Ready to install updates, finally: please advise

[decibelle]

Having finally squared away all my image backup issues (thanks to all here who gave me advice) I'm ready to update my system.

What is the best way to go about this? Should I install SP3 first and see how that affects my computer? I'm not inclined, even protected by a backup, to just click and update everything in one fell swoop.

Thanks,
Ellen

[ruirib]

Yes, definitely go with SP3, see how it goes, if it is ok, image, then proceed at a pace you find comfortable.

[decibelle]

Where is the best place to download SP3? There are several MS pages; are they all the same?

Also: is it still necessary to follow these "steps to take before you install service pack 3" here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717 ?

Thanks,
Ellen

[JoeP517]

I recommend you download it from Windows XP SP3. It is the complete version. Do not be put off by the name. I've always had better luck with the full version rather than letting the installer from Windows Update determine which parts are needed.

As long as you have an image backup of your system you should be OK. I'd disable A/V but that is your choice. Just keep that link handy in case something does happen.

Joe

[decibelle]

OK, but it does say, "If you're updating just one computer, please visit Windows Update at http://update.microsoft.com ." I shouldn't worry about that?

Also please tell me whether I should follow these "steps to take before you install service pack 3" here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717 ?

Thanks,
Ellen

[ruirib]

OK, but it does say, "If you're updating just one computer, please visit Windows Update at http://update.microsoft.com ." I shouldn't worry about that?

Yes, no need to worry about that.

Also please tell me whether I should follow these "steps to take before you install service pack 3" here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717 ?

Thanks,
Ellen

You should, yes.

[decibelle]

Ok, I installed it. So far things seem fine. What would be likely to go wrong if something were to go wrong?

Thanks,
Ellen

[ruirib]

I never had any issues, so hard to say. If things seem to be working fine, then I would say there should be no major issues. Use your pc for a while, do what you usually do and if everything works as usual, I'd say you can proceed. Don't forget to image, before applying other patches.

[decibelle]

So far so good, I think. What would be the next step?

Thanks,
Ellen

[JoeP517]

Make another image of your system and run Windows Update. That should get you completely up-to-date with Windows fixes.

Joe

[decibelle]

Joe,

Are there any updates that cause any problems that I would want to avoid? Or is it that after all this time they've fixed any problems related to past updates?

Thanks,
Ellen

[JoeP517]

I've not had any problems with XP updates.

Joe

[decibelle]

I've had all the updates for a few days. The first couple of days I had a couple of programs behave a little strangely, but I could not duplicate this strange behavior afterward. Does that make any sense? Do these things ever resolve just on their own?

I'm holding off doing anything new until I'm absolutely sure everything is OK with all the new updates.

Thanks,
Ellen

[fuati25858]

I recommend you to install SP3

[decibelle]

That's the first thing I did.