Should I install XP Service Pack 3?
Infopackets reader 'NCombs' writes:
" Dear Dennis,
I have Windows XP. Do I need to download Service Pack 3? "
My response:
Yes, you should download Windows XP Service Pack 3 and install it immediately as it contains cumulative / major updates to the operating system.
Without updating your PC on a regular basis -- whether it's a service pack or a hot fix, your PC is vulnerable to exploits (hackers, worms, Trojans, botnet, spamming, etc). In fact, Service Pack 3 includes a patch for Conficker worm that we've been talking about.
Microsoft Recommends Backing Up
Service Packs are a major update to the operating system and change many system files. As such, Microsoft recommends that you backup your system before applying a service pack.
That said: the last XP service pack released by Microsoft (XP Service pack 2) caused many computers to fail after it was installed, leaving a lot of folks with an unbootable (unstartable) computer.
In case this happens, I *highly* recommend you make a disk image backup of your system using Acronis True Image. This program is unlike most backup programs: it can revert your entire computer -- including the operating system -- to a previous state.
Details here:
Most popular articles
- Which Processor is Better: Intel or AMD? - Explained
- How to Prevent Ransomware in 2018 - 10 Steps
- 5 Best Anti Ransomware Software Free
- How to Fix: Computer / Network Infected with Ransomware (10 Steps)
- How to Fix: Your Computer is Infected, Call This Number (Scam)
- Scammed by Informatico Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Smart PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by Right PC Experts? Here's What to Do
- Scammed by PC / Web Network Experts? Here's What to Do
- How to Fix: Windows Update Won't Update
- Explained: Do I need a VPN? Are VPNs Safe for Online Banking?
- Explained: VPN vs Proxy; What's the Difference?
- Explained: Difference Between VPN Server and VPN (Service)
- Forgot Password? How to: Reset Any Password: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10
- How to: Use a Firewall to Block Full Screen Ads on Android
- Explained: Absolute Best way to Limit Data on Android
- Explained: Difference Between Dark Web, Deep Net, Darknet and More
- Explained: If I Reset Windows 10 will it Remove Malware?
My name is Dennis Faas and I am a senior systems administrator and IT technical analyst specializing in cyber crimes (sextortion / blackmail / tech support scams) with over 30 years experience; I also run this website! If you need technical assistance , I can help. Click here to email me now; optionally, you can review my resume here. You can also read how I can fix your computer over the Internet (also includes user reviews).
We are BBB Accredited
We are BBB accredited (A+ rating), celebrating 21 years of excellence! Click to view our rating on the BBB.