314848

Then - you are ready... To start reading up... ;-)

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/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/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."

It seems som 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

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

From PA Bear [MS MVP]:
Workarounds:

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:
. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
. 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

And last - know who and how to contact if you have trouble:
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

And GO! Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and get SP3 and install
it on your computer. You cannot be more prepared. Plus - if you followed
all the advice - worst case is you have learned a lot and protected your
data from ANY disaster that might occur. Best case - you've done all that
*for nothing* other than learning and you will maintain the new backup
regime and you'll have the latest Windows XP Service Pack (SP3) installed on
your machine and you will continue running happily and strong with
confidence.

Good luck.
Hope that helps.

[Harry Johnston [MVP]]

AliceZ wrote:

> Thank you. If we did download (or install from CD), and when the download is
> finished, does it AUTOMATICALLY install itself?

Depends on how you downloaded it. If you get it from the download center, it'll
be an executable file which you'll have to double-click. If you download it via
Windows Update it should start by itself. I'm not sure whether the CD will
autorun or not.

You'll be presented with several dialogs at the start of the installation, such
as licensing terms, so it should be obvious whether it's installed or not.

Harry.

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

Alice, I already responded to this when you posted it earlier in this
thread:
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/msg/7aec9219d585f7af

--
~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/

[AliceZ]

Thank you.
#1- What is the URL of the "download center?"
If I download that file, can I save it to any folder I want (even to CD)?
And then use #2- later if I wish to install (by clicking on the exe file)?
#3- If we receive CD from MS, will that be the 'latest' version? (I'm
getting a bit confused with the RC1, etc., mentioned.)

=====================

[Shenan Stanley]

Entire Conversation:
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.windowsupdate/browse_frm/thread/f41ca890e1c48d93/09ba30ce2cfd0789?lnk=st&q=author%3AAliceZ#09ba30ce2cfd0789

<snipped>

AliceZ wrote:
> Thank you.
> #1- What is the URL of the "download center?"

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

> If I download that file, can I save it to any folder I want (even
> to CD)?

CD, DVD, thumb drive that is 512MB or larger, external hard disk drive,
etc... Just like any other file you have space for. ;-)

> And then use #2- later if I wish to install (by clicking on
> the exe file)?

Sure.

> #3- If we receive CD from MS, will that be the
> 'latest' version? (I'm getting a bit confused with the RC1, etc.,
> mentioned.)

RC1, RC2, RC2 Refresh <- these were pre-releases. They were released to the
public in some cases. Regular users were not meant to utilize the
pre-releases even though they were public. They were meant for people
confident in their ability to rebuild their system from any issue on their
own.

What was released recently was the Final Build - SP3 will not be changing.
If you get SP3 from any legitimate Microsoft download site (in its EXE
format or ISO format) or you wait and order a CD version from Microsoft - it
will be the same version now, tomorrow, next month, next year.

Direct download of Windows XP SP3 (Executable file):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

Direct download of Windows XP SP3 (ISO image of CD):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

Free Program you could utilize to burn the ISO file to an actual CD:
http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/download/ISORecorderV2RC1.msi

Repeat posting:

1) Backup everything...

2) Prepare your machine...

Key things to note:

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...

[AliceZ]

Thank you.

Are these two programs the same:

Direct download of Windows XP SP3 (Executable file):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

Direct download of Windows XP SP3 (ISO image of CD):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

?????

====
"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> .. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
> ..
> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
> .. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
> ..
> http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418
> .. You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to Windows

[Shenan Stanley]

AliceZ wrote:
> Thank you.
>

> Are these two programs the same:
>
> Direct download of Windows XP SP3 (Executable file):
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en
>
> Direct download of Windows XP SP3 (ISO image of CD):
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

AliceZ,

Short:
- First one is the executable file only. No special knowledge required to
use it.
- Second one is the ISO image of the CD Microsoft will likely be shipping to
everyone who asks for it (likely for a small fee) soon. It requires you be
able to burn or mount said image in order to use it. Thus why I gave the
third link - an application that makes burning an actual CD from that image
easy.

Detailed:
All official Microsoft Windows XP SP3 final build downloads contain the same
service pack 3. There is no difference in the actual SP3 final release from
any method of you getting it.

If you wanted to have Microsoft do all the work and download only the parts
of SP3 you need:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

If you wanted to download the executable file and utilize it to install on
one or more computers (save it on portable media, etc):
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en

If you wanted to download the CD image of the CD that you will (at some
point) be able to order from Microsoft for (likely) a shipping charge and
utilize that CD now to install SP3 on one or more computers:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

The first is the regular Microsoft Updates web page. It scans your computer
and figures out what you need and offers it to you. You then install what
you need from there (actually - you allow it to do it all.)

The second is you downloading the full executable file for the final release
of the service pack 3 update. That is the same file many OEMs (Original
Equipment Manufacturers - like Dell, HP, Gateway) use to install onto many
systems or integrate into their Windows XP CDs, etc. That file can be used
by anyone to install SP3 on one or more machines. However - when you run
it - you should run it from media that can be read *and* written to - as the
Service Pack has to expand out of the compressed state it is in when in the
'executable' file format.

The last is an image of a CD that I am sure Microsoft will be pushing out to
customers soon via various physical shipping methods. It contains the
executable version of the SP3 final release as well as some autorun features
that take the IT part out of the whole situation. However - in order to
utilize the ISO image of the CD, you must know how and be able to burn a CD
with it or be able to 'mount' a CD image to utilize it properly.

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

No.

[AliceZ]

Thanks very much.
For us (my husband and me), who don't know anything about all of "this,"
would you say
that the the first one would be the easiest for us to use and install?

This one = http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
"First is the regular Microsoft Updates web page. It scans your computer and

figures out what you need and offers it to you. You then install what you

need from there (actually - you allow it to do it all.)....

If you wanted to have Microsoft do all the work and download only the parts
of SP3 you need: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ "

[Shenan Stanley]

<snipped>

AliceZ wrote:
> Thanks very much.
> For us (my husband and me), who don't know anything about all of
> "this," would you say
> that the the first one would be the easiest for us to use and
> install?
>
> This one = http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
> "First is the regular Microsoft Updates web page. It scans your
> computer and figures out what you need and offers it to you. You
> then install what you need from there (actually - you allow it to
> do it all.)....
> If you wanted to have Microsoft do all the work and download only
> the parts of SP3 you need: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ "

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ is Microsoft's suggested method for home
users to obtain Service Pack 3. It would be mine for most home users -
especially those (as you put it) "who don't know anything about all of
this..." ;-)

However - the minimum you should do before even thinking about getting SP3
(out of all the things I have already posted to you about this) is a backup
of *your stuff*. Even if that means manually copying your pictures, music,
documents, email, contacts and so on to another disk (like an external hard
drive, CD, DVD, etc.) At least protect the stuff most important to you.

Things may go perfectly - but don't start with the idea that is how it will
go. ;-)

[Lars-Eric]

Hi there!

Hate to object to you there PA Bear. I think the reason why people don't
write here is because they newer ever click on that "update" button. And i
they did. They only do that once and then they walks straight to their
computer supplyer and buy a new computer with the latest version pre
installed.
--
Carpe diem

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Note the folks who had no problems whatsoever installing or after installing
> SP3 do not tend to post here, Alice.

> --
> ~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/
>
> AliceZ wrote:

> > Thanks. I am reading on this 'board' that downloading/installing SP3 is
> > causing many problems.
> > I read this elsewhere:

> > "Drawbacks / flaws: Third party software bundled in the download may

> > represent serious threats to your computer." and:

> > "In conclusion: If your copy of Windows is legit and genuine, I see
> > absolutely no reason for downloading this package."

> > ==================================
> >
> > "Engel" wrote:
> >
> >> Hello Alice,
> >>
> >> Yu can start here:

> >>
> >> Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
> >> <http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717>
> >>

> >> Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
> >> <http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/cc164204.aspx>
> >>
> >> Good luck
> >> - -- ---

> >>
> >> "AliceZ" wrote:
> >>
> >>> Just went to Critical Updates / Custom and see notice for download of
> >>> SP3.
> >>> My husband and I are not at all familiar with computers, etc., and
> >>> wonder
> >>> if it is required that SP3 be downloaded?

> >>> If "Yes," is it as simple as just clicking on the download and just let
> >>> it
> >>> install?
> >>> Or are there many, many things we must be aware of before downloading,
> >>> etc. This has us quite confused and anxious. We just have our notebook
> >>> and desktop with WinXPsp2, which we use at home.
> >>> Alice
>
>

[dabaki]

after install of Sp3, windows won't install any other updates. i am only
able to download. has any one else had this problem?

[Shenan Stanley]

dabaki wrote:
> after install of Sp3, windows won't install any other updates. i
> am only able to download. has any one else had this problem?

Perhaps a search in addition to the question would have provided you with
the answer?

Search using Google!
http://www.google.com/
(How-to: http://www.google.com/intl/en/help/basics.html )

Examples (phrases to use):

Windows XP updates will not install
updates not installing on Windows XP
my updates download but do not install on Windows XP
why won't my updates install on Windows XP
updates fail to install with Windows XP

You probably want this part of the text below:
-----

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

-----

WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.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/download/c/d/8/cd8cc719-7d5a-40d3-a802-e4057aa8c631/relnotes.htm

Key things to note:

http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-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:

. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
.
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418

. 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

A place to get FREE support for SP3 installation issues *from Microsoft*...
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131

[mark]

"dabaki" wrote:

> after install of Sp3, windows won't install any other updates. i am only
> able to download. has any one else had this problem?

Yeah, same deal, any explainations anywhere ??

[Shenan Stanley]

dabaki wrote:
> after install of Sp3, windows won't install any other updates. i
> am only able to download. has any one else had this problem?

mark wrote:
> Yeah, same deal, any explainations anywhere ??

Same response given to the OP over three hours ago...

[dabaki]

I've solved my problem by uninstalling sp3 and installing all the updates for
xp then reinstalled the sp3 with much success.

Thanks for your assistance! Peace!

"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> .. http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?p=187790#p187790
> ..
> http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
> .. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/
> ..
> http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9084418

> .. You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to Windows

[Godoi Mariano@discussions.microsoft.com Celso Godoi Mariano]

[tim311e]

This was the exact same issue that I had exerienced, and not only this time
around with doing the windows repair and installing SP3, but for the last
year everytime I did a windows repair I had the same issue and this is the
first time I was able to find a solution online, or on any windows help sites
and centers!!!!

Thank you so very much for posting this and explaining the exact issue you
experienced. I am sure this will help a large number of people.

Thanks again!!!!

[Shenan Stanley]

dabaki wrote:
> after install of Sp3, windows won't install any other updates. i
> am only able to download. has any one else had this problem?

tim311e wrote:
> This was the exact same issue that I had exerienced, and not only
> this time around with doing the windows repair and installing SP3,
> but for the last year everytime I did a windows repair I had the
> same issue and this is the first time I was able to find a solution
> online, or on any windows help sites and centers!!!!
>
> Thank you so very much for posting this and explaining the exact
> issue you experienced. I am sure this will help a large number of
> people.
>
> Thanks again!!!!

Yeah - good call on *not* including the actual solution in your thank you...
(*not*)

The solution to the seemingly common and unrelated directly to SP3 or
repoair installations or a host of other things - although it can be caused
(seemingly) by all of them - problem of being able to download Windows
Updates on a Windows XP system (usually SP2 or beyond, seemingly always
32-bit (x86) systems as well) but not being able to install the updates
after downloading them is:

(You can avoid it by rebooting your system right before installing SP3 in
most cases where SP3 has been the one seemingly 'causing' the issue.)

As many will tell you - ignore the title and symptoms listed in the article
referred to. Do method 1 and 2 and see if it fixes your issue whether or
not you repaired anything.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
Try method 1 and try to update*.
If fails - try method 2 and try to update*.
(For method 2 - the "AgentWindows, x86-based systems" link - use this
one instead: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237 )

*try to update:
- Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
- If it asks you to install anything before you see a selection of "Custom"
or "Express" - do so.
- Once you see the "Custom" or "Express" selection, choose "Custom".
- Scan for updates.
- When it lists what it finds - install the critical ones.
- You are generally safe doing the Optional Software Updates. I suggest
avoiding the Optional Hardware Updates completely.

** Second thing to try:
http://www.codeplex.com/aureset
** Temporarily down (??) for internal audit. Skip this fix for now. I will
leave the link in case it comes back up. After all - these posts are
indefinitely archived. Has been down since August 25, 2008.

Third thing to try:
Get Dial-a-Fix:
http://wiki.djlizard.net/Dial-a-fix

Use its options to fix:
- Windows Installer
- Windows Update
- All the Registration Center options.

Turn off the "Empty System32\Catroot 2"
Do NOT do "Flush SoftwareDistribution".

Then click "GO" and wait until it is done... Reboot will be needed.

- Download/Install Windows Update v3.
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237
(You *may* need to install it using the command line switch "/wuforce"
right after the reboot - immediately after logging in.)

- Reboot.
- Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and scan for/install updates.

Usually - method one from the first suggestion fixes the issue.
Sometimes they have to proceed to method two from the first suggestion.

Less seldom - but it does happen - only the tool from the second suggestion
will work - although the first suggestion is contained within the second in
many ways (as well as some of the third.)

And the third suggestion is there because before there was a suggestion (1)
and a suggestion (2) - the third was the best bet and worked in most cases.

** Posted one more time in hopes more people will use a search engine and
given all the many ways the problem has been phrased - stumble across the
answer quickly. **