[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Is it Safe to Just Ignore Windows' Service Packs? here

[amazon13]

I'm loving Lincoln Specter's article and I'm really glad that I have some where to post questions that I need answers to. And this article is one of those "Need To Know" articles. I'm a hesitant when it comes to updating MS updates. I fear the lets get through the bugs syndrome when ever a new service pack comes out. I still haven't updated the newest XP SP3 yet because in reality I've just finished fixing the SP2 trauma.
Many times if you wait you can go to the KB site or other sites that MS have that help you fix problems without having to do the SP thing. I like the hotfix solutions where you choose the problem and you are directed to a sight where you pick the fix and MS sends you an email with the fix in it for you to download it.

[WayneW]

I haven't gone with XP SP3 yet although I still use the "custom" manual update each month. I read through it and don't recall the specifics but don't think I need/want it (SP3)
One prob. I've had the last 2/3 months is .net framework update fails each time.
I supposedly have 3.5 ver. installed.
I guess that's to be expected with the
"Latest and Greatest" from micro$

[number6]

I've installed SP3 on many machines with no problems.

[techie4fun]

Service Pack 3 should be safe to install in most cases. I haven't had any issues, but all I've done was install SP3 and had automatic updates turned OFF. No word as to what will happen with the next "windows update patch."

[siouxfan]

I also have installed the SP3 from MS and have had no problems! (Knock on wood).

[darollet]

My webseller for musical instruments and home recording equipment also is a boxmaker. The recommendation for best operation of Digital Audio Workstation software is to use SP 2 when XP is installed.

When can we expect to disable the offer of SP3 each time using custom update?

[number6]

You can disable it from the Windows update site.

[WayneW]

Was DRM incoparated in XP SP3 the way it was in vista.

Seems to me that's why I rejected the update.

Don't want/need Bill's approval as to what I can watch or listen to.

[Flashorn]

Hey Darollet !!



Welcome to PCWorld Community !



If you don't want MS Update to remind you of SP3 then all you have to do

is , Highlight the Update and then Right Click on the update and choose

to never ask again .



FLASHORN. !http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1!

[Mikehamb]

I don't seem to have any trouble with Windows. Must be the luck of the ignorant!
I've moved up through the ranks from the first Windows - updates worked without trouble for everything (except Vista, where a clean load was necessary) and all my XP Service Packs "no problems".
Downloaded Win 7 yesterday and installed as an update. No problem!. All I need is a new driver for my Fuji laser printer.
I have a feeling that Windows is designed for the people who want to "use it", rather than "test it"
NB: I like Win 7 - faster load, faster almost everything, and the task bar's OK if you pause to think before you grumble (in my humble opinion).

[Naegea]

I uninstalled XP from my year old computer, then I installed both XP and Vista to dual boot. I wanted to see which one I preferred. I had heard so much negative commentary from both your magazine and others that I felt it necessary to hang onto Windows XP.

After using both, I preferred Vista. It works beautifully and I've had no problems with adding hardware. Only a TV adapter card did not work in Vista and it also did not work with XP SP3. Because after February 2009, I would not be able to use it anyway I purchased a HDTV USB. It works beautifully too.

After updating to SP3 in XP, it crashed and went into an eternal loop. Because I had had nothing but security problems with XP anyway, I was happy to use only Vista.

I love Vista and SP1. I can't understand why you and magazines like yours are so negative towards Microsoft and Vista. For me XP was a nightmare. Vista is by far the better product.