Problem Updating to Windows SP3

[Spiritsongs]

  Hi Pam :

 Several PRECAUTIONS should be done PRIOR to upGRADING ( from SP2 to SP3, for


example ) an Operating System. which I feel should include the following :


1) Get the latest RELIABLE Info on possible problems; I trust the FREE "Windows Secrets"


& "Don't let XP3 hose your system" from http://WindowsSecrets.com/080911 is very good .


There are other "Windows Secrets" articles on their website about possible XP3


compatibility problem(s) .


2) Make reasonable sure the computer is Malware-free ; practically speaking, nowadays


that means running the "Full Scan" of the FREE Ver of "SUPERAntiSpyware" from


http://www.superantispyware.com/ AND the "Free" Version of "Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware


from http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php .


3) Get the latest PC Manufacturer "Driver" updates , IF there are any .


4) Make a "System Restore" Point, to go back to, IF the Installation is NOT successful .


Refer to the excellent Guide at http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial56.html

[bob3160]

4) Make a "System Restore" Point, to go back to, IF the Installation is NOT successful .

If you read Pam's original post:

http://forum.avast.com/index.php?topic=43874.msg366911#msg366911

You'll notice that she was able overcome her faulty problem by going back to her Restore Point.

If you listen to the scary stories posted by a very small minority of those that installed SP3, you'll never update your system.

I've used SP3 since Beta days without problems and so did thousands of other beta testers.

The final version installed successfully in most instances.

PamJ,
Clean out your temp files, Create another Restore Point, Stop the scanning by your security programs and, re-install SP3.

[PamJ]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I plan on trying this again over the w/e and will let you know the outcome.

Yep, that restore point saved me!

I did thorough scans beforehand with all the anti-virus, anti-malware, etc. programs I have, including a boot scan with avast. I'll start from scratch this w/e, make sure everything is off, and set another restore point.  I know the computer sets these, but I like to set my own right before I do something like this.



Pam

Sidebar:  Another sorta related question fueled only by my incessant curiosity---is it possible to update Windows through Firefox rather than IE? When I go to Windows site to update, it says I have to be on IE to do it.  I have both, so it's not an issue other than, as I said, my curiosity!

[Tarq57]

Try this addon in Firefox. https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1419

[YoKenny]

There weren't any personal computers when I was 16

There weren't computers when I was 16 and by 20 I was a whiz at a slide rule http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slide_rule

[DavidR]

There were many computers when you were 16, but they could hardly be called personal

You would need a large house to fit them in and a large staff to service them, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossus_computer. Updating to SP3 would be a cinch to getting this baby running

[bob3160]

There were many computers when you were 16, but they could hardly be called personal

You would need a large house to fit them in and a large staff to service them, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colossus_computer. Updating to SP3 would be a cinch to getting this baby running

We had one of those Room Filling Computers at work.
In 1983 when I brought my   Vic 20 to work,
every one was amazed that I was able to do more with that little 3 k computer than the programmers where able to accomplish with the
"Main Frame". 

[DavidR]

I was on a project in Hong Kong to replace an ICL Main Frame computer (ICL 2900 if memory serves), that was in a temperature controlled, air conditioned environment. That was probably the size of a large wardrobe, it has six massive memory drives and tape drives about the size of a large washing machine, for memory and data storage.

We replaced it with a small HP Server about the size of a midi tower with single tape drive all on one desk. It was much more powerful more RAM and storage than the main frame and all the six tape drives.

It was nice to be in the temperature controlled environment Hong Kong was very hot when we went out there.