Windows XP SP3 Final is now available !

[nanana1]

You can get it here.

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Microsoft_Windows_XP_Service_Pack_3_Final_d4323.html

Microsoft site is now updated with the final version, get it here direct link removed due to users' frownings see post http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1230926&postcount=39

[Perman]

Hi,

Thanks for sharing.

The FASTEST d/l link for SP3 so far; few minutes vs some x hrs unreliable sites.

Thanks again.

[Perman]

-{ Quote: "You can get it here.



Forget about the MS link which is still RC2." }-
Hi,

Yes.

I just found out after installing it, but anyway, thanks your effort.

I am d/ling from softpedia.com and it is relatively fast too. Hoping it is the right one.;)

[jem1004]

Good I get GDI32.dll error... :)

[midway40]

I installed it on my workstation today. My SysAdmin wanted me to be the guinea pig to test it out against some finicky software we use. I didn't run upon any problems but didn't notice much difference either.

[nanana1]

-{ Quote: "Good I get GDI32.dll error... :)" }-

Solution
--------
1. Boot from a Windows CD and select the repair option.

2. Copy gdi32.dll from c:\windows\servicepackfiles\i386\gdi32.dll to c:\windows\system32\gdi32.dll. (Do keep a backup copy of the old gdi32.dll in c:\windows\system32 directory)

3. Then it will reboot normally

[jem1004]

I know and already repair it

[farmerlee]

Cheers! Downloaded and slipstreamed it into my xp pro sp2 disk. Done a clean install and everything is running sweet.

[the insider]

is this SP3 also fit for a dutch version of xp or do I have to wait for it's translation ?

[Fuzzfas]

Installed SP3 over a SP2 installation, all fine.

[nanana1]

-{ Quote: "is this SP3 also fit for a dutch version of xp or do I have to wait for it's translation ?" }-

Wait for the dutch translation:thumb:

[HAN]

Anyone have the MD5 for the Service Pack EXE file only? I want to make sure my copy is good...

[WSFuser]

Here you go:

199505

[HAN]

Thanks! Mine matches! :D

[NICK ADSL UK]

The full Rundown of whats on the XP SP3 CD is:

Courtesy of a very good MVP colleague of mine David Parry (https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile=3FC15DC9-1F5F-41B0-A846-E9B2BCF9CF6E) i am able to give you a breakdown of what is on xp 3 CD

The full fundown of whats on the XP SP3 CD is:

G:\DOTNETFX
G:\IMAGES
G:\SUPPORT
G:\SUPPORT\SYMBOLS
G:\SUPPORT\TOOLS
G:\VALUEADD
G:\VALUEADD\3RDPARTY
G:\VALUEADD\3RDPARTY\MGMT
G:\VALUEADD\3RDPARTY\MGMT\CITRIX
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\FONTS
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\MGMT
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\MGMT\CIMV2R5
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\MGMT\IAS
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\MGMT\PBA
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\MGMT\WBEMODBC
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\NET
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\NET\NETBEUI
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\NET\TOOLS
G:\VALUEADD\MSFT\USMT

Then the Value Add folder is

3rd Party folder which is a Citrix Client installer, helps with remote access.
Some fonts ( basically to cover the default fonts of the apps in case someone has deleted them Ariel TT in two forms )
WMI ODBC Driver
Phone Book Administrator
Windows NT 4.0 Internet Authentication Service snap-in
CIMv2r5.mof Windows XP
.Net BUI and Tools
USMT ( which is User State Migration Tools ) Download and overview of this tool seperate to having it added to the XP SP3 cd

Support folder has:

Symbols ( for bug reports and dumps )
Tools
ACT20.EXE
DEPLOY.CAB
FASTWIZ.EXE
GBUNICNV.EXE
MSRDPCLI.EXE
SUP_PRO.CAB
SUP_SRV.CAB
SUPPORT.CAB
SUPTOOLS.MSI

DotnetFX Folder

Which is just setup for dotnet

Images Folder

Which just houses the images used in the setup page for the various apps.

Screenshot of whole root of CD

[farmerlee]

-{ Quote: "The full Rundown of whats on the XP SP3 CD is:
Courtesy of a very good MVP colleague of mine David Parry (https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile=3FC15DC9-1F5F-41B0-A846-E9B2BCF9CF6E) i am able to give you a breakdown of what is on xp 3 CD
" }-
Is the xp sp3 cd available for download in an iso format or similar? I did a quick search but couldn't seem to find anything.

[WSFuser]

I believe Technet/MSDN members can download the ISO.

[NICK ADSL UK]

The ISO file is exclusive to Technet/MSDN subscribers at this time

[lucas1985]

Which version(s) of dotnet are available on the SP3 CD?
Will Microsoft offer CDs free of charge like it did with SP2?
Thanks :)

[WSFuser]

I believe its 1.1.

[lucas1985]

Thanks WSFuser :)

[C.S.J]

is it really the final released SP3,

always wonder, because i cant seem to find it on MS's website.

[NICK ADSL UK]

-{ Quote: "is it really the final released SP3,

always wonder, because i cant seem to find it on MS's website." }-
Rest assured C.S.J. it is but as i have said in a previous thread it's only officially available to RTM and tech net and MDSN subscribers at this time which is private

[lucas1985]

-{ Quote: "always wonder, because i cant seem to find it on MS's website." }-
It will go live on Tuesday. Until that, only Technet and MDSN subscribers will have access to it from Microsoft servers.

[NICK ADSL UK]

-{ Quote: "I believe its 1.1." }-
Yes that indeed is correct :)

[Chubb]

Service Pack 3 - New features, Installation Failures, Application Compatibility and known issues

http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=536&pgno=2

[kjempen]

Can it be slipstreamed w/plain old Windows XP cd, or does it have to have SP1 or SP2 from before?

By the way, for all people interested in slipstreaming, nLite (http://www.nliteos.com/) seems to do it quite nicely without any hassle (you can even modify the image and make your "own" Windows XP CD).

[ThunderZ]

-{ Quote: "Can it be slipstreamed w/plain old Windows XP cd, or does it have to have SP1 or SP2 from before?" }-


My exact plans and know of no reason you could not.

[lucas1985]

-{ Quote: "Can it be slipstreamed w/plain old Windows XP cd, or does it have to have SP1 or SP2 from before?" }-
From the Tech ARP article:
-{ Quote: "Service Pack 3 cannot be installed on Windows XP RTM. Service Pack 3 must be installed on Windows XP SP1/ SP2" }-

[Eagle Creek]

Well, I doubt there are much people who are running RTM these days and want to upgrade to SPIII.
If you are running RTM it's more likely you're going to upgrade to SPI or II.

[WSFuser]

SP3 can be slipstreamed to SP0 (RTM) but for installation on a live system it needs SP1 or SP2.

[ThunderZ]

-{ Quote: "SP3 can be slipstreamed to SP0 (RTM) but for installation on a live system it needs SP1 or SP2." }-


???? If sp3 is simply a roll-up of all previous updates (sp1 & 2 + post sp2 updates) why are they needed?

[WSFuser]

Unfortunately I dont an answer for you ThunderZ :-\ Microsoft said that you need at least SP1 before installing SP3 and thats all I know.

[ThunderZ]

-{ Quote: "Unfortunately I dont an answer for you ThunderZ :-\ Microsoft said that you need at least SP1 before installing SP3 and thats all I know." }-


Thanks WSFuser. With that bit of info. I`m site you just saved me some headaches. :thumb:

[lucas1985]

-{ Quote: "SP3 can be slipstreamed to SP0 (RTM) but for installation on a live system it needs SP1 or SP2." }-
Thanks for the clarification :) I wonder what's the difference ???

[nanana1]

The final version is now hosted on the Microsoft website.

Get the link on the 1st post.

[WSFuser]

Slipstreaming: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-slipstreaming.htm

By slipstreaming you can have a XP cd with SP3 on it. That way when you reinstall Windows you wont have to also reinstall SP3.

[ThunderZ]

-{ Quote: "The final version is now hosted on the Microsoft website.

Get the link on the 1st post." }-


Sorry nanana1 but direct downloads are frowned on. Could you please provide a link to the MS page.

[nanana1]

-{ Quote: "Sorry nanana1 but direct downloads are frowned on. Could you please provide a link to the MS page." }-

Direct link has been removed due to your request and users' frowns.

[lucas1985]

-{ Quote: "By slipstreaming you can have a XP cd with SP3 on it. That way when you reinstall Windows you wont have to also reinstall SP3." }-
I do know what slipstreaming means :) I wonder about why you need SP1/SP2 installed to install SP3 and you don't need any of them to slipstream. Perhaps you need a minimum version of Windows Update or BITS or something else?

[ThunderZ]

-{ Quote: "Direct link has been removed due to your request and users' frowns." }-


Just did a search on MS downloads. SP3 is still not showing up. Could you provide a link to the page that contains the d\l link.

[lucas1985]

Yup, it isn't available yet. Perhaps, they're preparing the servers for the onslaught of downloads and thus an FTP link slipped.

[Brian K]

-{ Quote: "Direct link has been removed due to your request and users' frowns." }-
I'm pleased I saw your post earlier today. Thanks for the direct link.

[nanana1]

-{ Quote: "I'm pleased I saw your post earlier today. Thanks for the direct link." }-

Actually, I'm rather confused. I posted the direct link and was told that users frown upon direct links and so I took it down and you actually appreciate the direct link.???

At this early stage, the MS download is not ready as the file is being uploaded onto the MS servers. The direct link is to serve the needs of the eager early adopters. By the time the download page is hosted, the MS servers would be jammed by heavy download traffic and you would have the speed you are seeing now.*puppy*

[Hairy Coo]

-{ Quote: "I wonder about why you need SP1/SP2 installed to install SP3 and you don't need any of them to slipstream. Perhaps you need a minimum version of Windows Update or BITS or something else?" }-

Presumably SP3 updates covers all SP2,its a 316mb download after all,so using XP SP1 for the OS would also render an up to date XPsp3.

Cant see any point in slipstreaming to install SP3,unless you are doing a repair install.

[Brian K]

-{ Quote: " and you would have the speed you are seeing now." }-
My download started at almost 1 MB/sec. I didn't watch it all the way, but it was fast.

[nanana1]

-{ Quote: "My download started at almost 1 MB/sec. I didn't watch it all the way, but it was fast." }-

Bet it will not be fast when the download page is up:P

[Brian K]

-{ Quote: "Bet it will not be fast when the download page is up" }-
I agree. I just checked the download speed again. 1.1 MB/sec. And that's from a wireless router.

[Brian K]

I installed SP3 into a test WinXP SP2 partition. No Windows Updates had been done after SP2 was installed to that OS.

Before SP3 there was 1.72 GB free space in the partition.

After installing SP3 there was 984 MB free space in the partition.

I deleted the Uninstall folder from the Windows folder and there was 1.22 GB free space in the partition.

I deleted the Service Pack Files folder from the Windows folder and there was 1.77 GB free space in the partition. More than I started with.

WinXP still said it was SP3 but I've no idea whether deleting the Service Pack Files folder was taking the cleanup too far. Any opinions?

[NICK ADSL UK]

Please don't post direct download links in this forum

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter

Regards

nick

[DVD+R]

~removed un-necessary verbage....Bubba~

And for those that didnt see it last time, I'll say it again! "30 days into this sp3 and your required to activate" so dont lose your xp product key

[Brian K]

-{ Quote: ""30 days into this sp3 and your required to activate" so dont lose your xp product key" }-
DVD+R,

Do you have a web page reference that explains the details?

[DVD+R]

-{ Quote: "DVD+R,

Do you have a web page reference that explains the details?" }-


Yes Brian :)

http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Windows-XP-SP3-Security.html

let me draw your attention to this particular paragraph:

Product Key-less install option. As with Windows Vista, XP SP3 installs can proceed without entering a product key during setup. But keep your product key handy as thirty days later you will have to enter the key in or your operating system will be reduced to a limited mode version.


Also if you read the EULA before accepting and installing the package, it will also mention this too ;)

[Brian K]

DVD+R,

Thanks for that reference. How weird.

[stapp]

I took this a different way
http://forums.it-suite.net/index.php/topic,172.0.html

New installations of Windows XP SP3 will give users the same 30-day grace period currently offered to Windows Vista customers before they're required to enter a product activation key, the 25-character code that proves the copy is legitimate.


The white paper, however, noted that the change does not apply to existing Windows XP installations upgraded to SP3. Those copies, which have presumably passed the activation stage previously, will not request the key again, Microsoft said.

Blogger Ed Bott of ZDNet, who created a "slip-streamed" Windows XP SP3 installation CD from the release candidate issued 10 days ago to simulate a fresh installation, noted that after the 30-day grace period expired, Windows masked the log-on screen with a message demanding a valid activation key.

I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[DVD+R]

Well with probably a Billion copies of XP being installed with Illegal serial keys from so called Genuine sources, Microsoft have nipped this little game in the bud somewhat, before some rascal hacks it again :D

[ThunderZ]

-{ Quote: "Cant see any point in slipstreaming to install SP3,unless you are doing a repair install." }-


Off the top of my head, there has been another 100+ MB of updates since Sp2. Slipstreaming is not a necessity but sure is convenient. ;D

[WSFuser]

If you do reinstalls youll come to appreciate slipstreaming.

[lucas1985]

-{ Quote: "Cant see any point in slipstreaming to install SP3,unless you are doing a repair install." }-
It's useful if you want to start from scratch. When your original images (of the fresh installed system) are more than two years old, it's nice to rebuild your software base :)

[ruinebabine]

Microsoft's official Overview of Windows XP Service Pack 3 (http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/8/7/687484ed-8174-496d-8db9-f02b40c12982/Overview%20of%20Windows%20XP%20Service%20Pack%203.pdf).

<<As in Windows Server 2003 SP2 and Windows Vista, users can now complete operating system installation without providing a product key during a full, integrated installation of Windows XP SP3. The operating system will prompt the user for a product key later as part of Genuine Advantage.

As with previous service packs, no product key is requested or required when installing Windows XP SP3 using the update package available through Microsoft Update.

Note: The Windows Product Activation changes in Windows XP SP3 are not related to the Windows Vista Key Management Service (KMS). This update affects only new operating system installations from integrated source media. This update affects the installation media only and is not a change to how activation works in Windows XP. >>

( "New and Enhanced Functionality #3: Windows Product Activation", excerp from this PDF file, dated 3/31/2008 )

From the horse's mouth, for what it's worth...

[Long View]

don't know if this helps but I just turned my clock forward 35 days - rebooted and there was no request for reactivation.

[19monty64]

Are there any users of the unofficial "Royale remixed theme" that have upgraded to SP3? I tried SP3 during it's earlier stages and it rendered Royale unusable, even with the patch included with the remix installer. I just need to know if I need to uninstall Royale before the SP3 install...

[NICK ADSL UK]

-{ Quote: "Are there any users of the unofficial "Royale remixed theme" that have upgraded to SP3? I tried SP3 during it's earlier stages and it rendered Royale unusable, even with the patch included with the remix installer. I just need to know if I need to uninstall Royale before the SP3 install..." }-
Some software like theme's may not work with the service pack 3. Style xp is one example i have informed the author of this and hopefully an update will be forthcoming

[WSFuser]

Try this UX theme patcher for SP3 (http://www.msfn.org/board/SP3-UX-theme-patcher-10-t116237.html) instead.

[Hairy Coo]

-{ Quote: "It's useful if you want to start from scratch. When your original images (of the fresh installed system) are more than two years old, it's nice to rebuild your software base :)" }-

Thats what I am saying of course -with a fresh install there is possibly days of work ahead to get to the previous point.

With a slipstreamed SP3 repair install which I did,all that needs to be added to the slipstream are the specialised drivers and the end result is similar to a fresh install.

[19monty64]

-{ Quote: "Try this UX theme patcher for SP3 (http://www.msfn.org/board/SP3-UX-theme-patcher-10-t116237.html) instead." }-
Thanx WSFuser, that's exactly what I needed!!! I've had the "noir" for so long, any other theme looks "98'ish" to me... :thumb: :thumb:

[Perman]

Hi, folks:

Perhaps someone can help me here.

I installed so-called SP3 build 5512 last weekend via softpedia.com link.

And I found out today thru system information, that the version is actually

5.1.2600 service pack 3 build 2600. but hardware abstraction layer is listed as

version="5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)"

Can some one explain these to me ? thanks.

[WSFuser]

"5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)" is known as the build string. Dont worry though, its correct.

[Brian K]

-{ Quote: "
I deleted the Uninstall folder from the Windows folder and there was 1.22 GB free space in the partition.

I deleted the Service Pack Files folder from the Windows folder and there was 1.77 GB free space in the partition.
" }-
I'll answer my own questions. It's OK to delete these folders. (But keep a copy of the Service Pack Files folder). I like to keep my C: drive lean so backup images are small.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290728

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=3204640&SiteID=17

http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm

[Perman]

-{ Quote: ""5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)" is known as the build string. Dont worry though, its correct." }-
Thanks.

[Chubb]

Full retail and volume license of Windows XP with SP3 (integrated build) now available to MSDN and TechNet Plus subscribers

The following languages are available: Chinese Simplified, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. Additional languages will be made available soon.

http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=3281962&SiteID=17


English Retail ISO: 617,756,672 bytes
MD5: f424a52153e6e5ed4c0d44235cf545d5
SHA1: 1c735b38931bf57fb14ebd9a9ba253ceb443d459


English VOL ISO: 617,754,624 bytes
MD5: 5bf476e2fc445b8d06b3c2a6091fe3aa
SHA1: 66ac289ae27724c5ae17139227cbe78c01eefe40

[Chalawah]

Just came across this, dated 30th April from vnunet.com:



-{ Quote: "A compatibility issue has forced Microsoft to delay the release of new service packs for Windows Vista and XP.

Windows Vista SP1 and XP SP3 have been pulled from the Windows Update utility and the Microsoft Download Center until a fix can be issued.

A company spokesperson told vnunet.com that the delay is down to a compatibility issue with Microsoft's Dynamics RMS software, which is used by small and medium-sized retailers to manage their business.

The spokesperson declined to comment on when the service packs would be released again.

Microsoft is in the process of implementing a filter which will prevent Dynamics RMS users from downloading the service packs while allowing all other users to update their PCs. The company is also testing a fix for the issue.

News of the delay comes on the day that Microsoft had planned to release the XP service pack, and just eight days after Microsoft sent the first versions of the service pack to manufacturers. It also comes just five days after Vista SP1 was released.

Microsoft has advised all Dynamics RMS users running either of the service pack updates to contact its Customer Support Services for more information.
" }-


http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2215516/microsoft-pulls-windows-updates

:-\

[Ocky]

I really can't see any need to install SP3. It consists mainly of patches,
hotfixes and updates that were available previously. The only new functionality is this:

"Black Hole" Router Detection
Windows XP SP3 includes improvements to black hole router detection (detecting routers that are silently discarding packets), turning it on by default.
Network Access Protection (NAP)
NAP is a policy enforcement platform built into Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows XP SP3 with which you can better protect network assets by enforcing compliance with system health requirements. Using NAP, you can create customized health policies to validate computer health before allowing access or communication; automatically update compliant computers to ensure ongoing compliance; and optionally confine noncompliant computers to a restricted network until they become compliant.

(And I think the Security Control Center provides more info).

Am I missing something vital that would justify installing ? SP3 was released
to bring those up-to-date that have not always applied the security patches.

[lucas1985]

-{ Quote: "Am I missing something vital that would justify installing ?" }-
See here (http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=536&pgno=3):

Microsoft® Windows Imaging Component (WIC)
Microsoft Management Console (MMC) 3.0
Microsoft Core XML Services (MSXML) 6.0
Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1 v2 (3.1.4000.2435)
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) 2.5
Digital Identity Management Service
IPsec Simple Policy Update for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP
Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) 2.1
Wi-Fi Protected Access 2
HD Audio Support

Those features are already available if you have applied all the optional updates.
Also, private hotfixes (i.e., those that you need to request) for specific problems are bundled with SP3.

[EASTER]

Whew!

Some of these preceeding statements are exactly why i don't get excited over this latest SP. With the new files come new changes which means more additional time wasted running after customization fixes. And i'm a huge customization buff.

Once broken not always easily fixed, probably not that important for most users but definitely for enough users.

[btman]

so when is sp3 coming to windows update?

[NICK ADSL UK]

-{ Quote: "so when is sp3 coming to windows update?" }-
I'll let you know as soon as i know ;)

[19monty64]

-{ Quote: "Whew!

Some of these preceeding statements are exactly why i don't get excited over this latest SP. With the new files come new changes which means more additional time wasted running after customization fixes. And i'm a huge customization buff.

Once broken not always easily fixed, probably not that important for most users but definitely for enough users." }-
Yes, I had my Royale theme disabled by SP3 and thanks to WSFuser I had it sorted out in short order. Someone with a large degree of customization might not be so lucky...

[Ocky]

http://www.winfuture.de/xpisobuilder3_en

Here's what xp-Iso-Builder has to offer:

Integrate Service Packs & Updates
Integrate user accounts
Change registry settings
Unattended (automatic) installation incl. registration key and creation of user data
Change paths of different system folders
Change launch modes of system services
Defining pagefiles
Integrate user-defined desktop theme
Integrate your own fonts
Integrate controller drivers for SATA, RAID, etc.
Integrate device drivers for graphics, sound, network, etc.
Integrate service and security updates
Integrate applications
Remove unnecessary folders
Integrate your own folders
Convert Recovery-CDs
Enable usage of unauthorized visual styles
Speed up internet after installation of SP2 (TCP/IP patch)
Includes profile management for easy recovery of different settings made
Languages: German, English
Clarifications concerning every action
Create bootable CD/DVD-ISO-Image

[Chubb]

IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3

http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx

[WSFuser]

-{ Quote: "we don't support slipstreaming IE7 into Windows XP SP3 image." }-
What a shame :-\

I guess Ill just have to install IE7 after Windows then :(

[farmerlee]

-{ Quote: "What a shame :-\

I guess Ill just have to install IE7 after Windows then :(" }-
IE7 slipstreams just fine. I used nlite to slipstream sp3 into xp pro sp2 and then slipstreamed ie7 on top of that, no problems at all.

[ronjor]

-{ Quote: "Windows XP Service Pack 3 is a service pack that is cumulative back to the last currently-supported service pack. This means that Windows XP Service Pack 3 contains all the fixes that were included with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2). If you have already installed Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), you do not have to install Windows XP SP2.

Note You must have either Windows XP Service Pack 1a or Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed in order to install Windows XP Service Pack 3." }-Release notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929)

[HAN]

Sure surprised me that it's available for download through WU! I had to scrammble to block it at work tonight. I thought I had more time. I need more time to test it in our work environment...

[HURST]

Just installed it via WU.
Let's see how it behaves....:-\

[DVD+R]

Hello :)
Windows SP3 Has Today reached the Windows update site and is available for download from windowsupdates.com A typical delivery size is around 66MB

The option to install is yours alone 8)

[Long View]

following an update to SP3 does anyone have any ideas which files/folders it is safe to remove ?

[Nick Rhodes]

-{ Quote: "following an update to SP3 does anyone have any ideas which files/folders it is safe to remove ?" }-

Take a look at my post: http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showpost.php?p=1236588&postcount=10

[Brian K]

-{ Quote: "following an update to SP3 does anyone have any ideas which files/folders it is safe to remove ?" }-
See http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=207221&page=3#69

[dr pan k]

installed sp3 in italian, works ok. only problem with windows live messenger that kept asking for a repair. downloaded the msi installer and now everything seems realy smooth. (laptop hp,turion64x2,1Gb of ram).

seems faster too. everybody should give it a try...

[Joan Archer]

I installed yesterday when it was offered via WU and so far no problems.;)

[Long View]

Thanks nickr and Brian K - system now a lot slimmer.

[Peter2150]

hi Brian

Thanks for your patience and help. I wonder if it's necessary to keep the Servicepack files, if you downloaded the ISO, and have the CD. Any thoughts anyone.

Pete

[Nick Rhodes]

-{ Quote: "hi Brian

Thanks for your patience and help. I wonder if it's necessary to keep the Servicepack files, if you downloaded the ISO, and have the CD. Any thoughts anyone.

Pete" }-

The servicepackfiles folder has the updated files and is used by Windows File Protection and when additional components are installed to prevent older system files being installed.

Removing the service pack un-install folder means you cannot un-install SP3.

[Eagle Creek]

Bit offtopic but with the hard drive sizes these days I would wonder why you want them deleted.
Just to be sure you can burn them on a CD, and if you want to remove SP 3 you can move them back :).

[lodore]

Hi Eagle Creek,
its most likely to reduce the size of there system partition so imaging takes less time.

service pack 3 was installed with no issues on my old pc

[Brian K]

-{ Quote: "its most likely to reduce the size of there system partition so imaging takes less time.
" }-
Correct.

I've stored ServicePackFiles in another partition and I'll temporarily copy it to C:\Windows before a manual Windows Update.

PS As a test I reinstalled SP3 over the top of a SP3 with both folders removed. It took 3 minutes. The ServicePackFiles folder was present again but the uninstall folder was not present. At least you can get the ServicePackFiles folder back again if you need it.

[NICK ADSL UK]

More on Windows XP Service Pack 3...
-{ Quote: "We'd like to provide more information and address reports you may have heard about "continuous reboot loops" occurring upon the update to Windows XP SP3.

After investigation, we’ve determined this problem occurs on AMD-based machines with Windows XP images that were originally captured by an OEM on an Intel-based machine. The problem is a registry value, present on images created w/ Intel processors, that causes a driver (intelppm.sys) to load at boot. When intelppm.sys attempts to load on an AMD-based system upon the install of SP3, it causes a blue screen and the continuous reboot. We’re planning to add a filter to prevent Windows Update from offering SP3 to affected systems and are investigating a fix. Any customers affected by this issue should contact Microsoft Customer Support Services for assistance. More information is available in KB88372 and here.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372/en-us

On a related note, we've heard a few questions about SP3’s distribution. To clarify our earlier post, SP3 is currently available as a High Priority update on the Windows Update website. This means that if you go to WU and do an express or custom install - you should see SP3 listed. We’re planning to begin automatic distribution (via AU) of SP3 sometime in early summer.

Hope this is helpful,

-MU Team" }-

[Firecat]

Installed SP3 here, works great with no broken software. I'm quite happy since the system has become slightly snappier as well :)

[DVD+R]

I decided to give it a whirl, but created a snapshot first with FDISR just incase I want to revert without any uninstalling and stuff, Not much to yell about in my view but then again I'm running a rig with 2TB and 8GB RAM So :P I cant tell if its snappier or not :P

Oh! And Hurray! for Me ;D 8) :dry: :P After 18 months of being a Member I reached the Milestone of 1000 Posts with this one ;D

[twl845]

-{ Quote: "I decided to give it a whirl, but created a snapshot first with FDISR just incase I want to revert without any uninstalling and stuff, Not much to yell about in my view but then again I'm running a rig with 2TB and 8GB RAM So :P I cant tell if its snappier or not :P

Oh! And Hurray! for Me ;D 8) :dry: :P After 18 months of being a Member I reached the Milestone of 1000 Posts with this one ;D" }-
2TB and 8 GB RAM. Smokin'.

[Birdman]

When I has SP2....I used to run the "sfc /scannow" run command w/o any issues. I updated to SP3 and removed the "ServicePackFiles" folder (saved it on a CD) and I tried running the same "sfc /scannow" command and it's asking for me to insert my Windows XP cd.

Is this related to that 'ServicePackFiles' folder that I removed?

[Eagle Creek]

When you installed Windows XP using your CD: did this CD already contain SP2, or did you update after worths?

[Hairy Coo]

-{ Quote: "When you installed Windows XP using your CD: did this CD already contain SP2, or did you update after worths?" }-

It doesnt really matter because SP3 will have all the SP2 updates in any case,
so as long as SP3 is used you will be up to date at present.

The method I used was to slipstream your XP CD,using nLite,then include the downloaded XP3 final from MS, include drivers and delete unecessary bits and pieces.

By cutting out all uneccessary components and there are so many,I reduced the size of the final ISO to 312mb from 533mb.

Burn the ISO and install a nicely working SP3 :thumb:

[Birdman]

-{ Quote: "When you installed Windows XP using your CD: did this CD already contain SP2, or did you update after worths?" }-

No, I updated to SP2 via Windows Update.

[Brian K]

Birdman,

I have the same issue. I copied the 'ServicePackFiles' folder back to C:\Windows but it hasn't fixed the problem.

[Brian K]

http://www.technologyquestions.com/technology/windows-xp/228319-sfc-issue-after-running-win-xp-service-pack-3-a.html

[Eagle Creek]

-{ Quote: "It doesnt really matter because SP3 will have all the SP2 updates in any case,
so as long as SP3 is used you will be up to date at present." }-
Well: the reason why I asked (sorry for this late reply but I didn't receive any notification) is because scannow will pop up the same error if you have installed your Service Pack separately from your Windows installation, e.g. if you didn't slipstream.

The Windows CD (SP1) will be a different version then the installed Windows version (SP2) and that causes the scannow to alert you about this.

The link that Brian K gave seems to be helpful with this subject.

[Stijnson]

How much GB does installing SP3 scoop up from your HD? I've read some posts from people claiming they had lost 2-5GB by installing this SP. I can't believe this to be normal.

How many MB/GB should a normal (and correctly performed) update to SP3 take?

[Brian K]

Stijnson,

After deleting the unnecessary folders, you finish up about 30 MB better off.

[prius04]

-{ Quote: "After deleting the unnecessary folders, you finish up about 30 MB better off." }-
Hi Brian!

So, which folders would you (or any others who care to comment) recommend deleting out of the following?:

....\WINDOWS\$hf_mig$
....\WINDOWS\ie7
....\WINDOWS\ie7updates
....\WINDOWS\ServicePackFiles

Also, I've read where some have deleted their \windows\system32\dllcache folder without any adverse effects (that thing is ~150MB in size on my machines).

TIA.

[Brian K]

prius04,

You should keep the first three.

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=207221&page=3#69

http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=207221&page=4#97

[prius04]

Thanks, Brian!

So, regarding the ServicePackFiles folder, if those files are deleted, there will be issues with manual MS (Windows) Updates?

[Brian K]

I don't think so. I've kept my ServicePackFiles folder in another partition and I can move it back if need be. I'll probably eventually delete it because it can be recreated by running the SP3 update again.

[prius04]

Thanks again. I think it might have just been an isolated (and unrelated) MS Update hiccup. When I moved the folder off primary, I got an error but the last time I tried everything was back to normal. Now that's 500MB less I don't have to image! ;D

[Brian K]

OK. Did you decide to keep the uninstall folder?

[prius04]

If you mean the $NtUninstall folder, nope that's history. I always blast those things away after I do a couple of images (on two different drives) and don't experience any anomalies after a few days.