System Restore - SP3 update question

[SCDVD]

I have a notebook computer that had a hard drive failure. I am replacing the hard disc. The system restore disc is XP Home SP2. Would it be better to download the SP3 update and load it before I do any online updates? I understand SP3 has all of the prior updates in it. If this is the case, I assume there is no need to do online updates before I do the SP3 update. Am I missing something?

[redwudz]

You are probably placing too much faith in MS to 'Get it right'. I think I would install SP2 first, then SP3 as that's apparently what they intended. Then SP3 should 'only' add the newer updates. Even with all that, I suspect you will still have to be adding more regular updates for a few days more from off the net.

I passed on SP3 as, just by itself, it's doesn't seem to add anything that I didn't already have or need from regular updating.

[bendixG15]

There is some question about SP3 being ready for prime time. Last I heard, it was not officially the final version.

Here's some recent discussion ...
https://forum.videohelp.com/topic350239.html?highlight=winxp%20sp3

[SCDVD]

I'm sorry, I didn't make myself clear. My system restore disc which I will be loading onto a new drive is at SP2 level. My question is should I load a downloaded SP3 install file after I reinstall Windows rather than do all of the SP2 updates via Windows Update first and then do the SP3 update? I don't want to take a lot of time to bring SP2 up to date with Windows Update if SP3 is going to catch me up with those updates.

[stiltman]

I would do it that way..

I'd install SP3 before I even connected the PC to the internet

[redwudz]

No, my mistake, I misread your original post. Installing SP3 would likely be much faster than all the individual downloads.

[SCDVD]

Well, that was painless. I installed XP SP2 and then installed the full download of SP3 (not via Windows Update). It went smoothly with no surprises.