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29 Replies Last post: Aug 24, 2008 9:03 PM by G3ZZY Branched to a new thread. 1 2 Previous Next

PCWorld

22,032 posts since
Aug 1, 2007

May 13, 2008 10:25 AM

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

Post your comments for Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First here

coastie65

4,083 posts since
Apr 2, 2007

1. May 13, 2008 6:35 PM

in response to: PCWorld

Re: Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

I just read this and it was stated that the file size was 343 Mb. I went over to Windows update and it did the scan thing and came up with SP3, with a " typical file size" of 66.9 Mb. It seems as if there may be a discrepancy in file size and I find that a bit curious. Anyway, I still haven't installed that thing, but guess I wlll at some point. Good article. coastie65

eMachines T5212.... Intel Pentium D 945 3.4Ghz..... evga 8600 GT 256 Mb PCI-E video card..... Realtec HD audio......2 Gb 533 Mhz DDR2 memory..... Lite on CD RW; DVD +R / RW DL optical drive...... Windows XP MCE 2005....... Antec Basiq 500w PSU......200 Gb PATA HDD

snorg

1,719 posts since
Nov 28, 2007

2. May 13, 2008 10:21 PM

in response to: coastie65

Re: Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

Hi Coastie

343 Mb is the size of the full download of SP3 you put that on a CD and use it instead of windoze update.

" typical file size" of 66.9 Mb is the average install from widoze update.

I am Snorg, The Sultan of sadness, The King of chaos, The Master of disaster, The Duke of delirium, The Prince of perturbation. Everyone can chat at Snorg's Chat Room!!

jbenowl22

2 posts since
Jan 8, 2008

3. May 14, 2008 2:57 AM

in response to: PCWorld

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

I received this only after I had downloaded and installed SP3.
There were no problems at all - no hang-ups and Windows loaded very quickly after the re-boot: possibly a wait of just seconds, no more. IE7 is not required; I use Avant and IE6 because Avant does not work well with IE7. I might try IE8 when it is finalised.
Windows loads more quickly and most programs I have tried so far load much more quickly.
Experience is good!

bobmcm

1 posts since
Sep 28, 2006

4. May 14, 2008 3:51 AM

in response to: PCWorld

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

Both Gateway Desktop 835GM Pentium D MCE & HP Compaq nx6125 AMD Turion64 XP Pro running smooth & faster! Still chose "advise me when to download & install new updates". I don't feel warm & fuzzy about Auto Updates: must be the Microsoft pompous arrogance!

DaveTomp302

1 posts since
May 14, 2008

5. May 14, 2008 4:46 AM

in response to: PCWorld

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

I wish this article had come out earlier. In my case I received the SP3 through automatic updates and it crashed my system. Windows failed to restart until after SP3's removal and even when it was installed,all tests indicated no hardware problems but Windows wouldn't restart. It ultimately crashed my system and I had to use PC recover to retrieve my files but lost some of my licensed programs in the process.

DaveTomp302

coastie65

4,083 posts since
Apr 2, 2007

6. May 14, 2008 6:00 AM

in response to: snorg

Re: Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

Hey snorg, Thanks for clearing that up. I was thinking maybe that was the size of the zip files and then it would expand after they were opened.

http://forums.pcworld.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/3725/OOPS.gif

How come I got a feeling, that is what you meant. coastie

peoh

1 posts since
May 14, 2008

7. May 14, 2008 8:11 AM

in response to: PCWorld

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

Dear Steve,
I update to SP3, really my PC is faster.
I never believe that a SP from Microsoft could in realty improve my machine.
Where is the trap?
Pablo
From Chile

BillHeyward

1 posts since
Jan 24, 2008

8. May 14, 2008 8:13 AM

in response to: PCWorld

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

Schlemiel? Schlimazel? With a 33K modem, I think the proper name would be Schmuck.

coastie65

4,083 posts since
Apr 2, 2007

9. May 14, 2008 8:53 AM

in response to: peoh

Re: Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

Hi Pablo and welcome to the forum.

I haven't updated yet. There have been several that have noted a performance increase after updating. I'm with you, there must be a catch somewhere.

coastie65

trucker

1 posts since
Nov 6, 2007

10. May 14, 2008 9:22 AM

in response to: PCWorld

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

I ran the XP SP3 on my PC and a laptop a couple of days ago. No problems during the upgrade or after. Both of my cumputers seem to operate somewhat faster. It was definately a great update.

tommccoy0707

1 posts since
May 14, 2008

11. May 14, 2008 10:35 AM

in response to: PCWorld

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

I downloaded, installed and rebooted, but I could only get windows xp to boot in safe mode. Needless to say, I restored xp tp pre-SP3 and I'll wait and see.

Balayage

13 posts since
Sep 11, 2006

12. May 14, 2008 11:29 AM

in response to: PCWorld

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

You are a little late with your advice. Already installed SP3. My only problem is with Media Center. Just gave errors and crashed. TRied looking up errors and applying recommended fixes. It now runs. It acts different and gives error messages at every turn. Tired of trying fixes.

Roberto21

5 posts since
May 15, 2008

13. May 15, 2008 8:23 AM

in response to: PCWorld

Re: Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

Is this an appropriate forum to tell my ongoing tale of woe? I need advice on getting the iso file to run. By the way the file size I downloaded is 571mb!

mphenterprises

9,120 posts since
Feb 19, 2007

14. May 15, 2008 8:44 AM

in response to: Roberto21

Re: Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

Hi Roberto and welcome to the PCWorld Communities.

This particular Discussion is related to the article. If you need specific help, please open your own Discussion by clicking this hyperlink:

http://forums.pcworld.com/post!input.jspa?communityID=2000&go=Create+New+Discussion

Please be as descriptive as possible in both your Discussion title and posting. Immediately, what I can tell you is that Service Pack 3 is not an .iso file. If you are attempting to install an .iso file, you are not getting a true Service Pack. For further information, please start your Discussion and we can assist you in there.

This is my personal Dream PC: http://forums.pcworld.com/blogs/mphenterprises/2007/12/21/my-gift-to-myself

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May 13, 2008 10:25 AM

Installing Windows XP SP3? Read This First

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