Most people have not had problems but there are some that do.
I have installed SP3 on a test PC without problems but on my
PC that I use for every day use I still plan to hold off installing
SP3 for a while.
Also if I where to install SP3 I would choose to download the
file and not use Automatic Updates.
Your PC must be at least SP1 or SP2 level as SP3 will not
install on XP Gold.
I would also create an "Image Backup" of my drive prior
to installing SP3 just in case you do have problems.
Don't have any Image Backup software:
Try "True Image" (has a 15 day trial version available)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing/products/trueimage/
Note: Acronis is offering 80% off for Acronis True Image Home 11
with Coupon Code: ATIH80 bringing the total to only $9.99.
Offer Exp 9/19. "For download version only".
Warning I tried to order but the code ATIH80 did not work
for me and there hell to pay and gray hair trying to contact Acronis.
If you use Zone Alarm Firewall (Free or Paid) then update to
the most recent version.
Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353
How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389
Where to download the SP3 installation file:
(File is large but will only install components that your PC requires)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555d4f3d4&DisplayLang=en
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en
Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP Service
Pack 3'
Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP SP1
or SP2."
The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
"For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us
Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/cc164204.aspx
Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us
List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/
Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Also includes troubleshooting information.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us
Internet Explorer: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"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."
IE 8 Beta Warning - Windows XP Service Pack 3(SP3) users only:
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/08/27/upgrading-to-internet-explorer-8-beta-2.aspx
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2002: (From Shenan Stanley MS MVP)
"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."
XP SP3: Post Installation Cleanup:
http://www.aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=62&t=33827
How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of
Windows XP Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us
Free unlimited installation and compatibility support
(Via Email, Chat or Phone support)
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131
ISO image - used to create install CD:
(You must have CD burning software that can use an ISO as source)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en
Availability of the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix
Describes the .NET Framework 1.0 post-Service Pack 3 hotfix rollup package
for the Mscorwks.dll, Mscorsvr.dll, and Mscorlib.dll files.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896061/en-us
How to prevent SP3 from being installed on your PC
(Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...7A-5267-4BD6-87D0-E2A72099EDB7&displaylang=en
(Works for 1 year from date SP3 was released)
JS
http://www.pagestart.com