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Microsoft Corp. has released service pack 3 to Windows XP, which the software maker plans to stop selling through OEMs this year.
The service pack had been delayed a week due to problems integrating with point of sale systems, and now that SP3 is available as an optional upgrade to Windows Update, there are some things you need to know before you install it.
Can I really get Windows XP SP3 now?
Yes. You can grab it from Windows Update (WU) or download a standalone installer from Microsoft's Web site.
Will Windows Update automatically download and install XP SP3?
Not yet. Instead, you must choose "Windows Update" from the Start Menu, then click on either "Express" or "Custom." In both cases, WU will offer XP SP3. In fact, it will offer SP3 before any other update or patch.
To start the 30-minute process, click the "Install Updates" button. Microsoft has said it will flip the switch for automatic download and install -- the setting that most users have ticked in WU -- sometime this summer. Others have speculated that the push date has already been slated for June 10.
Where's the standalone installer?
As is its policy, Microsoft has also posted a much larger installation file that doesn't require WU. The XP SP3 standalone installer, which weighs in a 316MB, can be found at this link.
Anything I should know before starting the update?
You could just jump into the fray, but Microsoft has a whole list of steps it recommends prior to installing XP SP3. The list talks about prerequisites and hard disk requirements, mentions (but doesn't recommend) disabling anti-virus protection and suggests several other moves, including making a full backup before you begin.
That document is also a good resource, or at least a good starting point, for troubleshooting a balky XP SP3 update; it includes information on a host of potential error messages.
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