[blondiesque]

Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!

In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was "defective"
and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of Movie
Maker that came with SP2.

Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.

Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
mid-techno knowledge users?

[f/fgeorge]

On Wed, 22 Jun 2005 16:45:07 -0700, "blondiesque"
<blondiesque@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote:

>Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>
>In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
>DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
>documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was "defective"
>and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of Movie
>Maker that came with SP2.
>
>Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
>anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
>Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>
>Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
>mid-techno knowledge users?
BEFORE doing ANY SP installs you should backup EVERYTHING you would be
afraid to lose!

[JoeM]

Windows XP SP2 has not caused any probems for my, have installed XP on about
50 other computers without any trouble

"blondiesque" <blondiesque@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-B2359D8562B6@microsoft.com...
> Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>
> In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
> "defective"
> and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
> Movie
> Maker that came with SP2.
>
> Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>
> Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> mid-techno knowledge users?
>

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
If not, what for?
You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.

SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
problems.
All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
update particularly a Service Pack.

Who told you SP-2 was defective?
What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.

Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
computer manufacturers long ago.
Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved their
issues.
But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
installation of SP-2.

The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your computer
is ready for SP-2:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"blondiesque" <blondiesque@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-B2359D8562B6@microsoft.com...
> Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>
> In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
> "defective"
> and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
> Movie
> Maker that came with SP2.
>
> Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>
> Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> mid-techno knowledge users?

[Gaga6]

I waited a long to time to install SP2 after hearing all the doom and gloom
talk. I took the necessary precautions and installed it finally. It's
great. No problems at all.

Helen

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <jones_jupiter@hotnomail.com> wrote in message
news:ev000I6dFHA.1920@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
> Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
> If not, what for?
> You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
> As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.
>
> SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
> Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
> problems.
> All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
> update particularly a Service Pack.
>
> Who told you SP-2 was defective?
> What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
> If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
> getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.
>
> Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
> computer manufacturers long ago.
> Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved their
> issues.
> But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
> installation of SP-2.
>
> The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your computer
> is ready for SP-2:
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> http://www.dts-l.org
>
>
> "blondiesque" <blondiesque@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-B2359D8562B6@microsoft.com...
>> Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>>
>> In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
>> DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
>> documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
>> "defective"
>> and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
>> Movie
>> Maker that came with SP2.
>>
>> Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
>> anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
>> Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>>
>> Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
>> mid-techno knowledge users?
>
>

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Helen;
Nothing is perfect and there are just to many variables totally beyond
Microsoft's control.
But taking the necessary precautions reduces the risk as your experience
demonstrates.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Gaga6" <hel3ngaga6hwNOSPAM@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:uRnYJL6dFHA.3880@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>I waited a long to time to install SP2 after hearing all the doom and gloom
>talk. I took the necessary precautions and installed it finally. It's
>great. No problems at all.
>
> Helen
>
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" <jones_jupiter@hotnomail.com> wrote in message
> news:ev000I6dFHA.1920@tk2msftngp13.phx.gbl...
>> Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
>> If not, what for?
>> You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
>> As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.
>>
>> SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
>> Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
>> problems.
>> All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
>> update particularly a Service Pack.
>>
>> Who told you SP-2 was defective?
>> What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
>> If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
>> getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.
>>
>> Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
>> computer manufacturers long ago.
>> Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved
>> their issues.
>> But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
>> installation of SP-2.
>>
>> The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your
>> computer is ready for SP-2:
>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>>
>> --
>> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
>> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
>> http://www.dts-l.org

[blondiesque]

When I run the Microsoft Office Update Check I am "told" that the required
update is Office XP Service Pack 3. Am I confused?

Last October, after installing Service Pack 2, after a week, I was unable to
access "My Computer" and the programs I was running would freeze. When I
called DELL... and after being on hold for what seemed hours, the first
technician told me that they were receiving many techncial issue calls
because of sp2, not every computer would be affected (something about
something on the actual harddrive).

Eventually, I couldn't run any program, acces my floppy drive, etc. So I
called DELL again when I tried to back up what ever files I could. The
second technican told me the same story. I was walked through the process of
reformatting and told to call DELL once that process was complete. The third
technican told me about the same issues with SP2 while assisting with
installing all the drivers, etc.

How would I know if there is a problem with my computer before installing
aservice pack 3?


"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:

> Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
> If not, what for?
> You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
> As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.
>
> SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
> Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
> problems.
> All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
> update particularly a Service Pack.
>
> Who told you SP-2 was defective?
> What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
> If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
> getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.
>
> Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
> computer manufacturers long ago.
> Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved their
> issues.
> But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
> installation of SP-2.
>
> The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your computer
> is ready for SP-2:
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> http://www.dts-l.org
>
>
> "blondiesque" <blondiesque@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-B2359D8562B6@microsoft.com...
> > Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
> >
> > In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> > DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> > documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
> > "defective"
> > and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
> > Movie
> > Maker that came with SP2.
> >
> > Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> > anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> > Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
> >
> > Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> > mid-techno knowledge users?
>
>
>

[blondiesque]

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=85AF7BFD-6F69-4289-8BD1-EB966BCDFB5E&displaylang=en

This is what has been detected to install

"blondiesque" wrote:

> When I run the Microsoft Office Update Check I am "told" that the required
> update is Office XP Service Pack 3. Am I confused?
>
> Last October, after installing Service Pack 2, after a week, I was unable to
> access "My Computer" and the programs I was running would freeze. When I
> called DELL... and after being on hold for what seemed hours, the first
> technician told me that they were receiving many techncial issue calls
> because of sp2, not every computer would be affected (something about
> something on the actual harddrive).
>
> Eventually, I couldn't run any program, acces my floppy drive, etc. So I
> called DELL again when I tried to back up what ever files I could. The
> second technican told me the same story. I was walked through the process of
> reformatting and told to call DELL once that process was complete. The third
> technican told me about the same issues with SP2 while assisting with
> installing all the drivers, etc.
>
> How would I know if there is a problem with my computer before installing
> aservice pack 3?
>
>
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:
>
> > Service Pack 3 for Windows XP?
> > If not, what for?
> > You probably should install it in a year or two if and when it comes out.
> > As of now, there are no public plans for SP-3.
> >
> > SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
> > Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
> > problems.
> > All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
> > update particularly a Service Pack.
> >
> > Who told you SP-2 was defective?
> > What specifically did they say about SP-2 was defective?
> > If that person can not be specific, that is a big clue you are better off
> > getting computer elsewhere so you get good advice.
> >
> > Some computers had issues with SP-2 but most have been resolved by the
> > computer manufacturers long ago.
> > Most hardware and software manufacturers have also long ago resolved their
> > issues.
> > But you should check with them for SP-2 compatibility before starting
> > installation of SP-2.
> >
> > The Service Pack Installation Checklist can help you be sure your computer
> > is ready for SP-2:
> > http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm
> >
> > --
> > Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> > http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
> > http://www.dts-l.org
> >
> >
> > "blondiesque" <blondiesque@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> > news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-B2359D8562B6@microsoft.com...
> > > Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
> > >
> > > In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> > > DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> > > documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
> > > "defective"
> > > and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
> > > Movie
> > > Maker that came with SP2.
> > >
> > > Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> > > anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> > > Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
> > >
> > > Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> > > mid-techno knowledge users?
> >
> >
> >

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

That is Office XP Service Pack 3.
Some of us thought you were referring to Windows XP SP-3 which does not yet
exist.
In any case, you should install the Office Service Pack.
Similarly to a Windows Service Pack, you should ensure the computer is
ready.
As a minimum, be sure your computer is spyware and virus free.
Reboot just before installing and disable all unnecessary programs before
starting the installation.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"blondiesque" <blondiesque@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:BEB36B31-D5DB-46B6-8906-E3C65E2C9313@microsoft.com...
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=85AF7BFD-6F69-4289-8BD1-EB966BCDFB5E&displaylang=en
>
> This is what has been detected to install

[Roger Abell]

You have not stated what OS you are using.
SP 3 exists for NT4 and W2k, and either should be updated to
the latest which is in both cases long past SP3.

Dell and others tend to always say what they are sure will work,
reinstall. This helps them 1) handle the most calls in the least time,
2) say something that will for sure work

Most problems with application of MS released service is due
to what is running on the machine, like running antivirus at time
of install, like infestation with malware, etc. There was a small
glitch (with non-laptop machines) for very new machines when
SP2 for XP released due to manufacturers having sent out the
then newest Intel processors for production runs that were not
supposed to have been released to the public.


--
Roger Abell
Microsoft MVP (Windows Security)
MCSE (W2k3,W2k,Nt4) MCDBA
"blondiesque" <blondiesque@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:1F78E20E-D0B8-4F9C-AE1E-B2359D8562B6@microsoft.com...
> Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>
> In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was
"defective"
> and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of
Movie
> Maker that came with SP2.
>
> Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>
> Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> mid-techno knowledge users?
>

[blondiesque]

Thank you to everyone for their advice and I apologize for my confusion over
service packs.

My OS is XP Professional. I've run Spybot and Adware. And then I'll run
Norton Internet Security, back-up the digital picture files of my family,
school work, personal website and the version of moviemaker (that I like) on
a flash drive.

Reboot.

Only open Internet Explorer. Run Windows update that recommends I install
Windows Service Pack 2, download and install.

Then reboot.

Only open Internet Explorer. Run

Run the Office Update that recommends to install Office XP Service Pack 3.
Then install.

Is this a logical sequence to update my laptop?

"blondiesque" wrote:

> Last October I downloaded Service Pack 2... and havoc ensued!!
>
> In the end I had to reformatt my laptop and re-install everything (on
> DELL'S) advice. All the while, being chastised for not making backups of
> documents and pictures, etc., I was told that Service Pack 2 was "defective"
> and causing problems for everyone. Also, I didn't like the version of Movie
> Maker that came with SP2.
>
> Since October's reinstallation I have been AFRAID to update or download
> anything from Microsoft - what if I have "freezing-up" problems again?
> Today, being brave, I downloaded 20 Windows Update files.
>
> Should I also download Service Pack 3? Has there been problems for other
> mid-techno knowledge users?
>

[keybounce]

"Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:
> SP-2 was not defective and is still not defective.
> Most of those computers that had problems with SP-2 had pre-existing
> problems.
> All problems, known and unknown should be resolved before installing any
> update particularly a Service Pack.

All unknown problems should be resolved? Is this Microsoft's official word?
If so, I'll not install another one ever -- I'll switch to macintosh or linux
first.

I do computer consulting for a partial living. I have had to reinstall 4
systems in this one town in november-january, and I just had another one
clobbered and reinstalled yesterday. The first 4 were SP2; the last one may
have been, it's unclear. In fairness, they had windows update turned off for
a while.

Sp2 installs absolutely fine on a clean XP system. Not a problem.

But SP2 is sloppy.

Many, many years ago, I had to upgrade systems from 3.1 to 95. It was such a
major change that I was concerned about the safety of doing it.

It turns out I was overly concerned, but not because upgrading worked.
Upgrading from 3.1 to 95 was ** REVERSABLE **. And, on one machine, I had to
reverse and retry 5 times before I found out why (a device driver that
upgrade did not warn about), and then it went in OK.

Sp2, if it fails -- and it does fail on some systems -- has NO UNINSTALL
ability. Sure, if it installs well enough to bring windows up fully, and
things are operating, then I can uninstall. But if the install breaks, I'm
left with both parts.

That's the "Gnu" support approach. That's NOT acceptable for a paid,
commercial operating system.

If Microsoft's official policy is that we need to ensure our systems are
100% free of any problems, even problems we are not aware of, before we
install another service pack, well, then sp1 is the last serivce pack my
personal machine gets, and I'll recommend to all my customers and friends
that they only install service packs on fresh installs.

Oh -- So far, in my experience, using the CD for a repair install has a zero
success rate when a windows XP sp1 system is having trouble. For yesterday's
machine, it resulted in a system that would display the loading screen, move
the white bar about 5 ticks, and then reboot, every time, in an endless loop.

(System restore? Gee, that would be nice. Except that if the disk free space
gets low enough, windows XP decides that system restore isn't necessary, and
will toss every restore point out the window. You don't need to go back in
case of a problem, now do you?)

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

It is not so much "Microsoft's official word" as it is common sense.
Also, it does not apply just to Service Packs, but to just about anything
with just about any OS..

Resolve all problems before trying otherwise if there is a problem, you will
have little idea of the actual cause since you did not have control of the
computer to begin with.

What operating systems do you know that suggest it is OK to update, patch
etc with unresolved problems still present?
Can you cite a source for that suggestion.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"keybounce" <keybounce@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:322B7EE2-1FB6-402A-88D4-BE433B18423C@microsoft.com...
> "Jupiter Jones [MVP]" wrote:
> All unknown problems should be resolved? Is this Microsoft's official
> word?
> If so, I'll not install another one ever -- I'll switch to macintosh or
> linux
> first.
>
> I do computer consulting for a partial living. I have had to reinstall 4
> systems in this one town in november-january, and I just had another one
> clobbered and reinstalled yesterday. The first 4 were SP2; the last one
> may
> have been, it's unclear. In fairness, they had windows update turned off
> for
> a while.
>
> Sp2 installs absolutely fine on a clean XP system. Not a problem.
>
> But SP2 is sloppy.
>
> Many, many years ago, I had to upgrade systems from 3.1 to 95. It was such
> a
> major change that I was concerned about the safety of doing it.
>
> It turns out I was overly concerned, but not because upgrading worked.
> Upgrading from 3.1 to 95 was ** REVERSABLE **. And, on one machine, I had
> to
> reverse and retry 5 times before I found out why (a device driver that
> upgrade did not warn about), and then it went in OK.
>
> Sp2, if it fails -- and it does fail on some systems -- has NO UNINSTALL
> ability. Sure, if it installs well enough to bring windows up fully, and
> things are operating, then I can uninstall. But if the install breaks, I'm
> left with both parts.
>
> That's the "Gnu" support approach. That's NOT acceptable for a paid,
> commercial operating system.
>
> If Microsoft's official policy is that we need to ensure our systems are
> 100% free of any problems, even problems we are not aware of, before we
> install another service pack, well, then sp1 is the last serivce pack my
> personal machine gets, and I'll recommend to all my customers and friends
> that they only install service packs on fresh installs.
>
> Oh -- So far, in my experience, using the CD for a repair install has a
> zero
> success rate when a windows XP sp1 system is having trouble. For
> yesterday's
> machine, it resulted in a system that would display the loading screen,
> move
> the white bar about 5 ticks, and then reboot, every time, in an endless
> loop.
>
> (System restore? Gee, that would be nice. Except that if the disk free
> space
> gets low enough, windows XP decides that system restore isn't necessary,
> and
> will toss every restore point out the window. You don't need to go back in
> case of a problem, now do you?)
>