12/02/2008

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Release CandidateWindows XP Service Pack 3 Release Candidate is ready to download,for those unsure of what SP3 RC is?

I will try to simlify it.


It is a test pack and it is to download and try before Microsoft release the final version.It is similar to SP1,SP2 but it is an updated version.This SP3 RC may or may not have problems once installed but I will post the links on how to install/uninstall.However if you do not have SP2 installed I sugest you uninstall SP1 and install SP2 as I belive you will experince a better porfomance and I am sure less problems if any.

Please make sure your computer is fully updated with all the security fixs/drives/etc installed before downloading.

There is no need to uninstall SP2 just down load and run SP3 RC.
I have just downloaded and installed SP3 RC.I started download at 12-35 pm and from download to install it was all done by1-05 pm.So I see it was pritty quick and no hickups or hangups.Downloading and installing time will depend on your computer specifications and your internet speed.

I will write more information on the SP3 RC after I have run it on my computer and reveiw its functions and issues if any.

SP3 RC download link.

Download details: Standalone Update Package for Windows XP Service Pack 3

System Requirements

Supported Operating Systems: Windows XP; Windows XP Home Edition ; Windows XP Home Edition N; Windows XP Media Center Edition; Windows XP Professional Edition ; Windows XP Professional N; Windows XP Service Pack 1; Windows XP Service Pack 2; Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
Instructions.

Click Run to start the installation immediately.
Click Save to copy the download to your computer for installation at a later time.

To check it has installed click start.
Point to all programms.
Scroll to my computer.
Right click on my computer and scroll down to properties and click to open.
On the genral tab you should see on system, Service Pack 3,v3264.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

Download details: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

Please scroll down the page and download the white paper that is appropriate for you.
If you do experince problems and uninstall then reinstall maybe the solution,however this may not solve the problem and you may have to wait for the final release.

Uninstall information for the Windows XP SP3 Release Candidate

To uninstall Windows XP SP3, follow these steps:
1.
Click Start, click Run, type appwiz.cpl, and then click OK.
2.
Click Change or Remove Programs.
3.
Click Windows XP Service Pack 3 (936929), and then click Remove.
4.
Restart the computer.


How to uninstall SP1 and install SP2.

How to Remove Windows XP Service Pack 1 Folders

How to obtain SP2.

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

Here is a usefull links you may wish to read.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Resources for IT Professionals

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) - TechNet Forums

I would be greatfull for any feed back from our PC HELP Forums members and staff.If you wish to post your reveiw of SP3 RC on your experinces from download to install to running.Any issues or do you find it great,terrible,buggy,all comments will be greatly appreatiated.


Thankyou for taking your time to read this article.PC Help Forum Tech Jelly Bean.

Good luck on downloading.

I tried this a while ago, was easy to download and install, seemed to perk up my xp a little, had no compatability issues with programs installed before the service pack but a couple of things i tried to install after sp3 was in place wouldnt work because they didnt recognise Xp SP3 as a valid windows install, cant remember what programs they were unfortunately lol I removed sp3 RC in the end due to the compatability problems. I`ll wait for the proper release and give it a go, but since i got Vista i dont use XP so much, just for gaming.

D

installing now!

I got all excited and started the sp3 installation process on my AMD K8-800T 2.2ghz with 2.0 gig ram and almost at the end of the process got an error window popped up saying something about access denied and the uninstall procedure took over. After the reboot, I went to event viewer and found an error listed and queried MS website getting this response

DetailsID:4374 Source:NtServicePack We're sorryThere is no additional information about this issue in the Error and Event Log Messages or Knowledge Base databases at this time. You can use the links in the Support area to determine whether any additional information might be available elsewhere.Thank you for searching on this message; your search helps us identify those areas for which we need to provide more information.Wow now that's information I can really use

Great review JB - added thanks.

Install went fine, didn't notice much of a difference right after the install. Didn't take long though to slow the system to a crawl requiring a format and reinstall.....needless to say I didn't reinstall