Preventing download of SP3

[Books47]

I installed WindowsXP SP3 with disastrous results. After a day's work, I
successfully uninstalled it, but Microsoft warned that I should go to Windows
Update immediately for other security patches. I did that- but it downloads
SP3 again and won't let me skip that for other possible downloads. How do I
stop downloading SP3 each time I go to Windows Update and go to other updates
instead??

[MowGreen [MVP]]

Go back to Windows Update and after the initial scan, select Custom.
When SP3 is offered click the plus sign next to it.
Put a check in the box under it next to " Don't show this update again "
It will now be hidden.

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2008]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

1. Stop the Automatic Updates service:

Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Stop
(Stopping the service will take a moment)

2. Delete the contents of the Download folder:

Start > Run > (type in) %windir%\SoftwareDistribution > [OK]
Open the Download folder and delete its contents
Close the window.

3. Go to Windows Update website | Select CUSTOM and allow the scan to
complete | Uncheck/deselect WinXP SP3 and hide it ("Don't show me this
update again"), if possible.

4. Reconfigure Automatic Updates to the "Notify Only" setting; cf.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

5. Start the Automatic Updates service:

Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
Double-click Automatic Updates > Click on Start
(Starting the service will take a moment)

6. Should Automatic Updates offer SP3 again, decline to download it.

NB: Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3) and only until 14 Apr-09. Chat
and e-mail support is available only in the United States and Canada. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select Windows XP
| select Windows XP Service Pack 3

There will come a time (April 2010) when you'll have to have SP3 installed
in order to be offered any more critical security updates.
--
~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/

[Alan]

As an alternative to the suggestions offered by MowGreen and PA Bear, you
can download a 'Service Pack Blocker' tool from Microsoft at
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D7C9A07A-5267-4BD6-87D0-E2A72099EDB7&displaylang=en

This will allow you to turn on Automatic Updates, but keep SP3 from
automatically being downloaded and installed for '12 months following
general availability' -- so it should be effective until May, 2009.

Alan

"Books47" <Boo...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:385CD973-2446-4293...@microsoft.com...

[Charles W Davis]

"Books47" <Boo...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:385CD973-2446-4293...@microsoft.com...

In spite of all that has been said about blocking SP3, you should determine
why SP3 is not installing correctly and get it installed.. Soon, it will be
a requirement for additional Critical updates.