Windows XP SP3 and Vista SP1 - Can't wait? you'll have to wait a bit longer

[GideonK]

http://www.techtree.com/India/News/Windows_XP_SP3_Delayed_Vista_SP1_Paused/551-88965-580.html

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9081...intsrc=hm_list

[JohnnyMalaria]

Can't wait for Vista SP1? Just download it manually.

It's only the automatic update that has been suspended.

Of course, the manual option requires a much larger download than the pushed update.

[Ai Haibara]

Are they still having problems with things like the rebooting loop?

[MOVIEGEEK]

The glitch only affects "point of sale" software for retailers,it doesn't affect home/office users.

[Faustus]

I already intergrated SP3 with my XP cd using nlite. Haven't tested it yet though.

[guns1inger]

We have applied SP1 to over 100 laptops over the past two weeks. It has fixed several key issues for us. To date I have seen three of these restart after applying the service pack with the audio disabled, and all three have been fixed by uninstalling the audio driver and rebooting. We have had one refuse to install, terminating with an error. This was fixed by applying a slipstreamed SP1 SOE image.

We have had one instance of the reboot loop, and ironically, is was from a standard update on a machine that had not had SP1 installed on it yet. It was fixed by using the Vista Recovery Disc (google for it if you can create one) and running the startup repair.

So far, so good.

[aedipuss]

XP sp3 works fine on the 3 i have updated.

[CSULB71]

I recently did a fresh install of XP Home Edition with SP2, and I want to get all the necessary updates in one shot, but not via MS's online Windows Updates route. Softpedia's website has what they call the final version of XP SP3 for download. They say it is the "leaked" version RTM v5512, and the file is named 'windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu_c81472f...' (plus a bunch of other numbers), and is 316 MB in size. Is this the same as the authentic download that MS is supposed to make available soon?

[aedipuss]

i would venture a yes for that one. here's the sp3 rtm i have.

WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU

the extra numbers may be the file sh-1 checksum - C81472F7EEEA2ECA421E116CD4C03E2300EBFDE4

[JohnnyMalaria]

The SP3 automatic update via download has been suspended for a while. However, MS have made iso images of all XP versions with SP3 integrated for MSDN subscribers. So, we are now officially in a post-SP2 world.

[CSULB71]

aedipuss: OK, sounds good. Before I download it, can you clarify something? I read elsewhere that SP3 is supposed to include IE 7 and WMP 11 (neither of which I want) -- true or false? Thanks.

[aedipuss]

csulb71 i can't help you there. i already had them installed before sp3. i use neither but other programs "required" them.

[CSULB71]

Well, if they are included in SP3, maybe I can just do a "roll back" to my current versions (IE 6 and WMP 9). I'm perfectly happy using Firefox and Media Player Classic, so I don't really want the extra bloat-ness.

[SCDVD]

the manual option requires a much larger download than the pushed update.

What accounts for the size difference?

[aedipuss]

the size difference is because of the way they are delivered. online you only download what is needed. the "full" update file has all parts for all versions.

[DarrellS]

I read elsewhere that SP3 is supposed to include IE 7 and WMP 11 (neither of which I want) -- true or false? Thanks.

I read that MS decided to stay with IE6 in SP3 and it's supposed to be hurting Firefox's numbers.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/XP-SP3-RTM-Is-Slaughtering-Firefox-with-IE6-84758.shtml

[MOVIEGEEK]

aedipuss: OK, sounds good. Before I download it, can you clarify something? I read elsewhere that SP3 is supposed to include IE 7 and WMP 11 (neither of which I want) -- true or false? Thanks.

False.


overview of windows xp service pack 3.pdf

[CSULB71]

Yeah, I saw that overview earlier, but I just scanned it because it said XP Professional on the cover page (I have the Home Ed.). It does say no IE 7, but doesn't mention WMP at all, so I should be good to go. Thanks.

[bevills1]

According to http://forums.g4tv.com/thread.jspa?threadID=32325&tstart=25 WinXP SP3 has the same RMS bug that Vista SP1 does, and it won't be patched until June via Windows Update.

[PuzZLeR]

This is going to sound lame, but honestly, is there any specific need to upgrade to SP3 with XP?

To be honest, for the first time in years, everything is working beautifully here for me - drivers, printers, USB, applications, internet, cards, etc and am kind of concerned about disrupting the ecosystem.

If I hold out on SP3 what am I missing out on?

[CSULB71]

[quote="DarrellS"]

I read that MS decided to stay with IE6 in SP3 and it's supposed to be hurting Firefox's numbers.

http://news.softpedia.com/news/XP-SP3-RTM-Is-Slaughtering-Firefox-with-IE6-84758.shtml

The last paragraph of that article says... "It is clear that a large number of XP SP2 users have upgraded to the still unofficial versions of XP SP3, somehow scrapping Firefox in the process." Does that imply that loading SP3 somehow "kills" Firefox? If so, I hope it's an easy fix to get Firefox back as my default browser.

PuzZLer: I assume most of the updates have been for IE and Outlook Express security flaws. Since I use neither, I figured it wouldn't hurt to have some holes in them fixed, but more importantly, to get whatever other system updates are needed. But, I kind of feel the way you do... everything seems to be working fine right now with none of the SP3 updates installed, and I hope nothing gets screwed up after the install.

[aedipuss]

csulb71 - firefox isn't touched by sp3. it and all my add-ons work just like before the update.

[Faustus]

This is going to sound lame, but honestly, is there any specific need to upgrade to SP3 with XP?

To be honest, for the first time in years, everything is working beautifully here for me - drivers, printers, USB, applications, internet, cards, etc and am kind of concerned about disrupting the ecosystem.

If I hold out on SP3 what am I missing out on?

I'm happy for SP3 only because after slipstreaming it I won't have to install XP SP2 THEN run the 5 BILLION little updates to get it current anymore.

[aedipuss]

puzzler - if you are worried, either set a restore point before the update or image your drive first. sp3 is even in add/remove programs if you needed to remove it. but everything stays about the same with sp3, the only "upgrades" were to a couple networking components and they are invisible to the user.

[GideonK]

I'm happy for SP3 only because after slipstreaming it I won't have to install XP SP2 THEN run the 5 BILLION little updates to get it current anymore.

Ditto. My feeling exactly.

[PuzZLeR]

Hey thanks for understanding folks.

Up until a few years ago I've had issues with the network, video, devices, etc. Now? ZERO. This was specifically why I bought my latest machine a month before Vista's release, on purpose, to make sure I get the latest and greatest and last of the OEM XP SP2 machines.

Even though XP SP2 has really matured for me, I guess I can have faith in SP3 regardless when I can always undo with a restore point as was pointed out. Thanks for the feedback!

[CSULB71]

aedipuss: Thanks, that's good to know it doesn't mess with Firefox. Wasn't sure what the article meant.

[Bjs]

Sp3 for xp, having just reloaded my system, was a whole 66mbs ... goodbye to 91 individual updates.

Ie7 is not included, and wmp11 dose not form any part ... but after sp3 and a reboot, you will be offered Ie7.

And my recent issues with 3 older updates have now vanished.

[MOVIEGEEK]

This is going to sound lame, but honestly, is there any specific need to upgrade to SP3 with XP?

To be honest, for the first time in years, everything is working beautifully here for me - drivers, printers, USB, applications, internet, cards, etc and am kind of concerned about disrupting the ecosystem.

If I hold out on SP3 what am I missing out on?

SP3 is recommended if you have servers or a laptop,the average home user will not need it unless you just did a clean install.
Final was released today and here is a direct link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E155...displaylang=en

There is one caveat:if you have IE7 or 8(beta) installed you cannot uninstall them.