XP SP3 Troubleshooters

If it helps any . . I've installed Sp3 on around 50 systems, most of which were Dells . . nary an issue so far

Hi Rich, Were these systems older ones or fairly new ones? 

I read an article today about possible problem with SP3 and Norton AV 2008 corrupting the Registry.

 

Microsoft said about the same to me. They sent me remove-Norton instructions and a link to a Repair Device Manager too. We shall see.

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;878076357

 

 The link within this article to Microsoft's Technet forum was really illuminating.

 . . a mix . . several have been brand new, right out of the box, and several pretty old machines

simpswr, Thanks for this information. It is good to hear that not everyone is having trouble with SP3. 

with the amd problem and xp on hp computers, have anyone seen this on Dell computers running AMD processors?

 

thanks

 

robin 

 

 

I have not seen a single reference to a Dell system with an AMD processor having the problem, Robin.

I updated both of my Dell systems last week and both have been running fine. If you have a healthy, virus free computer, the update should not be an issue

 

Dimension 4100 Bought January 2001
Windows XP Home SP2 Slipstreamed
866 Pentium 3
512 Ram
Western Digital 60 gig Hard Drive
Western Digital 120 gig Hard Drive
Sony 19" LCD Flat Panel Monitor
GeForce 5200
Creative SB Live
Digital Research DVD RW
RCA Cable Modem
HP Deskjet 932
HP K-60 all in one
Canon Scanner

Inspiron 5150
Windows XP Pro
3.06 Pentium 4
512 Ram
60 Gig HD

You are 100% correct.

I just put xp 3 on a dell E521 with an amd processor and had no problems.

I ran jespers tool (http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/) just in case and it said that the driver in question would not have a problem on this computer and I could load sp3 with no problems.

 

I have a suggestion on how to install sp3 successfully.  I have installed it on 12 of my clients computers so far with no problems but i did it this way:

 

First download Download using IE 6 or 7 only the exe sp3 at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5b33b5a8-5e76-401f-be08-1e1555df3d4&DisplayLang=en  and save it to your “Downloads” folder on your Hard drive.  If you do not have this folder, make it before you download it. 

 

You will be at: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers

 

the reason I say to download is, I have been finding by talking to other IT techs and being on various newsgroups is when you do it via Windows Update and you loose internet connection for a sec (which you might not see) the update becomes corrupted and doesn't install properly)

 

  Click the “Download button- the file is 306.4mbs and save it to your “Downloads” folder on your Hard Drive

The file name is WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe  MAKE SURE YOU SAVE IT- DO NOT RUN IT.

 Once you have saved it close IE6 or 7

 

 1. Run Ccleaner to clean out all temp and temporally internet files 

2.  Go to Documents and Settings/(your username), Local Settings/ Temp     

     A. Empty all the .temp files that are listed.  The ones that have today’s date will not remove. 

3.  Empty the Recycle Bin 

4. Run your AVG antivirus Program and remove any viruses or spyware.

 5.  Update & Run  Adaware 2007 (if you have it), Spybot Search and Destroy, Superantispyware

 6.  Put the cursor on the desktop where there are no icons and right click.  Highlight and click “Properties”Go to the Screensaver Tab- Click the down arrow until you see “None” and make sure it shows up in the box.Next click on the “Power” tabMake sure all of the boxes have “Never” and click “OK”  

7.  Check Disk and Defrag the computer.      Before doing this, everything on the right side of the taskbar that has an “Exit” or a “Close” needs to be removed. 

  To do this:1.  Put the cursor over the icon and right click and you will see what you see below.  It will ask you if you are sure and you click YES 

 8.       Once you have Defragged the computer restart the computer. 

9.       When the computer loads up- you must again need to remove the ones on the right side of the taskbar  (ONLY if it has an EXIT or a CLOSE. 

10.  Set a System Restore Point prior to installing the service pack. 

To do this:Click on:  Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore.Follow the instructions there on how to set a restore point.The purpose is if something goes wrong you can restore the computer back prior to when you installed the Service Pack. 

 11.  Now unplug your computer from the internet.If you are using a cable or dsl modem just pull out the electricity from the back of the modem. 

12.  Go to your Download Folder and double click the exe for sp3.  Follow all the instructions.  Don't be alarmed on some computers it could take up to an hour to completely install and don't be alarmed once the computer reboots because it could take a few minutes to load up.

13.  Once everything looks fine- check around and make sure things are ok.  Click on programs to see if they run.-  Make sure you have sound. 

 

Put the electric cord back into the modem- wait for all the lights to recycle  and see if you have internet service.  Go to Start and right click on My Computer and click “Properties”.  See if sp3 is listed.

14.  Defrag the computer again (as per the instructions in # 7 and reboot.  (you need to do this because  everything that got moved around goes back in place) 

 

If something goes wrong you can call Microsoft at 1-866-234-6000- listen for the prompt for XP SP3 help.  This is free until Dec 31, 2008

 

This method worked for me and if you follow it you should have no problems with installing sp3.

 

Good luck 

robin 

 

 

I had no problems installing Windows XP SP3 with my Intel processor.   One thing to be aware of is with the download, you will NOT get the Daylight Savings Time updates.  The best way to install SP3 is to download the image file and create a CD and install from the CD.  This method includes ALL the SP3 changes including the DST updates.

 

You can get the image file here:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&DisplayLang=en

 

Download it and burn the .iso file to a CD.   Clean your system then install SP3 from the CD.

Have you tried uninstalling SP3 update from Add Remove Programs > View Instaleld Updates ?