Before the install/reinstallation of Windows XP, I highly recommend that you download Service Pack 3 "for multiple computers" and burn it onto a CD. The download is approximately 316.4MB. If you choose not to do this step, your system could become infected with a virus or worm exploiting the vulnerabilities that Service Pack 3 fixes. I also recommend that you do NOT have your system connected to the Internet until after the installation of Service Pack 3. This means that you cannot activate your XP installation during setup, but you can accomplish that task following a reboot after Service Pack 3 is installed.
Service Pack 3
- The Default and "Safe" Service configurations for Windows XP Home and Pro work just fine while installing Service Pack 3.
What I did do:
- I installed Service Pack 3 "for multiple computers". I did not use Automatic Update to accomplish the task. The complete download is about 316.4MB. If I tested multiple computers with the Autoupdate installation, it would take more time than what I would enjoy spending.
- Predict on an individual basis whether Service Pack 3 "will work for you."
- Test whether or not System Restore will "undo" Service Pack 3 or if you will be able to go back to a previous install point before Service Pack 3 installation. My guess is "No, you cannot."
With that said, this is my recommendations:
- No matter what, I would recommend to install SP3. If for nothing else, the knowledge that all of the "security" updates are current, not to mention the "bug" fixes and several updates not offered through auto update.
- Back up everything you cannot afford to lose.
- Contact Microsoft for any Technical issues that arise with the Service Pack 3. I do not work for them. I do not have a direct line to them. They can answer and fix your problems much faster than I.
Service Pack 2
- The Default and "Safe" Service configurations for Windows XP Home and Pro work just fine while installing Service Pack 2.
- A minimal amount of services (eight) running on automatic also work fine as long as Cryptographic Service is running.
What I did do:
- I installed Service Pack 2 "for multiple computers". I did not use Automatic Update to accomplish the task. The complete download is about 272MB. If I tested multiple computers with the Autoupdate installation, it would take more time than what I would enjoy spending.
What I am not going to do:
- Predict on an individual basis whether Service Pack 2 "will work for you."
- Test whether or not System Restore will "undo" Service Pack 2 or if you will be able to go back to a previous install point before Service Pack 2 installation. My guess is "No, you cannot."
With that said, this is my recommendations:
- No matter what, I would recommend to install SP2. If for nothing else, the knowledge that all of the "security" updates are current, not to mention the "bug" fixes.
- Back up everything you cannot afford to lose.
- Contact Microsoft for any Technical issues that arise with the Service Pack 2. I do not work for them. I do not have a direct line to them. They can answer and fix your problems much faster than I.
Service Pack 1
- The Default, "Safe" and "Internet Gateway" Service configurations for Windows XP Home and Pro work just fine while installing Service Pack 1.
- A minimal amount of services (eight) running on automatic also work fine.
- Cryptographic service is required to install SP1.
- If you "archive" or keep the ability to "uninstall" SP1, you will require 130 to 400 MB of disk space.
What I did do:
- I installed Service Pack 1 from a "full" or "network" download. Not the Express. The full is about 137 MB. If I tested multiple computers with the "Express" installation, it would take weeks.
What I am not going to do:
- Install SP1 from an "Express" download.
- Predict on an individual basis whether Service Pack 1 "will work for you."
- Test whether or not System Restore will "undo" Service Pack 1 or if you will be able to go back to a previous install point before Service Pack 1 installation. My guess is "No, you cannot."
With that said, this is my recommendations:
- No matter what, I would recommend to install SP1. If for nothing else, the knowledge that all of the "security" updates are current, not to mention the "bug" fixes.
- Back up everything you cannot afford to lose.
- Contact Microsoft for any Technical issues that arise with the Service Pack 1. I do not work for them. I do not have a direct line to them. They can answer and fix your problems much faster than I.