Microsoft SP3 (KB936929)

[Efkay]

Automatic updates on Windows XP Pro is telling me that Service Pack 3 is ready to download/install.

I've just had a look at the support site for it and it's packed with things like, 'steps to take before installing..', 'troubleshooting' which has loads of comments in red, all of which doesn't inspire me with confidence to install it yet.

Should I wait until a more stable version is available or am I being a little over cautious?

[Ethel]

I installed it a couple of weeks ago - followed the on screen prompts and had no problems at all

[vehelpfulguy]

You are not going to get a more stable version. This is it.

Like with all service packs, it can cause problems on some PCs, but for the average PC there should not be any problems.

I would just make sure you have backed up all your important files before installing it (that advice is not specific to that service pack, just general advice).

Also shut down your anti virus software before starting the install.

I have just looked at the document you mention and the messages in red relate to problems like "hard disk full" which is hardly the fault of the service pack.

If windows update is offering SP3 then you must have all the pre-reqs installed.

Go for it.

[vehelpfulguy]

I should add that SP3 has been out for weeks, and in that time MILLIONS of people will have installed it (maybe hundreds of millions).

If it caused major problems they would have removed it.

The fact that Windows Update is still offering it means that Microsoft must feel it is OK.

This is likely to be the last SP for XP, and all future XP fixes will require SP3 to be installed so I think you should just go ahead and install it.

[ACtheTROLL]

using auto update ... the first phase is to check your machine - it then only downloads and installs the bits that are needed (quite a large proportion of sp3 should already be there from other updates) .

In theory at least ... if you are offered it - it's safe for you to accept (I can hear the hysterical laughter!!!!) - or as safe as anything from MS ever is.

most of the install probs have been solved now ... so you are reasonably safe - but nuffin es ever certain ... and it never will be -so run forrest - run!).

whatever you do DON't disable your virus checker until you are ready to install - and even then ONLY AFTER you have disconnected from the net
now that would be dangerous!