SP3 to Automatic Updates on July 10
The time has come. On July 10, 2008, at 10:00 AM PST, Microsoft will begin to "push" distribution of Windows XP Service Pack 3 via "Automatic Updates".

For computer users who follow Microsoft's advice, Automatic Updates is set to download and install recommended updates as they become available. However, if there is a glitch in the installation process, users could wake up to an unusable computer. That is why I recommend you use Automatic Updates solely to provide a notification of update availability.
At this point, Microsoft knows most of the causes of SP3's installation and compatibility problems. I believe that Automatic Updates will first scan your computer for the known troublemakers, and if detected, will disallow the download/installation.
While I do not know the details of how the update works, I have a serious concern about the reliability of the process. I hope to get answers to questions posed to Microsoft earlier today. Does Automatic Updates have the ability to stay within accepted installation guidelines and to follow Microsoft's pre-installation instructions? These include:
- Disable anti-virus programs
- Make sure that no other programs are running
- Do not depend on battery power when performing the installation
- Make sure you have enough space on your hard disk
Useful information: Links to Windows XP SP3 blog posts
Labels: Automatic Updates, Microsoft, Service Pack 3, Windows XP SP3

2 Comments:
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I hope the news gets out early enough for Windows XP users to change their Automatic Updates settings and fully prepare for the installation (data backup, etc.)
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