Beware installing XP service pack 3

[lgibbon]

Had an update earlier from windows update advising me
to install service pack 3 for XP
Never had a problem with updates before
so went ahead as normal.
Then spent the next hour and a half trying to do a system restore.
I could do almost nothing before the restore.
Just a heads up for anyone wanting to avoid a major headache.

[DrC]

Originally Posted by lgibbon

Had an update earlier from windows update advising me
to install service pack 3 for XP
Never had a problem with updates before
so went ahead as normal.
Then spent the next hour and a half trying to do a system restore.
I could do almost nothing before the restore.
Just a heads up for anyone wanting to avoid a major headache.

Same thing here. I started to panic at first. . . Then I did my usual technique when my computer isnt working . . . Leave the room, grab a drink, and come back 30 minutes later. . . Somehow things always work when I get back!

[GarrieWilson]

Ive been using SP3 w/ no noticable difference. It could be that I have xp pro though.

[lgibbon]

Originally Posted by DrC

Same thing here. I started to panic at first. . . Then I did my usual technique when my computer isnt working . . . Leave the room, grab a drink, and come back 30 minutes later. . . Somehow things always work when I get back!

Did you get it working with service pack 3 or do a restore?

The restore worked a treat, the problem was everything was
locking up, there was a skype error, a zonealarm error
a rundll error, whatever that is.
I had to reset about 6 times before I could do anything.

[Richard Tunnah]

Thanks! Just had a 'aha' moment. My main laptop wouldn't load properly the other day and took me ages to get it running (like half a day). Once I loaded it I found windows had done an automatic update (in the night). And yes just checked and it was SP3. Scared the **** out of me!


Rich

[MoaddinFM]

Well, you just got unlucky, but only because you had this problem you can´t deduct that everyone will have it.

The topic´s name should be:

Beware from not installing XP SP3

Do you know what the SP are for? Do you know what will happen, when you don´t install them?

Just my 2 cents ...

[lgibbon]

Originally Posted by MoaddinFM

Do you know what will happen, when you don´t install them?

Yes, I get to use my PC again.

I just turned off the auto install.

I'll take my chances Lol.

[GailTrahd]

I know the Service Packs and updates are a good thing but I do understand the nervousness that comes from having a remote site update your computer with the potential that you'll lose hours of time restoring. When you work for yourself you just never get those back. And if you haven't backed up the data - well - the word panic comes to mind!

My sister put together a site a while back that helps people with PC's to keep their computer clean and working well. It's all free or I wouldn't post it here - most of her readers find it really helpful. She did it because of the number of times her computer had problems.

1 Clean Computer | Free Tutorial | Clean Computer - 1 Clean Computer

[bobsstuff]

I tried to install SP2 (yes two) twice and it messed up my computer, similar sounding experience to your SP3 problems.
I gave up and am still running SP1 or whatever it is called.

[deejones]

Originally Posted by MoaddinFM

Well, you just got unlucky, but only because you had this problem you can´t deduct that everyone will have it.

The topic´s name should be:

Beware from not installing XP SP3

Do you know what the SP are for? Do you know what will happen, when you don´t install them?

Just my 2 cents ...

There are definite advantages to installing SPs, but they can definitely screw up your computer. They even tell you before you do the installation that it can screw up your computer...and it's not their fault if it does.

So I don't think there's anything wrong with telling people their might be more problems than usual with SP3.

[WinsonYeung]

Well, my laptop prompt me to update to service pack 3 too. But even thought i updated it, "they" still prompt me to update it again. Maybe the upgrading fail for some unknown reason. Anyway, this updating thing persist me for more than a week.
Now, my laptop is totally dead, but i don think is related to the service pack 3. My laptop is 1 and a half year plus old, time to go maybe...
haiz...

[KimW]

I have installed SP3 on at least 50 computers so far without a hitch. One thing I have run into is that a lot of times people forget to turn off their anti virus software before doing the updates and that can wreak havoc on a system.

[mmurtha]

Hey Less,

I had the same problem. I didn't do a system restore to get it to work right though.

My PC locked up (everything) and I forced a shut down, then left the computer to sit for about 3 minutes and rebooted. It's worked like a charm since.

I do know that other people hqave had this problem because I saw it posted in the MS forum somewhere. They've since updated that service pack 4 times.

Hope this helps ...


Mary

[Floyd Fisher]

Just thought I would post to say I'm on service pack 3 right now.

Since I read this thread first, I did the precaution of creating a restore point right before I installed it.

It's been a smooth ride so far. No issues as of yet.

If you're having problems with the upgrade, I suggest rolling it back, and making triple sure your hardware drivers are up to date before doing it again (those are usually the problem). Don't trust MS to keep those updated, get those straight from your vendor.

That is all.