Rob Cheng
Dave Methvin
Steve Hogan
Lyle Schuknecht
Bill ZahrenWindows XP SP3 has problems
On Wednesday, May 7th 2008, Microsoft released the long awaited Windows XP SP3. Almost immediately hundreds of users registered complaints ranging from complete crashes to looping reboots. Similar problems have accompanied previous service packs and are usually the result of conflicting software.
Now, a few days later, it’s known that many of the reports are specific to HP Computers with AMD processors. Copies of Windows intended for Intel-based machines were used by OEMs on AMD-based computers. According to Microsoft the blame sits squarely on HP and possibly other OEMs
Help and Support or call: 866-234-6020.
Jesper Johansson, a well respected MVP in Windows Security, has been helpful in identifying this problem and was quoted in a May 12th Article from Gregg Keizer of ComputerWorld. “The problem is that HP, and possibly other OEMs, deploy the same image to Intel-based desktops that they do to AMD-based desktops”. Many of us already know the problems associated with installing the wrong drivers on a system and this is exactly the same situation. Thankfully this problem is restricted to HP desktop models and does not affect their laptops.
In addition to the above problem there is a separate “no boot” situation specific to the Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard, which also is designed for AMD processors. If you are seeing the error code: STOP:0x000000A5 after installing SP3 then you can use a USB flash drive as a temporary fix. Once you’ve installed a USB flash drive or other secondary storage device you will be able to boot your computer. This certainly is not convenient but will help until the problem is properly solved.
A flurry of fixes immediately after releasing a major service pack is nothing new to Windows users. The unlimited configuration possibilities almost assure there will be some necessary adjustments. Microsoft seems to be reacting quickly this time, with updates coming every day since SP3s original release.
There is no doubt this problem will be rectified but PC Pitstop cannot recommend installing Windows XP SP3 at this time. Information on the issues addressed with this important update can be found in our recent article "Windows SP3: The Long Journey".
For those who have already installed this service pack and are experiencing problems, we suggest referencing Microsoft Help and Support document KB888372 dated May 6th, 2008. In some cases the fix can be as easy as using your Add/Remove programs utility to remove the offending service pack. You can find assistance with SP3 removal from this Microsoft Support Document "How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer". Keep checking with us for updates on this important service pack.
KB888372Jesper Johansson
Endless Reboots
Information Week
Windows SP3: The Long Journey
Microsoft Support Document
May 15th, 2008 at 1:32 am
surprise, surprise
May 15th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
have installed on an E-Machine with celeron; 4 Dells SX-260's with P-4; and a dual Dell Vostro laptop and no problems.
Not much change either in performance or anything else for that matter.
Pretty benign so far.
May 15th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
Hi,
This took place on May 15th.
I just finished building a PC and installing Win XP Pro. I immediately went to Microsoft and started the long task of downloading and installing updates. The first required update was SP3…Cool…I thought it would save time. I downloaded and installed SP3 and other security and software updates. Then I started getting errors saying the downloads were not installed. They consisted of Netframework 1 & 2, Media player 11, Security fix to Explorer 7, and this one is hard to understand, and update for Flash failed to install. I havn't even installed any software to my PC yet other than windows and SP3. I tried to install each update indepedently, but they all failed. Including a few that I havn't mentioned. I then installed Adobe Flash Reader. I went back to microsoft updates and again tried to install the Flash update. It still would not install.
At this time I, May 16th, I still cannot install the remaining updates.
All comments welcome!
May 15th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
while installing service pack 3 on my dell x300 laptop it crashed. I can't get my wireless card or my SD card reader to work. I reformated and installed xp.
May 15th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
I must be living right! I waited over a year before installing SP2, so leery was I about major changes. But I bit the bullet on this one, downloaded it and installed it, and had no problem whatsoever. I have a six-year-old Alienware
Area-51, and I go to some pains to keep it tidied up regularly. Perhaps taking out the trash on a schedule helped avoid problems with this b-i-g install — took a half-hour to download, and three times that long to install.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I tried to install it on my Dell desktop that I had uninstalled the OEM and installed a clean copy of XP Pro. I did this with my Dell laptop that has the same unistall and reinstall of XP Pro. The laptop kicked out after about 35 minutes of installation time with SP3. The desktop kicked out after appx. 7 hours of installation time. I have upgraded the desktop to an Intel 2.0 MHz chip and have 2 megs of memory in it. The installation process took my memory in the desktop to about 2KB and used darn near all of my virtual memory. I have no idea how much memory the installation took on my laptop, but I'm willing to bet that it used the full 1 gig that I have in there. I plan to wait a while before I try it again, only this time it will be from a CD and not online.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Thanks for the warning. So far I have not experienced any problems myself, but then I have installed the whole system myself, ensuring the correct drivers etc. (partly thanks to PC Pitstop's Driver Alert). I will forward these comments to the rest of our organisation of 15 people, though, so that the others are aware of the danger too.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Thank you for the heads up on the SP3 issue with the HP/AMD problem, on a side note, HP model numbers that end with a "Z" have the AMD chips. Good to be aware of the asus issue too and will keep this in mind on all upgrades. Is (or has anyone heard if) HP/Asus doing anything to resolve this issue?
May 16th, 2008 at 8:07 am
Did some reaseach on my own and found an HP fix here….
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9085978
May 16th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Possible temp fix for the Asus boards…
[quote]The solution is simplicity itself: insert a USB flash drive, or some other form of secondary storage mechanism, before booting the computer. The people have that have seen this problem report that it goes away when they do. The catch is that the computer will only boot with a secondary drive attached. If you remove the secondary drive it will no longer boot.
It also appears that this could be related to using a USB mouse. If you have a USB mouse, try moving it to the PS/2 port instead (the little round port, you should have received an adapter with your mouse). That seems to resolve the problem without the use of an external USB flash drive.
If you have this problem, and either solution helps, or even if they do not help, I'd appreciate a comment on the blog so we can figure out what is going on here. [/quote]
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
May 16th, 2008 at 8:36 am
I suggest waiting for at least 4-5 months and let the problems get worked out. Prior to installing, I also recommend asking your banking sites and other secure sites if they've tested it and have found it to be secure enough to install.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I have put SP3 on 3 computers, all Intel based, with only minor problems. The only issue so far that may or may not be attributable is the disappearance of my Buffalo Tarastation NAS. Coincidence or is it part of the evil plan???
May 16th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I used Jesper's small free program to remove the offending intelppm file before downloading and installing SP3 on my HP Pavilion running AMD. No problems so far. You can get Jesper's fix on his website. http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/
May 16th, 2008 at 10:35 am
TO: rich syx, I had the same problem. Updates would download but not install. I tried everything and finally found an easy fix. Download and run "Dial-a-Fix" (it's free). I wasn't sure it would work with SP3, but it did it's job perfectly. Just follow the directions which are very simple–and when it finishes–your updates should install with no problems.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:47 am
I installed SP3 last night. No problems so far. I have an old Dell desktop. The download was about 70mb and took awhile and the whole process took about an hour. I don't notice any performance difference. Wish I would have gotten Pitstops email yesterday, I might have waited to make the SP3 upgrade. Guess I was lucky it worked for me!
May 16th, 2008 at 11:07 am
I downloaded the full SP3 distribution from Microsoft and then slipstreamed it with my original XP Pro CD. Then I did a clean install. Absolutely no problems at all with the clean install. I built the computer myself, and obtained the correct drivers for the board and other components. Maybe that is the reason. Maybe someone with an HP computer should wait, but I don't see any reason why other people should wait.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I installed Service pack 3 about three weeks ago on and OLD Dell 8200. And I have had none of the problems stated here or in any of the comments. Guess I'm just lucky. lol. It wasnt anything I use… I dont think anyway. Just DONT force me into Vista. PLEASE. I have had this Dell 8200 pc since it was new, 2002, and I have no complaints. For a pc this old its even Vista ready just by adding a few changes in hardware. But no Vista for me if I can help it.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Sp3 installed without a glitch, running just fine…no reboot problems….Intel CPU,
May 16th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Installed SP3 on a 2-1/2 year old Dell desktop. Had no problems whatsoever, but was surprised how long it took even with a cable connection tweeked with with Otimize. Ran a de-frag afterwards to get everything in place since this appeared to be a rather large download, and I am happy to report everything runs fine.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:45 am
After swearing never to become Computer Savvy, I found myself at that junction-following a revelation,if I hoped to swim with The Big Boys. I must learn to operate a computer, or drown!!!
My very first computer was a retired NEC-which I bought at a thrift store, it had either a 95, 98, or XP OS. After a year of schooling myself through Trial and Error, of tearing down and and rebuilding my NEC relic-I trashed it!!!
Following a years hiatus, during which I used Public Domain Computers. I opted to go Lean and Mean and picked Up MSN TV. Which gave me e-mail and Web Surfing access. Determining that MSN TV was woefully inadequate-I trashed it.
Following the conclusion, that I needed to obtain an advanced Business Degree-I bought a new Acer with XP Pro installed. Which I would use for 2.75 years to attend Graduate School and Graduate.
I firmly loved my Acer with XP Pro and necessary Office components. However, I was forced to resell my Acer, when I went back to driving TT's OTR.
Since retiring from DRV TT OTR, I opted for DRV TT locally and returning to school to obtain my Doctorate.
However, the computer I bought was a Dell with OS 95-which turned out to be junk!!
So I went searching online for a replacement and opted for a Tecra by Toshiba-through CDW, that provided me with my first taste of OS Vista Business Basic!!!
Though having been prewarned about Vista, I gave it my best while again in school-that became my worst nightmare!!!
While in school, and after buying TECRA, I soon found out that my school's On-line program was inadequate and incapable of interfacing with Vista. So frustrated with the Professor's ineptness and Vista gliches-I withdrew!!!
My biggest gripe with Vista is that Office Suite was only a 60 Day Trial. After which One had to either "Upgrade" for nearly $400.00 or suffer with a computer and No Office Suite!!!
I wanted to return Tecra to CDW-but did not!!!
Fearing that I could not go back to Public Domain Computer access-I kept the piece of JUNK!!!
Looking back in time, I lived and breathed Microsoft-but at present, I feel betrayed as I have a recently built and purchased computer, but NO OS!!!
So what are my present options? Buy another computer-That I build and load with XP PRO and Office, or suffer with Vista Business Basic???
As I am still endeavoring to return to complete My Doctoral Studies-I'm forced to advise all those who read this post. That they should refuse to Install any SP's, for I view them as Destructive OS Trojan Horses…!!!
May 16th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Installed SP3 on a 4 year old Dell Dimension and also on a new Dell Vostro laptop a few days ago. No problems of any kind, no changes in performance.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:48 am
I downloaded SP3 and after installation, I lost my Icons and also a whole stock market charting program. Luckily I had backs ups so restored it all. My mistake was I did not disable Nortons Auto-Protect. So I did so this time, disabled Nortons and re-downloaded SP3 and all went fast and smooth and absolutely with no problems.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I installed SP3 last week and my HP laptop completely crashed. When I put in the Windows XP OS disc to repair it, it sad no hard drive could be found.After doing system recovery twice, my hard drive was still failing to pass diagnostics. It has taken me about a week to get it back up and running right. My hard drive is now passing diagnostics. I am afraid to try SP3 again.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
What is up at HP? They seem to bw falling apart. Those of us using Vista still don't have adequate drivers for our All-in-one printers! HP has been promising them for a year!
May 16th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Rich Syx: I finally solved the Flash problem by resetting Internet Explorer (Internet Options; Advanced; Reset…) and then installing the Flash update. It pays to keep track of your custom settings (and add-ons) so you can put them back afterwards. So far so good.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
I installed sp3 and found it incompatible with McAfee's Antivirus and Spyware software that comes through our SonicWALL firewall and had to uninstall.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Hi, I probably know the least of all computer writers but I installed SP3 on a Dell Dektop and a HP laptop. Had a few disappointments which I don't remember because it wasn't a big thing to me. Every thing seems to be working just fine.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
I guess I am also one of the lucky ones..
no problems with the install. winxp pro
emachine
May 16th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I have a HP/AMD 4 year old desktop. I installed XP SP3 yesterday and have not had a single problem at all. I guess my computer was in good shape before I installed it. I did do the recommended "stop running all programs including virus scan". I also cleaned and defraged before I downloaded and installed.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
i installed sp 3 on a system i built and well surprise surprise problems. it is the smae as someone above mentioned it will just not take other updates after that. so uninstall sp 3 and do all the other updates ( all 88 of them i believe it was ) the old fashioned way.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I installed SP3 approx. a couple of weeks ago and now it does a reboot loop. I was so frustrated I turned the computer off and haven't gone back to look at it, hopefully I will find a fix on one of these boards, argh!
May 16th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
According to Susan Bradley's column in the current Window's Secrets eletter, the amd issue is specific to HP's Media Center Edition os
May 16th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Well i installed sp3 on a my XpPro partition of my Macbook using parallels. No problems runs great. Seems to like running Windows on a Apple machine…to tell you the truth Windows seldom crashes on my Mac like it did on my PC which is why is switched last year!
May 16th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
SP3 failed to install twice with faults reported. The third time was successful apart from e-mail not working. Have now uninstalled XP3.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I ran into the same probs as Rich on my wife's comp, which has the ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe board in it. The first time caused it to blue screen before I could even get to safe mode. Later I found out it was because the bios was out of date and had to be updated to version 1405. Unfortunatly I thought of this too late and already reformated, and tried the second installion of sp3. Luckly the new bios allowed me to get into safe mode to uninstall. Long story short (I know too late), Here's my question to you. What do you think it will take, to send the message to Microsoft's R&D Dept. to get their heads external and upright?
May 16th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I had installed SP3 on my ASUS mother board and soon began the constant reboots until microsoft gave me some tips that got it working but it went on for a couple days. Now everything is going smoothly.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Jennifer, as an alternative to buying the Microsoft Office Suite, you could install Open Office, an open source application suite. It is compatible with all of the MSOffice types except DOCX as far as I can tell. For viewing those files you can download Microsoft's FREE Document Viewer with the DOCX converter.
May 16th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Absolutely no problems encountered in updating SP3 or downloading MS updates. Now fully loaded and ready to go, i built the PC myself three years ago and no problems what so ever.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I am a completely non-tech, self-taught wrinkly with only trial & error as a teacher. I have two salient 'faults': 1) I have a tendency to try everything once…if you don't, your life is not worth living, experience being only a synonym for mistakes…and 2) I am a maintenance freak & brook no avoidable problems.
My box is fairly high-end & I reckon I'm just lucky that it's Intel based. I do not use Norton, McAfee etc. but have trawled the world for the most efficient freeware & security. Can't say I'm invulnerable but I can't remember my last problem.
My Windows XP pro is set to self-updating & it installed SP3 without a hiccup.
My box was delivered with Vista which, at my request, my local 'cowboys' removed & replaced with my XP Pro. When there's a consensus that Vista is the only way to go, I just might consider giving it a shot.
Oh! I'm a regular visitor to Pitstop, even though it's now becoming a tad too commercial.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I have installed SP3 on 3 computers and 1 virtual PC XP system so far. The Virtual system crashed and nothing I could do would bring it back to life. On the 3 other installs it went well with these after-install problems: 1.All computers had Windows Live Messenger re-installed and I had to reset the settings on all 3. All 3 needed another update afterwards from Windows Update for Windows Update webpage. and 1 computer had to have its printer re-installed. I used the full install (316mb download), and all installations of SP3 required a person to answer questions during the install process. Sloppy!, I think Microsoft has gone to sleep.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Have HP a1310n had all the problems with looping boots, etc.
Tried twice, stupid me, same results. No other problems with any MS updates.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Installed XP SP3 and I get runtime errors when using Sonic MyDVD to burn cd's on LiteON DVD r/w drive. I upgraded HP DVD Player to HP DVD Player Plus and it crashes with fatal error and reboots my system. I have a Compaq SR2044 NX w/Intel dual core processors. HP who supports the system has said nothing about SP3 problems or upgrading drivers. Someone drop the ball at HP and nobody is picking it up!
May 16th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
In response to the problem Rich Syx is having installing further windows updates, I had the same problem after a fresh install. To fix it I use a program called Dial-a-Fix from djlizard.net. After running this program every windows update installs without a hitch. I also used this on other machines with windows update problems before sp3. As for your flash problem try going to Adobe and downloading their flash removal tool ( might take a bit of searching on their site to find it). Run it then download the latest flash and you should be all set.
May 16th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
installed sp-3 on my home built amd machine and have had no problem's whatsoever my machine is asrock alivenf6g-dvi mb amd3800+ cpu 3gb kingston valueram 5300 320gighd windows xphome
May 16th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I have a Hp pav.a640n 3400+ and installed SP3 with no hitch, no problems,although ccleaner had an unusally large clean out later that day.
Cd rom, dvd writer,video card(gforce5200XT agp) all programs and games work just fine,as they did before install of sp3.Running for close to a 3 weeks now ok.
k
May 16th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I started the long task of installing SP3 and halfway through I noticed the hard drive started smoking with some noises like electrical snapping and popping…so I threw some water on it and kept downloading..when I finshed the download and booted a new Wallpaper with a 3D face came up and started speaking to me in an ungodly voice, using insults and derogatory language..I spoke back to it and it replied to me knowing what I was saying…the damn thing then spit on me right in the eye..I just couldn't believe microsoft had gotten this advanced..I thought I would show "it" who was boss and I stuck a pen in his eye with blood streaming down this ugly creatures face..he began screaming and told me in a Clint Eastwood kind of way to "Go ahead punk…make my day"…I called customer service and they said this was most unusual and I must admit I had to agree…I began to wonder if I had by chance downloaded the right fix from microsoft…it was about that time my Alarm clock went off and I got up to get ready for work then walked over and turned on my computer to check my email….what a strange dream..but nevertheless the SP3 seems to be working ok otherwise..
May 16th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
all who have a hp computer with amd processors will have a loop reboot, never fear there is a fix.There is a regedit key which must be modified in safe mode in order to start right.Here is the target:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\SERVICES\INTEPPM Click on this folder then go to the right colum, right click on the "start"and modify the data value to 4. close all and reboot.Everything should be fine.This come from microsoft themselves , since I had this problem and my Dad as well. we have been problem since.
May 16th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I installed SP3 with no problems at all. The result is a smoother, faster machine that loads every program more quickly.
May 16th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Acer 3000 laptop with external USB hard drive. Could not get online after SP3 install and lost wireless network. Rolled back to last good boot to be able to get online and working again.
[link removed by administrator]
May 16th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Have 3 homebuilts w/ AMD processors & XP Pro. Upgraded from sp2 to sp3 with only a few problems. 1)systems hung w/Autoupdate enabled. Disabled AutoUpdate and did manual update. 15 min download/15 min install @ 2400Kbps (dsl). 2)DLink Utility incompatible w/ new wlan api…. this needs to be fixed by DLink, but I'm not holding my breath.
Other than that, everything running fine (so far).
May 16th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I've installed SP3 on three different PCs: a five year old Dell, a two year old homebuilt Intel P4 560 on an Asus Mobo, and my PC at work which is a three year old generic Intel on Intel mobo.
I have not had a single problem with any of the installs. Maybe its because I always keep all my PCs' software completely squeeky clean and up to date.
May 16th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
I installed sp3 while chatting on yahoo,, no problems,, on an emachine,, it is a tiny bit faster,,, but no problems at all, guess i got lucky
May 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I installed SP3 on a Dell desktop (P4), 2 Dell laptops (P3), Powerspec desktop (P3) and 2 HP desktops (P3). Only problem was with one laptop. Upgrades from Microsoft would download but fail installation. I left it over night and the next morning tried to power down. Got the notice that upgrades were being installed before the system would power down. 8 upgrades loaded. No other problems.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Downloaded XP3 to machine I built myself with the A8N32-SLI Deluxe. Had none of the problems mentioned, but am having a problem with the computer not shutting down through the software. Using XP Pro, and it just hangs when shutting down. Anyone else experiancing the shutdown problem.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Hi all, if you think for one minute that these problems you are experiencing with the installation of xpsp3 are the only things that you have to worry about with sp3 think again.
Please go to this sp3 blog.
http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx
TomB
May 16th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
I have installed SP3 on three machines now and 3 virtual machines with nothing more than a minor glitch with zonealarm on one that was resolved by a reboot.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Made 4 installs on 3 notebooks, 2 Dell's,and a Toshiba, and a Gateway Desktop. All went well except one Dell, a 700m which somehow lost a "TI 2030 PCI to PCI" driver. Everything works except it tries to install the missing driver at every boot.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
I installed SP3 to a Dell Dimension (desktop) and everything seemed to work well untill I wanted to type an URL into the address window in my taskbar. The address window had disappeared and there was no way I could find to get it back. The option was gone from the taskbar 'toolbars' menu pick. Not having seen any benefits from SP3 for my type of computing I uninstalled it and everything is once again 'cool'.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
may 17 i installed sp3 this morning and so far everything seams to be working fine . dell bought in 2004
May 16th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I installed it on my AMD 2600 pc, and my pc only seems a little slower,,, thanks Microsoft.
so I decided to put it on my older machine too. We it completely froze that pc near the end of it installation. and now its locked in a continual reboot cycle. I tried the repair option off the disk and still nothing,,, guess I gotta use up more of those precious product codes.
May 16th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Yesterday, I installed SP3 on this Systemmax Ascent from TigerDirect. It has an AMD chip inside, and NVDIA graphics on the mother board. The Chips are VIA Technology. So far, haven't seen any problems with the SP3 upgrade.
May 16th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I can't say about any major problems with this large download, but since that time, I lose 2 hours on my clock every single day. I don't believe it's a coincidence. Any suggestions??
May 16th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
It really kills me that a monoploy like Micro$oft still gets richer with absolute rubbish software and and incompetent programmers. I will stick to Linux or Mac.
May 16th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
Did a check for updates, it found SP3, I downloaded it, hit install and walked away. Haven't had a single problem. Running a 2 yr. old Dell Inspiron.
May 16th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Well, the problems might occur with the things mentioned in this blog.
But I have a simple but quite stuffed computer and didn't experience 1 problem either.
Well, apart for example StyleXP! saying it can't run on this build of Windows, but that's it.
Also, it DOES boot and possibly perform slightly faster.
But nothing major, must be the 5% I've been reading about.
By the way, I have similar stuff to the guy in the post before me:
A 5 year or older DELL, which I haven't installed SP3 on yet since it stands without internet.
The one I'm currently on which is a home-built, with a Gigabyte-motherboard however.
But I do have an older ASUS-motherboard lying around which I could build something on.
And I also keep everything clean and up to date all the time on this computer.
So no, Microsoft did not mess up SP3, it's not to blame on them certain things by other companies don't work with a good upgrade.
So basically, Service Pack 3 is not a problem…
May 16th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Tried to install SP3 on my HP with AMD processor and it really messed up my computer. I had to reinstall the system because it would not reboot and I was stuck.
Understand that HP is to blame but that does not help those who think that they can install SP3 with no problems. Wish HP would have caught this or Microsoft had. Anyway, SP3 will not be installed until I find out if there is a positive fix. What a headache !
May 16th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
NOW you tell me!! Installed SP3 last week and lost my Icons and the HP computer would not reboot. I am a technical beginner and though I had done somethingwrong. Finaly used the restor function and am back to normal.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I installed sp3 a few days ago on a four year old Dell XPS (the first gen. blue beast) desktop with some trepidation, but am happy to say I've had no error messages or BSOD's, and I am seeing better performance w/a bit faster bootup and shutdowns. However, I am reluctant to recommend it to my clients yet as there are just too many glitches w/other systems.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Already have installed XP SP3 in 4 Laptops (2 Dell, 1 Compaq, 1 Older IBM), 4 Towers and no problems except for the IBM Laptop which is nothing new for IBM. Used a workaround from one of the Tech sites to correct the IBM Laptop
problem. All the others are working ok without any hitches. Had installed the SP3 back in
April when it first came out. a friend had a problem installing SP3, but that's because he
screwed up on something else before installing it and not doing something a lot earlier that I
told him to do in reference to a WGA issue. All
of my machines are tuned up all the time, and any of the other units I installed SP3 on also
were cleaned up and tuned up before the install
which is waht everyone should do anyway.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I installed XPpro with the SP3 service pack on my two year old Compaq with an AMD chip about a month ago. Except for a small problem finding sound drivers that would work, everything has been A1. I am very happy with the speed and performance so far. My unit operates much faster without 45 programs running in the background like I had with windows XP for home users before. No problems here so far.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I have a typical Intell chipset and had no problems downloading and installing SP3….untill I tried to download photos off my Brand New HP camera that had been working fine scince xmas when I got it. Bang, the HP soft ware locks up and will not recover. So I go to the HP website and download what they say is the critical update and install it. Wow it did not help at all…now my printer, scanner and camera software run so slow untill they lock up. did I mention they are all HP. well after down loading and replacing all my drivers and nothing works I restored to prior point (befor SP3) and everything is happy happy joy joy… I Will Wait to Try it again!!
May 16th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
MAYBE ITS MICROSOFTS WAY OF TRING TO GET US TO SWITCH TO SHITSTA…………..
I TURNED OFF AUTOMATIC UPDATES 4 YRS AGO
MY COMP RUNES FINE………
May 16th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Do the Smart one's try it on their own computers first? Or do they want us saps to figure it out for them. You note they NEVER reply to anyone or their NEVER at Fault for anything. Gee it's your old software or your old hardware scam line. You have to change your sofeware and hardware.
Don't turn Xp into WIN ME (Many Errors). Visa does the same thing on a 1 year old computer I have replace everting you got to make Visa work in your 1 year old computer. Well forget that. Keep trying you might get some one hired who can get it right before you come out with another OP version. Ha
May 16th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I am still trying to find a way to UNinstall SP 2…
(Did you know that it had a "glitch" embedded to prevent you from uninstalling it…?
Oh yes, it did.
They KNEW what tripe they were dishing out.)
May 16th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I also was an idiot that bought an “off the shelf” desktop HP AMD computer. Previously I’ve built my other older computers. Immediately I knew I was in trouble when it did not have a recovery disk and was only given one chance to make a copy of the OS, which crashed. The abortion of the installed XP OS which Microsoft will not support has been a continual problem. Now MS has released SP-3 which crashed the system due to the installed HP OS User configuration. It sure would be a goodwill gesture for MS to allow the HP users to download a clean updated version of XP that would replace the HP debacle with their confounded Administrator / User fouled up installed mess.
May 16th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
I am running a compaq with and athlon xp, a HP laptop with a AMD Sempron, and and HP desktop with an AMD athlon. I recieved the SP3 update trough auto updater. Not realizing the updates was the SP3 it auto installed when I shut my computers down with no option to decline or see what exactly the update was. I guess I was one of the lucky ones that ended up with o probelms or issues after the update. I didn't even know I had SP3 untill I was looking at my system info and saw I now have SP3 on all of my PC's. Everythign went virtually seemless and have had no problems or ahve seen any thing special in speed or performance. All systems running the same as they did with SP2. Not sure if there is a improved version through auto updater that helps avoid the HP glitches or if I resolved and avoid the problems back when HP had the patch for SP2 and it carried over for SP3. All in all no problems or complaints about the SP3 so far after having it for about 2 weeks now.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Have Compaq Presario Desktop, Inter processor. Installed
SP3 and have exactly on eproblem: standby and hibernate have stopped working. Amy solution?
May 16th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
As with all, Microsoft updates and service packs, you must wait 6 to 9 months for renovations to take place adequately. I waited for 2 years and got a completely bug free service pack 2. Until Mr. Big Britches gets into the act I will wait 2 years before I'll try #3. I tried #2 afer 6 months and still found problems. Great Going Microsoft!!!
May 16th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
well i install sp3 on a AMD computer it had windows xp home it ran find for about 3 days
then the it started to not boot up when i turn it off then on again it was fine then it started to reboot it self.over and over! i tryed to install the software that came with the computer keep saying no hard drive found .
make a long story short i had to buy a new HD=
harddrive and install the software on it but i wont install SP3 on mt emachines !
May 16th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Installed on a IBM t42 and it disabled the wireless radio. Was easily uninstalled. Still with that in mind, It has less compatibility, performance and driver issues than XP2 and Vista Platforms. When the wireless issue is resolved, I will be re-installing.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
Installed on a IBM t42 and it disabled the wireless radio. Was easily uninstalled. Still with that in mind, It has less compatibility, performance and driver issues than XP2 and Vista Platforms on their debut. When the wireless issue is resolved, I will be re-installing.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
I have a Compaq Presario SR1903WM desktop (preinstalled Windows XP) and a Dell Optiplex GX110 (I built and installed Windows XP) with the Dell computer there was no problem installing SP3, it has an intel processor. But with my Compaq and its AMD Sempron Processor, it has been a nightmare. After the SP3 installation it began to loop reboot, so I had to reinstall windows twice. I thought it was due to malware but after this informative article and checking the Compaq website I think I will try again.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
had no problem with my SP3 but my girlfriend did (reboot loop )I put in window xp disk and did a scan disk it fixed 4 problems not its fine
May 16th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I have installed SP3 on all four of my computers (Custom built Intel desktop, Compaq desktop, HP Notebook, and Dell Laptop) with no problems so far.
May 16th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I'm waiting for a big blue screen that says:
"Having trouble with SP3? T S But Vista"
May 16th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Should have said Buy Vista
May 16th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Installed SP3 on my self-build Intel machine, not noticed any difference (good or bad).
May 16th, 2008 at 11:38 pm
i installed this SP3 update maybe a week or so ago on a
5 y/o alienware with an asus motherboard & amd processor…
sorry i don't recall the specs at the moment….anyway
it installed with no issues….but i don't use this unit
for much other than a couple security cams & a personal weather station…
May 16th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
I think it installed today. I got a notice that I should totally shut my computer down, when I wanted to reboot. I did so, and haven't noticed any problems on my HP Intel Celeron. I have Windows XP home edition.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
P.S. Should I shut off Windows Auto Updates? If there are issues, can you boot in safe mode and go from there?
May 17th, 2008 at 1:00 am
Other than having to remove my own boot initiate splash screen in favor of windows oem to install sp3 I have had no major problems since. I running my home built on a DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D with a AMD 64 3800+, 2gb ram. I'll keep my fingers crossed {wink}
May 17th, 2008 at 1:20 am
i have a intel celeron from 2003
i install sp3 and found no problem only
need actvation code
May 17th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Looks like the Redmond boys have given us another issue to be parodied in the PC vs. MAC commercials.
Maybe around December I'll give SP3 a try. perhaps by then they will finally have the bigs worked out!
May 17th, 2008 at 2:31 am
I curently have windows XP SP 3 installed on a AMD Opteron Dual COre useing a Asus A8N-Sli Premium motherboard have not expiranced any issues at all. so far for me it seems to have improved my XP Pro and made things smoother. But since i built my own system and downloaded SP3 from windows update that might be a diffrence. but my motherboard is somewhat simluar to the Asus A8N32-SLI Deluxe. It might be a Bios related issue.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:03 am
Installed SP3 a week ago onto an Asus M2V motherboard and AMD x64 duel core processor, took half hour to download and install but was successful, so far none of the problems that others have experianced, on the flip side i cannot see any improvement or benefit at all in having SP3
May 17th, 2008 at 4:30 am
Well normaly I would wait for few months then install thus dodging most of the little problems service packs have.
But after forgetting to turn auto updater off I have ended up with SP3 on my system.
Asus M2N32-sli deluxe
Amd Phemon Black 9600
Nvidia Gforce 9600gts
3mb corsair
I must say all looks very good at the moment and I'm seeing a speed increase of about 10% though think that maybe also be down to the new 175 drivers too.
Sum up install it after a restore point then you have not got much too lose.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:36 am
With two of our computers the svchost.exe problem surfaced with it taking all the i/O and most of the CPU. Seens associated with windows update. THought they fixed it but now has surfaced again. Only solution is to use DOS to kill windows update.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:42 am
I installed it on a Dell 4550,2.0GHZ,400FSB that I bought new in Jan 2003, and have upgraded it with more memory,a better harddrive, and video card. This computer has been a workhorse with no problems, and I still use it daily compared to my HP Pavilion that came with Vista. Wished I'd waited before installing it. Can it be removed without causing any harmful problems?
May 17th, 2008 at 5:14 am
Like Tom C. waaaaay up there, I turned off automatic updates, too. Some of them made my smooth-running Gateway turn nasty. Now I let them notify me about critical updates, but I read all the knowledge-based bulletins available. If I think an update is going to cause a problem, I don't install it. Thankfully, Microsoft at least listed all the problems that could occur if SP3 was installed. So I did not install it. I will do so later down the line when it appears all the bugs have been exterminated. Or maybe not: by that time XP itself will probably be dead. Oh well, I'll address that problem when it happens. I've learned how to "wait-and-see."
May 17th, 2008 at 5:27 am
I downloaded the sp3 update and had the loop reboot problem. In order the fix my computer I had to do complete system restore. I have a Compaq Presario with AMD athlon processor. I think it will be a while befor I download this up date.
May 17th, 2008 at 5:37 am
I had problems with SP3 and have sorted the problem by uninstalling SP3 through Add/Remove in control panel. PC back to normal. Will wait for 6 months for all teething problems to be rectified.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:24 am
from what ive seem with any microsoft upgrade it just puts you 1 step closer to buying the next OP sys. thats why ive taken the time to learn Linux.older hardware just keeps working. been using it for over a year now and am very happy,
I do have 1 box with a duel boot and put service pack 3 in it seemed to go OK Ill run XP in that box as long as i can.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:32 am
My MSI P6N SLI Platinum,Intel Dual core 2.66 went crazy,this is my first build and the problem may be my lack of know how.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:43 am
I have installed XP SP 3 on an older Athlon 64 3400+ using an ASUS K8N series board. I have seen a small improvement in a few aspects of the new SP by windows. The only thing I dislike about it is it downgraded my ram. With the SP2 running it read all three gig of ram in my system but since I put SP3 in it it has downgraded it to 2464MB's of ram. But that is the only fault I see.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:45 am
i installed servise pack 3 one hour before seeing your warning,pc would not restart,was crashing in loops,had to go into safe mode and do system restore
May 17th, 2008 at 6:48 am
I have installed XP SP3 on my Sager 5720v with Intel Centrino and since the install i have nothing but problems, inlcuding (but limited to) getting branding new error messages like, "The system admin has set policies to prevent this installation" and "The installation source for this product is not available. Verify that the source exists and that you can access it".
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?! Who has time for this #$%^???
I have made the descision to once and for all stop with Microsoft and switch to an Apple. Will there be difference probelms…? Yes, No, Maybe, but after spending countless hours, days, and months, and thousands of $$ - enough is enough.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:50 am
I have an IBM Intel P4 with XP SP2 working fine. I downloaded SP3 but the install failed for unknown reason. SP2 is still working fine and I guess I will leave it at that for the time being.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:10 am
I loaded SP3 yesterday(5/16/08)on my DELL Laptop and haven't had any problems……… YET. I had to load it twice because the first one didn't load correctly. The second time it only took 35 minutes to load. I'll give my computer a good workout today and see if everything is "up to snuff". Anything is better than Microsoft's Vista!!!
May 17th, 2008 at 7:19 am
tried downloading it 3 times and and got the looping restart, hp amd . please tell me theres a fix. wont trust it again . will blow up if happens again.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:20 am
I SHOULD have waited! I have an Hp, and of course had nothing but problems! It would download, but not install! TWICE! Tried "chat" with 2 agents with Microsoft, but they kept transferring me to more agents. Then each had a different "fix"…But wanted me to "remove" my McAfee, & all firewalls, and then try again! I have a hard enough time, just inSTALLING those programs, without trying THAT one again! I said, I don't really NEED xp service pack 3 anyway, because the sp 2 works great…So after MS called, to follow-up, (which WAS nice,) I declined any more help! Too much trouble, and I just don't think this up-grade is necessary. I will keep this computer forEVER just so I don't have to work with Vista!
May 17th, 2008 at 7:30 am
installed SP3 on my modified Aries system (new MoBo, RAM and Graphics), and it seems to have sorted out a lot of problems i had before the install
May 17th, 2008 at 7:41 am
I downloaded WIN XP SP-3 last week and installed it on a Dell 1520 lapto[ with intel dual core and a Dell desktop with that "other chip". No problems at all.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Using Dell Laptop, I have many programs installed. I am running xp Professional. Downloaded sp3, and now i am going to have to reformat my computer and spend weeks reprogramming and customizing.
Sp3 has caused messenger to close down, has caused installer problems, browser issues, and so much more. sp3 has caused so many problems to the point tat i am irate!
May 17th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Downloaded SP3 (The first final release before it got pulled) and saved it to a CD Rom.
I have installed it on my AMD processor desktop and my AMD processor HP laptop with no problems at all. The laptop is a HP 8300 series. My Desktop was assembled by me with a MSI motherboard, nVidia 7300LE, AMD-64-X2 cpu,
2-gb pc3200 memory. I shut down unnecessary processes before starting the install and had no problems at all. Everything still works including the dual boot into UBUNTU 8.04 on both systems.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Hi folks, what's wrong with a bit of completely irrational, vituperative ranting on top of some acerbic wailing about how little Messrs. Gates and Ballmer really care about their software slaves? Thank god almighty for the good offices of all those who have the time, skill, and demeanor to sit down and publish freeware and shareware that allows our systems to operate with a modicum of efficiency!
About 10 days ago, my system informed me that there were 'Updates ready for my computer!' Trusting soul that I am, and seeing no caveats concerning any difficulties whatsoever… I accepted the updates! Windows Update proceeded to install Win XP SP3. Then my life changed…again!
Now I find it will be impossible to delete IE7, should I wish to update it, and I have major problems with the functions performed when I right-click a desktop folder, which requires an immediate "mini-repair" right on the spot. In addition, my nice, relatively new system shuts down and reboots at will! Some discussion strings at CNET discussion forums have been no help, except to say that these problems are more likely to occur on machines using AMD 64-bit chips. Care to venture a guess as to what chip I'm using?
It seems that the only effective repair will be to back up my files, reformat my C:\ drive, and then re-install every application.
My sincere thanks to Messrs Gates and Ballmer. Ever since aquiring my first PC in 1981, it has been the same story…. They cannot, or will not properly support over-priced products that they have on the street, and then they introduce a new system that also doesn't work, and which in the past year, they seem not able to fix. Now they are saying that they will no longer support Win XP SP3 after another 12 months…
I am on the verge of selling my car, buying a bicycle and a Mac and writing Mr. Gates a nasty letter!
May 17th, 2008 at 7:54 am
HAD NO PROBLEMS with SP3, but if you don't keep your system help to date, SP3 will not add OLD drivers or fixes that should have been done in the first place AND then you will have problems. There is never a all in one fix. Good luck to the fools that don't keep SYSTEMS up to date.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Went ahead thiking it would be a similar upgrade as SP2 but took much longer than 26mins suggested. Took about 1hr with long periods where it seemed like the installation had frozen, but just left it alone and seems to have worked successfully. A bit of a scary experience. When can we have a bullet proof OS where nothing gets corrupted/fails
May 17th, 2008 at 8:08 am
guess I don't have to worry one way or another, the download fails everytime I try, even after following trouble shooting guide from microsoft. My Medion runs fine without SP3 so why bother
May 17th, 2008 at 8:37 am
No problems here. Works fine as frog hair….
May 17th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Sorry not helpful, But I also installed SP3 and so far haven't EVEN had any problems with it. I have a MSI motherboard with a AMD 3200 overclocked to 2.3ghz, 1gig of memory and a 128mb video card. If thats of an reason…..
May 17th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I had no problems installing SP3 on my E-machine with AMD processor, but my daughter's Dell with Intel inside had problems with wireless access working after the update. I uninstalled SP3 from the Add/Remove programs area of Control Panel, and wireless works again. Amazing how Microsoft releases a major "upgrade" to XP and makes it less reliable than Vista. Or maybe that is their marketing plan.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Microsoft is providing free technical support for XP users with SP3 installation or compatibility problems.
The details and recommendations consistent with PC Pitstop's can be found here:
http://www.iaps.com/blog/2008/05/installing-windows-xp-sp3-my-experience.html
May 17th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I was using VISTA and upgraded to SP1 for VISTA. My PC didn't start back up the next day. It was missing boot up OS files.
Love the layout of VISTA but to many problems with it. Dropped back down to XP…
May 17th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I've installed this on 3 PC's. The first was my desktop (Q600 Kentsfield Quad core, Abit IP35 Mobo, NVidia 8800GTS (G92)GPU) and after install noticed a performance boost and everything is stable and smooth. The 2nd was my laptop (3 year old Dell) and had the same results. The last was a 2 year old Compaq desktop with an Intel Proccesor and it fell victim to the dreaded boot loop, and had to uninstall. Thats 2 out of 3…for Microsoft, I'd say thats about par.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:59 am
My Dell PC worked great with SP3 'beta'. Switching to 'released' version was a "nitemare".
Thank God for MS Windows Live OneCare.
Still, it took giving-over my PC to two different techs via 'remote sharing' to cure the problem, tho they never actually isolated the cause.
1 "tip" to share. If ever you "uninstall" a program : Do several searches (making sure to include "hidden" and "system" files) for any remnants, restarting between. "identifier" files can 'migrate' it seems. I had the same problem trying to get a "clean install" of Norton SystemWorks couple yrs. ago. Nothing more frustrating than getting message "…you already have this version … " or " … please uninstall 'such & such'when you already have done so.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Installed SP3-Problems rite after the reboot.
msi-k8neo 4 oem xp-pro
2G-ram
egforce 9600GT
amd athlon xp-4000+
desktop point shows hour glass on/off all the time. when at msn web site get not responding and frezzes. tryed playing bf2 online bad mistake. NEED help what can i do to stop this BLANKING stuff.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:12 am
My first attempt at install was unsuscessful, got access denied error. After consulting with a windows tek , i was sent an attachment via e mail that reset my permissions . i installed again , in safe mode , and everything is fine now .
May 17th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I solved this problem about 6 months ago: Linux. Specifically, Slackware 12.0 on my server, Ubuntu 8.04 on my desktop, and Mandriva Spring 2008.1 on my laptop. It took me about 3 months to get everything working right on all three machines, but it was worth it: 3 months running with no problems. I am eagerly awaiting the day when PCPitstop supports Linux so I can use their excellent services once again. So long, Micro$oft, goodbye and good riddance!
May 17th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I just over-hauled my custom system with a Bio-Star M-80, 3gb P4 Prescott and 2g ram. Fresh install of XP pro. Did a manual update to SP3 from the update site, No problem with the install, but no change in performance either.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I use AMD Athlon 80gig hard drive; I had to reboot from an old cd-rom Xp Pro 2003 and after boot had to up date; micrsoft had to send me a layers manager before I could update;
I had installed sp3 and underwent winsock loss several times a day- finally lost winsock completely so the cd reboot.
From your formum I see now that the cause for my winsock loss was the installation of sp3.
The Layers manager fixed the winsock loss but now sometimes I must go to device manager [modem] and either scan hardware or hit diognostics before I can get on the net
May 17th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WITH SP3.
Updated a week ago,installed via internet and the download and installation went smoothly. My system comprises of a new ASRock 4CoreDual-Sata2 motherboard with an Intell Processor. My OS-Windows XP Pro (retail not O.E.M) functions great and all my system components,Programs and Applications - No problems?
May 17th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Installed SP3 on my less than year old home system with an ABIT mobo, AMD 64 X2 dual core processor with 4GB of ram. Took about 1/2 an hour. Absolutely NO problems!
Took about an hour on my much older work computer with an AMD single core, 768MB ram. But still no problems with the install.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:49 am
I installed sp3 the day after the release and my 6 year old Gateway 700 XL with a 2.2 GIG Pent. 4 and 1 gig of RDram was slower than my 8 year old Compaq Presario 1277 Rev B Laptop with windows 98 se. My laptop was faster starting up and loading programs. I had to completely reformat my system and turn off automated updates.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:12 am
No problems here. At first I had my virus protection on so it failed. I rebooted, turned off Mcaffe and everything went well. I have custom built EVGA NF68, a nVIDIA 680 SLI chipset, with an Intel quad core 2 extreme.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Installed SP3 on three Machines two custom built by me. Ist Machine 2Ghz Pentium dual core with Abit board installation faded out but left it for an hour and rebooted, worked fine. Second Machine installed like a dream but after initial reboot it had reset the machines BIOS, so wanted floppy. Weni into BIOS to fix this and machine now works Fine if a little faster (Also a dual core, 1.6 overclocked to 2,1) Third was a Laptop, Dell Inspiron, not very new but installed ok, however it has killed off the network adapter and no amount of reinstallation has fixed this yet. I have not previously had any problems with updates
May 17th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I have a Dell 2006 Windows XP and downloaded and installed SP3 with automatic updates and had no problems with downloading nor conflicts since I installed it over ten days ago. Amen!
May 17th, 2008 at 10:27 am
The only problem I have is that there is a *.exe that complains violently if I remove a CD or DVD from my drive and do not put another one back. It continues to complain until another disk is put in the drive. Trying to Cancel does not help; the sorcerer's apprentice at Microsoft wrote the routine. The problem routine is wscript.exe — ending that process at the Windows Task Manager Processes tab solves the problem until the next reboot.
I do not see a way to remove the software from the boot process.
I am using a Dell XPS MT40
May 17th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Well, I guess I'm one of the lucky ones! I have an HP Pavilion with an AMD 64-bit used in 32-bit with Windows XP w/SP3. and I have not experienced any of the problems others have! It might be the fact that I deleted what came with my system, and used my retail copy of Windows XP that I purchased in October 2001, and just added SP3.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Installed as soon as it it was available (I too usually wait for the dust and problems to clear but gambled this time). Download, installation, and initial boot-up was uneventful. I did notice the boot-up was slightly quickier. So far no error messages of any kind. System is a Dell Demension. Looks like a winner, if not a loser this time.
May 17th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Great article. I've had mega problems with SP3. It downloads OK but after restarting as prompted, Windows will not "srart successfully".
Microsoft have tried to help but their advice ("look at all these links before you try to download") appears only after using the "Custom" button, not after the "High Priority" button.
Still - thank you PCPitstop. I won't try to download it now!
I hope it's OK but I've posted a link here on the MS public.internet explorer.general. forum.
It's today's date, somewhere above this link:
http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?pg=2&cat=en_us_28cca3eb-7037-4d4f-bde1-d8efee1f1420&lang=en&cr=us&guid=&sloc=en-us&dg=microsoft.public.internetexplorer.general&fltr=
May 17th, 2008 at 10:50 am
I installed SP3 on my Packard Bell laptop with very minor hiccups, so I slipstreamed SP3 into a new disc, reinstalled from scratch and no problems at all.
May 17th, 2008 at 11:01 am
PS I should have added I have a Compaq Presario, which is made by HP of course!
New link: http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?pg=1&cat=en_us_28cca3eb-7037-4d4f-bde1-d8efee1f1420&lang=en&cr=us&guid=&sloc=en-us&dg=microsoft.public.internetexplorer.general&fltr=
May 17th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Here is a complete solution !!!
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx
May 17th, 2008 at 11:30 am
I installed it and so far i have had no problem, i have a acer laptop with AMD Athlon but perhps i was lucky
May 17th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Perversely, it seems that all installation problems associated with XP SP3 are solved (at least for me) by making sure you start with a fully updated SP2 system.
I, like others, ran into the same update/functionality issues when trying to install SP3 on a fresh (non-updated) SP2 install.
When I installed SP3 on my old SP2 install (fully updated, with all my apps and stable for over a year) the process went flawlessly.
That leaves me with this question. What's the difference between a fully updated SP2 install and SP3?????????
May 17th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Thanks Pitstop for all the info! I tried to install service pack 3 times. It failed each time with an "access denied error". I have given up till I am told that all the bugs have been removed. This is on an Asus mother board with an Intel CPU. I have installed all of the earlier updates with no problems.
Gary
May 17th, 2008 at 11:46 am
[link deleted by administrator]
Had three different PC's do the same thing, One Dell, one Asus 7xx, one Mercury. Definitely linked to SP3
May 17th, 2008 at 11:51 am
I hate it when folks write stuff like this. You make my job at best buy hell. I get more people telling me things that are the most contrived crap you have ever heard.
These are the same morons that scream every time a new OS comes out and/or service pack. They always are telling people how evil "the new thing" is and are really hard to deal with and make my life suck hard.
I hope you really understand what you are starting here. this is not only goi9ng to help those who need it, it is going to help a lot more that don't need this.
I had two people from J.P.L. (yes that J.P.L.) looking for a laptop with XP and would not buy anything else and they would leave. I wished them a good and happy day and moved on to someone who was not a kool-aid drinker.
You just can't let Microsoft fix it, do you need to create panic too? I (and my fellow employees) have to deal with the end result of the things you say. Do you understand this? I would hope that you would think about this, before turning normal people in to these crazies i have to deal with in my store. They also affect the other people in my store too. This can be traced to stuff that you are putting out here.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Just wanted to add a few note: I have an HP Notebook with AMD, and my laptop has been "compromised" by the XP Service Pack 3, that was downloaded automatically. I have few programs that are not responding anymore, but everything else works fine.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I downloaded sp3 would not boot up tried everything Had to format I,m running HP Pavilion Media Center
May 17th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
installed sp3 on gateway notebook with amd turion64 processor. have had no problems at all.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I attempted to install XP3 to my Dell Inspiron 6000. It downloaded fine, although it took about 4 hours on dialup, but won't install. From the sound of it, I may be better off. Here's the question: does anyone know of any problems on inconsistencies between my model Dell and the XP3 upgrade. If not, I will try to download again. If there are, I will consider myself ahead of the game and wait.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I have installed SP3 on at least two computers a day since the final release candidate and have had ZERO SP3 related problems… my co-workers (3) do about the same volume with the same results. I would have to disagree with your recomendation… I have seen some speed increases and a LOT of easy & fast updating of XP OS's.
May 17th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I was using the beta version for a while, it gave me a few problems with my MSI chipset.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
It will work fine if you download the ISO file of SP3 from here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&displaylang=en
I burned the iso to disk and have had NO problems whatsoever.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
I had the endless reboot on my Compaq, but, thankfully, was able to return to the time just before installing. I am somewhat worried as the download is still on board.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Intel P-4
No problems.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I have a dual boot configuration. I have an HP Media Center PC Model a1268c. I have two hard drives installed. One has Windows XP Professional and the other uses Windows Media Center Edition 2005. Both have SP3 installed. I have not experienced any of the problems I see mentioned here. I am though quite careful with Windows/Microsoft updates and patches. I do not allow them to be automatically installed. I make sure that the updates are installed in the proper sequence. However, I do know that SP3 for Microsoft Office Professional 2003 is not a good install and shouldn't be installed until Billy gets it fixed (if ever). Check with 'Woodys Office Watch' for more information regarding SP3 for MS Office 2003.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Have Intel CPU installed on MSI momma-board. Last Abit board bit the dust last week after the USB and Sound shorted or something. After booting off XP cd and commanding it to repair OS everything appeared to go smooth. Except the windows update was screwed up but fixed with a program called Error Expert. So I downloaded SP3 now I got a problem where my Logitech USB gaming headset and mike will not be recognized by the system. Sound works good on regular speakers. Considering backing up all programs and re-formatting and reinstalling XP. Device manager won't even recognize the Logitech headset. This is a early event hope I won't get anymore SP3 glitches.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I installed SP3 on a friends HP.. and have had no problems
I have a Dell inspiron and installation fails every time… so I just gave up… Im not having any problems.. so I figure just leave well enough alone
May 17th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
SP 3 has given my IBM T40 a bit of a speed boost. The only hitch was that SP 3 did not work with my D-Link wireless card. Since D-Link has not supported their own product in years, I downloaded updated drivers from the company that made the chip in the card (Atheros). Now my wireless card connects more reliably than before.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
After using Microsoft for about 11 years,and going through all the hit and miss patches that Microsoft goes through I decided that on this SP3 release I would wait for the problems to arise. And of course they did. The problem with Microsoft is that they test what they build on the spot and use only highly qualified tecks. So for the average user they are totally left in the dark. That is why I bought my recent computer before they started installing Vista. At least someone is making a bundle out of all Microsoft's mistakes, MAC.
May 17th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
To Dana M; WHAT Microsoft R&D department?? They are notorious for releasing incompletely debugged programs, and then letting the end user complete their Beta testing for them, only fixing the problem when enough complaints come in.
As an aside, anyone who installs a program (especially a new OS, like Vista) in its first year or so after its release is just asking for trouble. In Vista's case, it's a lot longer than a year.
May 17th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Installed SP3 on an Acer laptop and subsequently started having problems with my home wireless network connection repetitively dropping out and needed "repair" to bring it back. The Acer uses an Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG network adapter card and after some Googling found another report of similiar problems with SP3. I did a removal of SP3 and all seems to be back to where it was prior to the installation and no dropouts of the wireless at all.
If it ain't broke, don't try and fix it….
May 17th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I have updated my HPCS system when SP3 first came out almost a month ago. I have had no problems at all and I have not noticed any increase or decrease in performance. I have also a AMD Turion x2 laptop with SP3 with no problems, again no signifigant changes in performance, and a very old P3 laptop with 192 MB of ram I use to track satelites and again, no major changes or errors whatsoever. Sorry to all who are having problems but again, IBM compatables are very individual in how they work and they have different personalities. If your SP3 is messin' up the works, don't fix what isn't broken right? ;o) Hope this helps you all.
May 17th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I installed sp3 on my Dell 8200 and had no problems what so ever. Everything running great. Even with all the upgraded parts it has all meshed together just fine. If you have a Dell and Intel I see no reason why you should wait.
May 17th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I ran into a problem not only with rebooting WindowsXP Professional plus Service Pack 3, but restoring my virus protection program to the same computer. Between what the McAfee foreign national IT Techs failed to tell me(via chat)what I found on the Internet, and my from my own knowledge I was able to piece together a working solution to the problem after spending an entire twenty four hours trying to download McAfee by "braille."
May 17th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Absolutely no problems with XP SP3, have two systems and IBM desktop with a P4 3.2, 2MB memory and a Dell laptop with a 2Ghz Centrino and 2MB memory. Installation time was about 45 minutes on th IBM and 1.25 hours on the Dell!
May 17th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I downloaded and installed SP3 on a Dell Inspiron 6000 with absolutely no problems. Just make sure your computer is free of any spyware and viruses before you start. Haven't had any problems.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
i m having that problem can not reboot after installing sp3. im in contact with microsft at the moment, but they cannot understand what the problem is. now i know after reading this email
May 17th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I downloaded s.p3 had nothing but trouble sometimes the computer will not boot on start up i have to switch it off from the power and then turn it on again then it is ok the other problem is I run pc cillin I cannot get i to download even from a brand new 2008 version the cumputer keeps cumming up with an download interupted an will not go any further I had to download a free virus ptotection for the moment to protect the computer.
May 17th, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I use asus desktop ,I haven't notice anything different when I downloaded sp3
May 17th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
[…] Especially if you have an HP computer like I do. Here's the link that will tell you about it: Windows XP SP3 has problems | PC Pitstop I was having boot-up problems right after it was installed - now I've uninstalled it from my […]
May 17th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Here's instructions from HP tech..After installing SP3..If you receive stop error at startup or pc fails to boot to normal boot do this:1.restart in safe mode..once there click "yes" for advisory window..right click on start button..left click Explore..browse to C:\Windows|System32\Drivers2. Rename "intelppm.sysa" to "XXXintelppm.syxa"..close explorer and reboot in safe mode3.Start..Run..regedit…go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\intelppm…change value to 4..restart pc. I did and mine booted right up fine.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I've installed xp3 on 4 machines ranging in age from 1 year old to about 7 years old. I only had trouble on two of the machines. One was a software conflict on one machine with the AV (now fixed). On a laptop that I had to reformat & start from scratch I have intermittent loss of wireless network connection and found that I could not install IE7 after I'd installed SP3. I had to roll back SP3 to install IE7. Advice: install IE7 & MP11 before SP3, if you don;t already have them.
May 17th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I just did a complete restore because of the above error listed in the article. Three times over several days I got a blue screen with the error and recovered with a reboot. The fourth time it was a total crash. Until reading this article I didn't have the answer. Billys people appoligised for the crash. 3 days since the reinstall on: MSI-K8N Neo4-F with AMD 3500.
Thanks PC Pit for letting us know. All is ok since the restore with sp3? Time will tell.
Walter, thanks for the heads up… I guess your job will be easier at Best Buy since you have told us to shop elsewhere. Guess you need the crash to appreciate it. Your boss must like (not) your responce. Yes I am electronics retail Manager. Good job. PS, Help the customer?
Thanks again for all you do PC Pit.
May 17th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I'm one Windows XP Pro SP3 customer that has not experienced one single issue related to Windows XP SP3. I had problematic issues with the SP3 beta 2 version and had to uninstall it, but I also allowed Microsoft to monitor my process. I also believe that Microsoft may well have caused unnecessary failures on many personal Windows XP Operating Systems.
However, I also believe that there are so many variables that play into the mix, that it may become easy to point a blank-gun finger at Microsoft's SP3, rather than to our own personal neglect of essential computer maintenance.
While it may still be advisable to wait, I have not experienced one iota of difficulty with the Windows-Auto-Update of SP3, obviously my PC is one of the "blessed" ones.
It's critical for a "common PC user" to consider some of the very basics in keeping their PC up-to-date with Windows Updates (including some superfluous software and hardware updates), driver updates (essential), valid and comprehensive registry cleanups (this can't be stated strongly enough), not to mention Anti- virus, malware, and spyware software.
It ends up being a guessing game unless all of the above have attended to regularly!
P.S. As an after-thought, we are all welcome by Microsoft to become active members in their "beta" tests for future releases, I did, and I now don't have the issues I had with the Beta 2 release! Instead of pretending that Bill Gates is still there, we as users should get all the more involved in proactive involvement in helping Microsoft grow before even this enterprise goes to China!!! Do you think I chide?
May 17th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I updated my new dell XPS M1730 with SP3 and all of a sudden it would not recgonize my password until the 10th try everytime I powered up and could not change my admin settings, I wiped out the HD and re-isnstalled XP Pro, will not instal SP3 until this issue is rectified
May 17th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I installed SP3 and now have the old problem back with IE6 not responding and then end up sending a crash report to Microsoft.
I also use Diskkeeper Pro to defrag and am now getting the error "MMC has detected an error in a snap-in". One of my options is to report the error to Microsoft and then shutdown MMC. It comes up everytime I run it and rest assured, I report it every time.
Microsoft seems to have screwed things up once again!! Way to go Redmond..
May 18th, 2008 at 12:19 am
I use an Itel P4 3.06 Hyper thread with a Dell 8200 Dimension series and have had no problems as of yet.
May 18th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Here's my PC Performance Tests (Passmark) on the same system ryninng XP-SP3 and Vista Home Prem-SP1..
I'm having no issue with either of them,,
Here's my Performance Test on Vista Home Ed SP1..
1287.4
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v24/Stet…pg?t=1211083329
Same Machine..Running XP Home..SP3
1458.5
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v24/Stet…pg?t=1211083609
May 18th, 2