Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2

[VANCEPLAYER]

ok guys, so im running on Windows XP service pack 2,
i would like to update to Service Pack 3
but how do i do it? do i just download and install? like any other download?
is updating to SP3 a good idea?
or should i just stick to SP2?

[Ziad]

if you don't want to lose data or only system upgrade do the following:
1- put the setup on a CD
2- put the cd and launch the setup while the windows is turned on
3- press install windows XP
4- choose the upgrade not the format
note: don't worry it will act up like a new format but its not and you wont lose any of your data

[VANCEPLAYER]

yeah, i read that on the website,
and i dont have the CD i  want to Download it from
microsoft.com
so, if i just install it, i wont lose any data?

[9r2e5i3k]

You download and install it like any other Windows Update. It doesn't delete anything, and I think it also does an automatic restore point.

[Janar]

if you don't want to lose data or only system upgrade do the following:
1- put the setup on a CD
2- put the cd and launch the setup while the windows is turned on
3- press install windows XP
4- choose the upgrade not the format
note: don't worry it will act up like a new format but its not and you wont lose any of your data

That does not install SP3.

[VANCEPLAYER]

You download and install it like any other Windows Update. It doesn't delete anything, and I think it also does an automatic restore point.

ok and i will do a system restore in case it doesn't do it automatically.
and also, do i have to log in as an administrator? to install it?

[Grovyle]

ok and i will do a system restore in case it doesn't do it automatically.
and also, do i have to log in as an administrator? to install it?

Hi Vance,

Service Pack 3 is like any other Windows Update, it only HELPS you protecting your computer, SP3 has been released for more than a year I think.

Just go to Start > Windows Update and... yeah, just install it.
BE AWARE, Service Pack 3 is around 300+ Megabytes large, so make sure you are ready to play some single player game or do something else to pass the time.

IF ANYTHING that can injure the computer (such as freezes, crashes and other issues) has happened after you installed SP3, go on Safe Mode (Press F8 before the Windows XP loading screen pops up and then select Safe Mode. If you by any chance get to a boot device selection screen, then hit ESC and then wait some few seconds before the windows loading screen pops up) and use System Restore to a restore point that was before you installed SP3.

Also, you MAY require to log in into an account that has administration rights (if you can install stuff into your PC using your account then you can update) to update Windows.

Good luck!

[VANCEPLAYER]

thanks a lot!! all of you who helped me!! i appreciate !