Kitz Forum
Computer Software => Windows => Topic started by: oldfogy on April 22, 2008, 02:57:33 AM
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Windows XP SP3 goes to manufacturing, will be released April 29th
http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/21/windows-xp-sp3-goes-to-manufacturing-will-be-released-april-29t/
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I can't wait... been using a pre-lease version of SP3 for some time tho.
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I am just installing the RTM version now.
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Just as a matter of interest does anyone know what size the download will be.
Yorkie
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yorkie - i think its 316MB .......
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Pwiggler's about right... I've not heard yet whether you will be able to order it on CD-ROM as with the previous XP service packs.
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Not totally clear what the excitement is about. As far as I can tell if you've kept up to date with Windows Update there is very little that is new - or am I missing something
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I was wondering that too. From what I've read, it certainly isn't going to bring about as many changes and enhancements as SP2 did.
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It will certainly make things a lot less painful for anyone doing an XP (re-)install, but otherwise...?
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Well yeah, funny enough we were just talking about that at work - the number of updates that new rebuilds have to do is horrendous - a slipstreamed SP3 install is gonna make things loads quicker!
Mind you, Microsoft haven't intended it to be a major release either. Quote from the Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=68c48dad-bc34-40be-8d85-6bb4f56f5110&displaylang=en) document:
Windows XP SP3 combines all previously released performance, security, and stability updates. It also provides a limited number of new and enhanced functionalities, although it does not significantly change the Windows XP experience or bring most Windows Vista functionality to Windows XP. The goals of Windows XP SP3 are to:
- Provide a new baseline for customers still deploying Windows XP, to help them avoid the inconvenience of applying individual updates.
- Fill gaps in the updates users might have missed by declining individual updates when using Automatic Updates, and to deliver updates not made available through Windows Update.
For more information about Windows XP SP3, go to Windows XP Service Packs (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/bb410118.aspx).
So there you have it, it's essentially an updates rollup with one or two new features.
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The download is 316Mb and there is visually nothing new. Its just loads of updates.
My unsigned themes don't work any more because that dll has changed(just a warning).
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- a slipstreamed SP3 install is gonna make things loads quicker!
I don't know if this is a stupid question or not, but.
I have a SP2 disc and the last time I used it, it appeared to do a reinstall of XP. Would that be correct ?
IE:
I installed XP which took (for arguments sake one hour)
I then installed SP2 which also took a further (for arguments sake one hour)
And I am pretty sure I had to re-confirm my S/No etc.
If yes, then does that mean you could install XP using the SP disc rather than the actual XP disc.
Or was it just that's how long it took to install the updates ?
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"Slipstreaming" is the process where you make a Windows XP disc that already includes a service pack.
Therefore you can install from the CD and XP will already contain SP2. From what you say it sounds like that's what you've got.
Service packs are just like any other program as far as the installation routine goes, and I've attached a screnshot of the opening screen of the SP2 installer to this post. It just takes a while! But you certainly don't need to re-confirm serial number etc when you install it.
So in your case, yes I'd guess you could install XP by using your SP2 disc, which is probably a slipstream one.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Thanks Chris.
I just had a look at it but it has a different look to it than your screen-shot, but I only went probably as far as you, just before the actual "Install now" link.
Mine was supplied by MS when they were available.
"I will try it later, just out of curiosity".
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Oh yeah, sorry about that, I'm still using the Windows classic look, rather than the now-not-so-new XP Luna theme :) (old habits die hard!)
If it was the CD that Microsoft were shipping out for free, then it possibly is just Service Pack 2, and not the whole of Windows XP.
And yeah, it can take up to an hour to install, too.
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Chris, I doubt they'd ship out the whole of windows for free.
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Yeah, I don't know why I said "possibly" - I certainly didn't mean to!!
I too got a copy of the CD, and it is DEFINITELY just service pack 2 setup.
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Yes it is the free one.
I have now tried it, but it is not bootable, so is not a install disc as well.
But when you come to think of it, installing all of those initial updates, 120 (at the time) I think, can take some time.
But it did look like it was re-installing and not just installing updates as it looks now when downloading updates.
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It's late (no surprise there).
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Read here: http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1368&tag=nl.e589 (apparently MS found a problem with SP3 and have delayed the general release).
Though it can be downloaded from a link here: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=1778
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(apparently MS found a problem with SP3 and have delayed the general release).
Though it can be downloaded from a link here: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=1778
"Not aimed at you Floydiod" just a general statement
I don't see the point in downloading something that the manufacturers say there is a problem with?
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Neither do I, but I downloaded and installed it anyway... no problems so far.
BTW if (like me) you had a beta or RC version of SP3, you need to uninstall it first before installing a newer version.
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Judging by the various problems with vista, it probably does not matter that much anyway.
But I have not DL it yet.
"re: the post concerning the "Favorites Folder" being automatically moved, then not working.
This is not an isolated case either judging by the M$ information help site.
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Wouldn't know about the favorites folder as I never use IE.
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Floydy, not trying to get at you in any way, promise, but I think I should give an 'official' view here!
Kitz.co.uk does not recommend that users install pre-release software on their main computer, as it could make your system unstable. There is also no guarantee against a bug in the beta software causing data loss, although this is (thankfully) a rare occurrence.
We would especially recommend staying away from anything to do with the base operating system on your computer, such as major operating system changes like service packs, until they are officially released.
If you do like trying stuff before it's released, then if possible, use a spare PC, or virtualisation software like VMWare or Virtual PC. That way, you won't risk your main, day-to-day PC.
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Understood Chris... I didn't think I was advocating using pre-release software, although in this case it is the RTM (Release to Manufacturer's) version... but as ever caution is advised (even if I do occasionally throw it to the wind). :)
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Interesting read at http://www.computeractive.co.uk/vnunet/news/2216407/sp3-woes-mount which would indicate that the majority of users having problems with SP3 are running AMD machines (like me :'( )
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Hmm, both of my machines have AMD processors, so I guess I was one of the lucky ones.
There's quite a lengthy thread about it here: http://forums.computeractive.co.uk/thread.jspa?threadID=135540
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I downloaded from dave.m's link .... and it is sitting in abeyance whilst I wonder whether I should install or not :'( I have an AMD processor and I'm feeling less inclined to install as yet after reading the references to problems with AMD !!! (undecided icon ) :)
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Yeah... I'm holding off for a while til I see how the storm settles. I was gonna try it on a spare machine at work, but decided it didn't really help, since any problems with it are likely to manifest on PCs that have been used and abused, with tons of programs been installed/uninstalled, a registry that's on crutches, drive more fragmented than a shattered windscreen, and way overdue a reinstall!! (hmm that sounds like my PC!)
So no, I probably won't get around to trying it anytime soon, until I see a few more positive reports!! Floydy's counts as one, gotta find a few more first!.....
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So no, I probably won't get around to trying it anytime soon,
Is that including the auto updates or just installing from the SP3 pack?
I did notice when going for a update check it gives the option of installing the SP3 updates or just selecting the normal updates.
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So no, I probably won't get around to trying it anytime soon, until I see a few more positive reports!! Floydy's counts as one, gotta find a few more first!.....
Chris,
If you are counting, add two votes from me.
I put it on my old Packard Bell NEC with Intel Pentium4 and also on my (newer) Acer Extensa with AMD Athlon64 X2.
Both are working fine, not really speeded up as far as I have noticed but certainly not slowed down.
In my other post I said that I had downloaded the full SP3 to, and installed on the Acer, and then burned it to disc for the second (P-B) PC as it was going to take over an hour to download.
It's now a week and nothing untoward so I can now be classed as one of the 'Happy Chappies'.
dave
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I installed SP3 last weekend on an Intel Pentium 4 and have had no problems with it. All peripherals seem to be working fine. I can't say it seems any faster - if anything it seems a tad slower than before SP3 but perhaps that is just me looking forward to my memory update!
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Would anyone like a challenge ?
On the normal update page if you select "Custom" part of the wording now says you can order SP3 on CD.
But after clicking the link "I can't find where to order it"
I know I can DL it and already have have it, but I would prefer to have M$ send me one as they did with SP2.
So would anyone like to try and find the order page.
http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us
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OF I would help you if I could, BUT ..a strange thing happened when I went onto your link ....I'm using FF, the whole thing froze up ...closed FF and then tried to re-open but received the message 'Fireforx is already open, either close it or re start computer' as it was already closed, I restarted machine...then was told FF couldn't open. I traced the fault through Googling... (had to use IE7) went into FF profiles and deleted the Parent lock file !!! :'( :'( .... re started computer and VOILA all back to normal ..... UNTIL .... I clicked on your link again (glutton for punishment aren't I !) this time I had the message FF has to close ..... !!!! so I'm sorry I don't know where you order from your CD from ........ I feel like saying " am I bovvered " :lol:
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.. (had to use IE7) went into FF profiles and deleted the Parent lock file !!!
Thanks for trying anyway.
I can't see that it would be anything to do with a parental lock, my link above was with using IE6, so I wonder if it's just a FF problem with trying to access the M$ site.
I do seem to recall people saying that they still use IE for updating, so again it could be a FF problem with the M$ site.
To anyone else who may fancy trying, just try it from your normal M$ update link, but then select the "Custom" update.
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From what I remember, the SP2 CDs took a while to appear for order, and probably the same will be true of SP3 ones.
They might not even do it, because nowadays, dare I say, most people either have broadband, OR know someone with it, so downloading the ISO image or the Network install isn't as much of a problem as it used to be. But maybe that's me being too blinkered? Dunno!
Even the Windows XP Downloads (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/default.mspx) page doesn't have SP3 listed anywhere! Looks like it really was just quietly rolled out, and the site stuff comes later.
SP3 isn't anywhere near as big a change as SP2 was, so there isn't the great push to install it like with SP2, so perhaps they're being a bit more laid back about the whole affair. Plus with M$ trying to push us all onto Vista, they may be less likely to make it easier for people to stay on XP?
Will be interesting anyway, to see what develops :)
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Just to add, OF, I went to Windows Update, and followed the link for ordering it on CD, but looks like the CD isn't available at all yet. It did say on the site that Service Packs available on the web may not yet be available on CD.
And interestingly, I spotted this which I'd not seen or realised before:
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.
Interesting! No versions of Windows (well, the NT-based ones anyway) have required anything but the 'gold' OS to be installed first. However, over 5 years after the release of SP1a, it's fair to expect customers have upgraded by now! Although having said that, I do see more PCs than I'd like running SP1 or even XP in its birthday suit. And predictably, they're usually the worst ones to sort out too :(
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I went to Windows Update, and followed the link for ordering it on CD,
Thanks for trying Chris, at least if nothing else it's not just my imagination of seeing SP3 available on CD etc and not being able to find it.
Although I have to admit, my search skills are not what they should be (absolutely useless) :graduate:
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It was only last week that the M$ Update Site had a notice that 'Only users with SP2 would receive Updates'.
Just had a look now and that box is missing, it was the bottom right under the Auto Updates selection box. Does anyone remember it?
Must have been removed so that they can put the SP3 restrictions as SP1a for receiving SP3.
Having burned the SP3 to a CD from my XP SP2 computer download, what is stopping me trying to install it on a bare XP. Don't know if it would go OK or throw up some glitches.
As for Kate and her Firefox playing up, M$ Updates are only available through IE browsers or FF with the IE addon. Even if your FF is set as default, clicking on M$ Updates will turn on IE to go to the site. Not sure if that may explain the reason for FF throwing a wobbler.
dave
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Having burned the SP3 to a CD from my XP SP2 computer download, what is stopping me trying to install it on a bare XP. Don't know if it would go OK or throw up some glitches.
What's stopping you? Probably the installer routine which will presumably check the version before allowing the install to proceed?
Glitches and stuff.. I guess there would be some fairly major pre-SP1 omissions... I assume they've done this to keep the size of the download down a bit.. SP1 was an extra 133MB iirc!
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As for Kate and her Firefox playing up, M$ Updates are only available through IE browsers or FF with the IE addon. Even if your FF is set as default, clicking on M$ Updates will turn on IE to go to the site. Not sure if that may explain the reason for FF throwing a wobbler.
Hi Dave, I know that updates can only be done through IE ... I wouldn't have thought that the link to MS would cause a glitch on FF .... I made two attempts at the link, each time causing a problem .... I suppose it might have been a coincidence .....technology ::) hey ho ! :)
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I just tried going to Windows Update in Firefox 2.0.0.14 (latest) - and just got a message saying I need to use IE5 or above.
No crashes... maybe a dodgy extension or something?
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Chris, windows update won't work in Firefox unless you've got the IEtab extension.
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Floydy, yeah I do know that Windows Update requires IE... sorry think I wasn't very clear what I was trying to say there... scottiesmum went to OF's link in Firefox and her browser froze up - which shouldn't happen.
I was just seeing if my Firefox also froze up, which it didn't!
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Ah ok :)
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Sorry Chris, perhaps I should have acknowledged your reply as I realised it was aimed at my problem ..but being the shy, retiring woman I am .....I simply chose to say nothing :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: thanks for your interest. I've put it down to a fickle glitch ...... obviously FF is Male ;) :angel: :angel: :lol:
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obviously FF is Male
I'll pretend I didn't hear that.
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..but being the shy, retiring woman I am .....I simply chose to say nothing
:-X :lol:
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WELL !!! I've bitten the bullet, taken the bull by the horns, thrown caution to the wind ................. and installed SP3 !!! :clap: :clap: and so far .....so good...no obvious glitches .... :drunk: :drunk:
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:thumbs: :drink:
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Nice one Kate. :)
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Decided to go for it this afternoon.
I must say I'm quite disappointed by the whole affair really. The install took about 15 minutes in total.. no obvious changes, and nothing to complain about, except quite a bit less space on my C: drive!
How boring :lol:
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If anyone feels that way inclined you can d/l an ISO of SP3 and burn it to cd-rom:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&displaylang=en
Chris if you were reasonably upto date the install wouldn't have taken long as SP3 is basically SP2 plus all the interim updates and a few minor system upgrades.
What has become clear from discussions elsewhere is that SP3 won't install straight over the top of a fresh XP installation... it needs SP1 or SP2 installed first. Apparently it was intended that SP3 should install straight onto XP but our fruiends at MS didn't quite get it right.
Ho-hum.
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I must say I too was totally underwhelmed .... mine took about the same 15 mins ... and STILL no apparent changes .... anyway I always say " no news is good news " :)
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Well if it does go belly up, you can uninstall SP3... and you will be rolled back to SP2.
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Floydy - I was actually trying to be funny... lol you don't need to tell me what SP3 is ;) Just because I didn't install it sooner doesn't mean I haven't been keeping a close eye on the thing since the moment it was announced! I just don't like delving in where my own PC is concerned.
So, yeah, I was pretty sure what to expect from SP3, having read through the list of changes document (as I always do before applying a service pack). Was pleasantly surprised by the install time, I must admit, but as you say, that'll be because I was up to date with prior updates.
As regards needing Service Pack 1a or higher, in fact if you remember I stated just on the previous page of this very topic that it would only install if you had SP1a or higher (clicky (http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php?topic=1910.msg66506#msg66506)). The reason is probably because they couldn't fit it all on one CD-ROM if they included all the pre-SP1 stuff!
I think given how massive SP2 was, (and to a lesser extent, SP1 introduced some notable changes too), then the non-logical part of my mind was expecting to notice at least SOMETHING with SP3!!
Hey, at least the PC still boots, that's the main thing :D
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Chris, it's been a long day. :)
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Just to add, OF, I went to Windows Update, and followed the link for ordering it on CD, but looks like the CD isn't available at all yet. It did say on the site that Service Packs available on the web may not yet be available on CD.
Update:
I don't know how long it's been available but it is now possible to order SP3 on CD, although it's not free it only costs £5.98 (probably to cover P&P)
It wasn't exactly easy to find so I have posted the link where I finally ended-up, hopefully the following link will work.
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/Product.aspx?StoreID=7b7aa929-bd0a-487a-bc7e-df7631fee660&LocaleCode=en-us
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Released on 29th of April, cracked and pasted on the internet with a free Serial Key 30th April for download :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Dave, that link returns an error.