How to Remove Windows XP Service Pack 3
Microsoft has a nice way of putting it:
"After you install Windows XP SP3, a hardware device or an installed program may work differently."
Isn't marketingspeak just priceless...
Well, just in case
"differently" is not to your liking,
Microsoft recommends four ways to remove SP3. You can use the:
- Control Panel: Add or Remove Programs
- Hidden $NtServicePackUninstall$ folder
- System Restore
- Recovery Console
While it is likely that one of these methods might solve your problem, it is possible that none of them will work.
If you are not thoroughly familiar with one of these tools, don’t attempt it. Instead, contact Microsoft and get their free support for SP3 installation issues.
Labels: Microsoft, Service Pack 3, SP3, Windows XP, Windows XP SP3
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The XP SP3 Installation Green Light
The May 6, 2008 Red Light:A number of seasoned computer experts advised Windows XP users to hold off 1-2 months before installing Service Pack 3.
Did they need a detailed knowledge of SP3 to offer that sound advice? Not really. Based on prior experience with previous updates, it was safe to assume it will take Microsoft approximately 6-8 weeks to discover and fix most of SP3's unexpected installation and compatibility problems.
The Green Light:There's a related Green Light rule of thumb for computer owners to install SP3 with less risk (provided they make the
proper preparations). The green light will be given by Microsoft on the day it starts to distribute SP3 via
Automatic Updates.
I recommended waiting until the third week in June before installing SP3. Given the experience of thousands of XP computer owners, my "Red Light" rule of thumb was right. Only time will tell if proceeding on my proposed "green light" was a wise decision.
And don't forget the
yellow light: Proceed with caution.
Labels: Automatic Updates, installation, Microsoft, Service Pack 3, Windows XP
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Downgrading Vista to Windows XP
There's a lot of confusion about the possibilities for downgrading Windows Vista to Windows XP. After June 30, 2008, the leading computer manufacturers (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) will no longer sell desktops and notebooks solely with Windows XP.
Fully-supported, factory-installed Windows XP Professional is available as a
Vista downgrade. With your new Vista computer, you receive operating system disks for both Vista and XP Pro, each licensed solely for use on your new computer.
You can transition to Vista at any time. However, before you install your copy of Vista, you will have to backup and restore your data. Vista's installation (or XP's reinstallation) will erase all of your programs, data and settings.
Only two editions of Vista come with "downgrade rights":- Vista Business
- Vista Ultimate
If you want to downgrade Vista Home Basic or Premium to XP on your new computer, you must first upgrade (at added expense) to Vista Business or Ultimate.
In addition, you can only downgrade Vista to Windows XP Professional. You cannot downgrade Vista to Windows XP Home.
Labels: Vista Business, Vista downgrade, Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional
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How to Block Windows XP SP3 Installation
Unless you select the proper options, Windows XP's
Automatic Updates service will download security updates and install them at a specified time, in the "background", without your involvement.
Within a few months of its May, 2008 introduction, SP3 will be distributed via Automatic Updates, so make sure that its settings let you manage what gets installed.
I just discovered a tool from Microsoft that prevents installation of service packs obtained with
Windows Update.
The tool can delay the installation of Windows XP Service Pack 3 until May, 2009. It can also be used with Vista SP1 and future service packs for Windows Server 2003. It only works with Windows Update and cannot stop the installation of service packs from CDs and DVDs.
The
Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit can be downloaded at:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Just in case you are confused about terminology:
Automatic Updates is a service on your computer. It does not require the use of a browser.
Windows Update is an interactive program on Microsoft's website. It examines your computer and advises you of the updates available for your operating system. You must use Internet Explorer to access Windows Update.
Microsoft Update also requires Internet Explorer and is almost identical to Windows Update. It scans your computer and provides you with a list of updates for Microsoft applications such as MS Office.
Labels: Automatic Updates, installation, Microsoft, Service Pack 3, Windows Update, Windows XP SP3
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Don't Take Advice from Bloggers
If you can get past my attention-grabbing blog post title, you should take my advice and ignore advice from blogs and forums on
remedies for advanced technical computer problems.In the process of researching issues with Windows XP SP3 installation, compatibility and performance, I spoke with a number of industry experts. Their affiliations included Microsoft, Dell Technical Support, and The Geek Squad. I also scanned some industry and technical magazines, forums and blogs.
In many blog comments and forum posts, I was shocked to find high-risk, but authoritatively-stated fixes to Blue Screen of Death and Windows Registry problems. Far too often, those detailed technical recommendations were not checked for typos or were authored by someone unknowingly giving bad advice.
The average non-technical computer user gets flustered when his or her computer has a serious, unexpected malfunction. At that point, they are in the greatest danger of acting on bad advice and making their unfortunate situation worse.
Non-technical computer users should leave the editing of the Windows Registry (and comparable tasks) to a qualified technician. They should not try to make these highly technical changes from recommendations in a forum post or blog comment.
Forums and blogs offer a lot of invaluable information, but in critical situations, only follow their advice when you are sure of every detail.
If your computer problem is related to a Windows XP SP3 installation, contact Microsoft and request their free technical support.
Labels: blogging, Dell, Geek Squad, Microsoft, Windows XP SP3
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Another Reason to Postpone SP3 Installation
Microsoft should be blamed for many Windows XP SP3 installation issues. However, new problems will be caused by third-party software publishers that did not adequately test their own offerings for SP3 platforms.
Problems occurred with some special versions of Internet Explorer 7. These "private label" browsers are often provided to thousands of users by ISPs such as Comcast.
Antivirus programs and utilities that monitor and halt applications need the most testing. By waiting a month (after its initial release) to install SP3, you will be spared the grief caused by ineffective error detection and lax quality assurance practices at independent software providers.
Labels: Antivirus, Internet Explorer, Microsoft, SP3, Windows XP, Windows XP SP3
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Defensive Computing
Michael Horowitz is the author of
Defensive Computing, a blog published by CNET. He writes on a broad spectrum of computer-related topics; most include valuable advice on avoiding safety threats and minimizing computer problems.
I find myself agreeing with Michael's recommendations, so I thought it would be helpful to point you to his
website.
Labels: Defensive Computing, Michael Horowitz
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Installing Windows XP SP3: My Experience
Immediately after performing an antivirus scan and a full backup, I installed Windows XP SP3 on an old IBM laptop (model A21m, PIII 800MHz, 512 MB RAM). The laptop had the latest operating system critical updates, device drivers, and BIOS firmware.
The SP3 installation on the older laptop took an hour and a half despite a fast broadband connection. (SP3 installation on more powerful computers should take significantly less time.)
I would like to think that my cautious approach improved the chances for a successful installation:
- Download SP3 from Microsoft's Windows Update
- Disconnect the network
- Shut down ZoneAlarm*
- Disable Norton Anti Virus*
- Confirm that no other programs were running
- Install Service Pack 3
- Reboot twice (you may think this is one time too many)
- Connect to the network
- Rerun Windows Update (discovered that "Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool" did not download with the initial update)
- Download and install "Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool"
- Reboot
- Defragment the hard drive
*
Never connect to the Internet unless your antivirus program is enabled. Preferably, you should also be protected by a firewall. Conversely, disable your antivirus program and software firewall (after you disconnect the network) during the installation of system upgrades.
I did not encounter problems with the SP3 installation. My computer is running smoothly and possibly a bit faster.
I installed May's Critical Updates on my other computers. However, I will postpone their SP3 installations for one week after Microsoft's June, 2008 upgrades become available.
July 1, 2008: Follow this link to a similar, but updated, set of
SP3 installation guidelines.
Labels: Microsoft, SP3, Windows Update, Windows XP, Windows XP SP3
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Windows XP SP2 Critical (Security) Updates: Don't Forget to Install Them
If you're
not planning to upgrade to Windows XP SP3, then don't forget that you still need to install the other Critical and High-priority Updates as they become available.
On the second Tuesday of every month,
Microsoft Windows Update provides patches for your operating system and applications. The available downloads typically include:
- Patches for newly-found security vulnerabilities
- Bug fixes
- A malware removal tool
- Application upgrades
While the
Automatic Updates feature should be turned on, nothing should get installed without your approval. The Automatic Updates icon can be used as a notification to launch Windows Update. To have the best control over what gets installed, select the
Custom update option.
A list of available updates is generated based on a hardware and software scan of your computer. Some of these are critical or high-priority updates, while others are optional or unwanted. I select the appropriate updates, press Install, and hope for the best. (I had serious installation problems roughly once or twice a year).
This month, you get
a new screen with two Windows XP SP2 update options:
- Download and install Windows XP SP3
- Review of other updates
If you follow my advice and select the second option,
then the list of available updates will be displayed. Your system will be more secure after you've installed the necessary updates, and you should install them without delay.
Labels: Automatic Updates, Microsoft, SP3, Windows Update, Windows XP, Windows XP SP2
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