Sp3 Question.

Hey all, i've got a question for you knowledgeable folks.

i downloaded SP3 from Windows update (the "express" version, not the 300MB IT version).

Before installing it i copied all of the files to an external source for future use.

Now, if i were to format my hard drive and re-install XP home (which doesn't include any service packs) what would i need to do?

Do i install SP2 with updates first, then install SP3? Or can i just drop SP3 in and then the updates?

Just as a side note, i have the IT version of SP2 and every single, solitary critical update.

Thanks all!

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pip22

Hi there!

I can tell you (because I've tried it) that SP3 will not install on to a copy of XP which has no service packs.

Therefore, if you do re-install your XP you will then need to install either SP1 or SP2 (whichever you have, doesn't matter which one) before you can install SP3.

As regards the "updates" you refer to, assuming you mean Windows XP Updates (as opposed to Microsoft applications updates), the only ones you need to worry about are those that Microsoft have issued since SP3 was released (if any). You'll already have all the earlier ones in the two service packs you've installed (SP2 + SP3). After SP3 is installed, just let automatic updates check for any newer hotfixes etc., or turn that feature off (as many prefer to do) and visit Windows Update yourself. Either way you'll only be offered updates you don't already have. Just don't bother doing it until after you've installed SP3. There's no point.

Hope that answers your query.

Pip

TheWatcher

Hi there!

I can tell you (because I've tried it) that SP3 will not install on to a copy of XP which has no service packs.

Therefore, if you do re-install your XP you will then need to install either SP1 or SP2 (whichever you have, doesn't matter which one) before you can install SP3.

As regards the "updates" you refer to, assuming you mean Windows XP Updates (as opposed to Microsoft applications updates), the only ones you need to worry about are those that Microsoft have issued since SP3 was released (if any). You'll already have all the earlier ones in the two service packs you've installed (SP2 + SP3). After SP3 is installed, just let automatic updates check for any newer hotfixes etc., or turn that feature off (as many prefer to do) and visit Windows Update yourself. Either way you'll only be offered updates you don't already have. Just don't bother doing it until after you've installed SP3. There's no point.

Hope that answers your query.

Pip

i figured as much but just wanted to be sure, thanks Pip!