Before installing, I would sure make an image of my systemdrive, so that you can get back to SP2 if you want.

/Ulf

I waited for several issues to be resolved and a 'go ahead' from the Windows Secrets newsletter before installing SP-3 on two of my machines, but the installations went smoothly and I've noticed no adverse effects in the aftermath.

Uninstalling SP-3 can be accomplished if the upgrade path was through Windows Update. Installing SP-3 using a slipstreamed disc can make uninstalling it problematic, however.

This link explains the various scenarios, including 3 different ways to uninstall it.

I don't get this at all.

The arguments for installing it seem to be:

(1) "I really researched it before I took the risk of installing SP-3"

(2) "The benefits I have seen are that it didn't trash my system"

(3) "Therefore I recommend it"


??????????

John

The question to ask would be:

" What issues am I having that I expect SP3 to correct ? "

If it ain't broke, don't fix it ...

Computers, like the human body benefit from fixing before it is broke. After the heart attack, or the computer hack is not the ideal time to change ones approach to good computer health or human health.

Updating to SP3 improved my computer performance. I think it cleared out some old files.

Dave T2

Computers, like the human body benefit from fixing before it is broke
=========
Fixing what? That's the point here.

Are you suggesting that SP-3 is like a One-A-Day multi-vitamin?

Or, is it as Dave T2 suggested, a laxative?

John

Now that was funny!

I put off installing SP3 for a long time. I did it two days ago and have had no problems at all. I regularly run Vegas 8, Sonar 7, Finale 2009, and Symphobia (ProjectSam)/Garritan Software Samplers with Kontakt Player 2. No issues in any projects at all.

I have had no issues with SP-3 on three computers.
JJK

...just installed SP3 on my multi-purpose laptop today. So far I've had no issues.

I will wait some time before deciding if I want it on my main media-production box, which is normally not on the internet and which I protect religiously.

I tried SP 3 but it definitely messed some things up, so I tried uninstalling it, but it reverted back to Zero updates, no SP's at all! Windows Firewall was gone, etc etc. I wasted hours - now I'm back at SP2. I figure I have enough other things to do with my time.
If it was problem free, then I'd say what the hell, but it doesn't sound worth it.
I also keep Auto-update turned off.
Oh, also - I did use Windows Update website, so the the comment that going this route will prevent uninstall issues doesn't seem to hold true.

Just got off the phone from 3 hours with MS tech support after my SP3 install. We're still not finished. I've had to go all the wy back to SP1.

I learned my lesson on this one.....If it's not broken, don't fix it.

I knew it, but my week was going so well I figured this would work also. Wrong!!!

After the install, IE7 wouldn't even display the Windows Update page.

Oh well.

Galen

I just installed SP3 and so far it all works fine. Installed on Sony VAIO P4 2.8 system. Seems to be fine so far.

Gary Ashorn

There are Windows Updates EVERY month. Do you wonder about each of these?

I realize SP3 is more than the typical update, it's basically a compilation of all the updates up until around 3/2008, and a few extras.

No, SP3 won't make your machine run 40% faster, but it neither will any of the other updates you install from MS.

I've got SP3 on about 10 of my machines, all running fine.

I backed up my hard drive, and in a moment of weakness installed the update.

At the Windows Download Center, it "recommended" that I not download the full update file, but use the "smaller" and "more appropriate" version from the "new Windows Update" site. Note a lot of direct quotes here.

The moment I approved the "new Windows Update," the "Genuine Advantage" utility auto-installed without ANY NOTICE WHATSOEVER or my consent. I have carefully avoided Genuine Advantage since its dubious beginnings, even though I have a legitimate licensed version, because I unconditionally resent the intrusion. THANKS FOR THE DISHONESTY, MICROSOFT!! YOU DECEIVED ME IN TYPICAL FASHION!

Other than that flagrant violation of my privacy and trust, there are few impacts noticed on my system. It "may" shut down a bit faster, but other than that, there is no noticeable impact at this user's level.

If the INTRUSIVE, DELIBERATE, and DECEPTIVE installation of Microsoft "Genuine Advantage" causes even ONE issue on my machine, I've still got that backup. Screw MS.

in and out of here before i get a roasting....

i really don't understand what the fuss is about with sp3 and other 'critical' updates. i have my car serviced regularly, ditto camera, vtr, i go to the doctor and get anti-virus jabs when travelling to strange places - none of which i apparently need to do according to some here.

if an os was perfect from day one i'd be the first to agree you don't need to do anything - but we all know that's not the case, in fact, sometimes there's major flaws that need repairing, and even sometimes, bit's that can be made to work better.

it doesn't always go to plan, as many here will testify, then again, there's an awful lot of users out there who do do every upgrade, etc., without problem, just as there are v8 people experiencing problems while others don't.

i think any arguments as to whether to upgrade or not are a total waste of time - you either do, or don't, and no amount of rants and raves from either side will change a committed ussr one way or the other.

i'm for keeping up to date - but not on the cutting edge - i'll let everyone else download / install / whatever and see what happens before i do - shades of the 60's when offered a tablet or two of something good for me, i always waited till AFTER someone else had tried it.

leslie

I got a failed download on my video machine and can't find or unload it....

On my email machine it screwed up my email font and I can't get it to be without "italics' ....

That's not progress...oh,look here comes today's update, oh joy....