XP SP3 Final Download Links

[Blahages]

If anyone wants SP3 for XP, it's out. It's 316MB (The English Build, at least), so anyone with a slower connection, be warned.

I've installed it on several computers, and haven't noticed any issues so far.

Here's the links:

Official Download Links from Microsoft:

English: Full Download (http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-enu_c81472f7eeea2eca421e116cd4c03e2300ebfde4.exe)
Spanish: Full Download (http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/WINDOWSXP-KB936929-SP3-X86-ESN_E305BECFC6FD5A8199368CEFFC496397247AC60F.exe)
Japanese: Full Download (http://www.download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-jpn_e0fc34cfa52d270b3c79a68af8fa358244f7419e.exe)
German: Full Download (http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-deu_f2dcd2211384a78df215c696a7fd1a7949dc794b.exe)
French: Full Download (http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-fra_414B61BBC86E09579D8447BAA23EB1B867F9CA93.exe)
Korean: Full Download (http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-kor_8ca7e862bfc2742ad9c4c58df0b0cd5ad4b700ae.exe)
Chinese (Simplified): Full Download (http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-chs_D7067E86ABD4257454200D0C398D71C4CE6CD33E.exe)
Chinese (Traditional): Full Download (http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-cht_8a0625e10b8c6cb88d9d1952f1a189fbd761b744.exe)
Russian: Full Download (http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-rus_850cda9f57033a17d046a56d422547ea80dcaf61.exe)
Czech: Full Download (http://download.windowsupdate.com/msdownload/update/software/svpk/2008/04/windowsxp-kb936929-sp3-x86-csy_7af606916b887dba9dd38ae282505ce2c2b81b08.exe)

Note: Anyone running the Pre-Release versions of SP3 will likely have to remove them before they can install the Final.

Note #2: This is from Microsoft, and is perfectly fine to use, unless you use the RMS (Right Management System) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rights_Management_Services) functionality. If you don't or have no idea what it is, then you aren't using it, and aren't affected by it, so you can use this download, without any issues. It's not publically on their main page yet because of this, because they felt it better to wait to post the links until after they've fixed that functionality.

But, like I said, it's 100% fine to use unless you use and know what the RMS functionality is. If you don't then you're not using it, and it's a moot point.

NOTE #3: If you have an HP Computer, with an AMD Processor, you may want to run This tool (https://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/attachment/7647.ashx) from this page (http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx), as apparently HP has done a horrible job setting up their computers, and made it so that if you try to upgrade to SP3 on a machine they've sold you, with an AMD Processor, it goes into an endless reboot cycle (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/16/hp_xp_sp3_amd/). Run that tool, and it may fix the problem. Do it BEFORE you apply the Service Pack.

I can't guarantee it will make it work properly, as I don't have means to test it, but it's supposed to.


Uxtheme.dll Patcher:

For anyone who uses a Patched UXtheme.dll file, for custom themes (Besides the Default XP Luna theme, Classic, or the Royale Themes) you will need to patch your Uxtheme.dll file again.

This patcher supposedly fixes it: http://www.public.sytes.net/hoefs/wi...me.php?lang=en (http://www.public.sytes.net/hoefs/windows/uxtheme.php?lang=en)

I have no tested the Patcher, as I'm currently on the x64 bit edition of XP

[Aηdy]

If anyone wants SP3 for XP, it's out. It's 316MB (The English Build, at least), so anyone with a slower connection, be warned.

Downloaded in 9 minutes 48 seconds lol.

If anyone is still on dial-up they shouldn't have a computer lol.

[Blahages]

Downloaded in 9 minutes 48 seconds lol.

If anyone is still on dial-up they shouldn't have a computer lol.

I had 144kbps IDSL up until a year ago, which is ridiculously slow, but still faster than dial up. Faster Internet isn't offered everywhere. It's all they provided here.

With that connection, it would have taken about 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Dial up would take somewhere around 18-20 hours. :(

Takes about 7-8 minutes here to download with my 6mb ADSL I have now.

[Aηdy]

I remember downlaoding SP1 on dial-up took about 3 days because it kept disconnecting lol.

[Blahages]

I remember downlaoding SP1 on dial-up took about 3 days because it kept disconnecting lol.

I downloaded SP2 over dial up. I used a Download manager, and left the connection up for like 15 hours. We only have one phone line too. :P

[Antares]

I think I will update it sometime in June.

[Blahages]

I think I will update it sometime in June.

:)

I've been using SP3 since the first Release Candidate back in November, without any problems.

[Antares]

Really, well that changes things but I am still a freak about some issue. I will just give it some time. Not too long...ehh

Anywyas good job on the list thing. Rep +

[Blahages]

Really, well that changes things but I am still a freak about some issue. I will just give it some time. Not too long...ehh

Anywyas good job on the list thing. Rep +

I didn't mean for it to change anything. I was just mentioning it. :P

And :)

[Mzor203]

Do you have to have the other service packs downloaded and installed before you can use the third one? 'Cause I haven't downloaded any.

And could you give me some information on what exactly the service packs do? My comp runs fine without them, so I'm not really inclined to get them.

[Maverick]

Bill, I have a problem after upgrading. Everytime I open up MSN messengerI get the following error but after I press OK, MSN messenger loads fine.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7088/93407917ya3.png

[Blahages]

Do you have to have the other service packs downloaded and installed before you can use the third one? 'Cause I haven't downloaded any.

And could you give me some information on what exactly the service packs do? My comp runs fine without them, so I'm not really inclined to get them.

No, you do not have to have any of the previous Services Packs installed in order to install SP3.

Are you sure you don't? If you right click on My Computer, and Hit properties, it'll say right below "Version 2002" if there is a Service Pack installed.

Some people don't have any SP's installed, but more of then than not, you will. Especially if you have automatic updates turned on.

Basically, service packs have a whole bunch of updates, security fixes, and sometimes some added features that they install.

You're definitely going to want AT LEAST Service Pack 2 installed on your computer. It's not a wise decision not to. There were a lot of security vulnerabilities in Pre-SP1, and even after that, that people like to take advantage of. There are also some annoying things that don't work correctly, if you dont have them installed.

I can also say that my computers prior to SP2 always seemed to run slower. May have just been a coincidence, but it always felt that way.

If you don't want to upgrade to SP3, then at least make sure you have SP2 installed.

There were about 800 fixes/changes in SP2 alone.


Bill, I have a problem after upgrading. Everytime I open up MSN messengerI get the following error but after I press OK, MSN messenger loads fine.

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7088/93407917ya3.png

Okay, I looked around, and I found this:

http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/en-us/default.aspx?dg=microsoft.public.windows.live.messenger&tid=3087ffcf-091b-4b9b-88b3-fdfbc37f3784&p=1

Apparently other people are having the same issue with MSN Messenger/WLM.

Basically, go into the Add/Remove programs, and uninstall the messenger, then reinstall it. That should take care of it.

[Maverick]

Cool. Thanks that worked.

[Aηdy]

I've ahd that problem on my laptop for ages, I can't be bothered to reinstall because I rarely close msn anyway.

[Blahages]

I've ahd that problem on my laptop for ages, I can't be bothered to reinstall because I rarely close msn anyway.

Can't be bothered to spend the 30 seconds to reinstall it? Hah.

You sound like I do a lot. I have an error message about a missing file that shows up every time I open my email client, and I could easily fix it by just copying the correct file into the "C:\Windows\System32" directory, but well, I just haven't gotten around to it yet. :P

[Aηdy]

Well I always hibernate my laptop because it takes forever to cold start (vista) so msn is never really closed, and theres no point if i'm going back to XP soon lol.

[Mzor203]

Well, I've decided to get it, but it's taking a hell of a long time to download.

[Mzor203]

EDIT: Nvm, figured how to uninstall it, but there was a bug in the one I downloaded, I think. The computer kept restarting.

[Blahages]

Okay, sorry for double post, I installed it and then when I shut down the computer and turned it back on, it kept rebooting whenever Windows XP started to load. I can use safe mode, so how do I uninstall it?

Hmm... Sounds like you're getting a BSOD. Hit F8, and instead of choosing Safe Mode, choose "Disable Automatic Reboot on System Failure" Or whatever it is. Instead of automatically rebooting, it should give stop on the BSOD and let you see the error.

Post the Error it's giving. It should be in the form "0x0000007a" or something similar. Post that.

Also, if it references any file name, like win32.sys, or something, list those.

Might be able to narrow down the problem so you don't have to remove it.

If you want to put up with a little troubleshooting, we might be able to easily fix this, and keep SP3.

If you absolutely don't want to, and just want to get rid of SP3, then boot up in safe mode, go to the Add/Remove programs, and it should list Windows XP SP3 in there somewhere. You might have to tell it to show Windows updates, but it should be there somewhere.

EDIT: Okay, I see you edited your post while I was replying.

If you want to try it again, go ahead. If not, then don't. :)

[Mzor203]

It took half an hour or more just to install it and the same to uninstall, so I'm not really up for it. My computer works now that I've got rid of it, so the service pack is definately what caused the trouble. Thanks for your help.

[jjmcray]

What's new in SP3? What is so different?

[Blahages]

What's new in SP3? What is so different?

There's not a lot of noticeable differences. Cosmetically, it's basically 100% the same. There are a few minor things, but most people won't notice them.

It's mainly updates, fixes, security fixes, and things like that.

Here's the PDF that MS released on some of the changes:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/6/8/7/687484ed-8174-496d-8db9-f02b40c12982/Overview%20of%20Windows%20XP%20Service%20Pack%203.pdf

[Blahages]

EDIT: Nvm, figured how to uninstall it, but there was a bug in the one I downloaded, I think. The computer kept restarting.

Thought I'd ask you if you have an HP computer, or what exact you have, and is it an AMD Processor?

If so, there is apparently a "bug" (HP's fault) with the way they set them up that causes the machines to endlessly reboot after applying the service pack.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/16/hp_xp_sp3_amd/

[Mzor203]

Thought I'd ask you if you have an HP computer, or what exact you have, and is it an AMD Processor?

If so, there is apparently a "bug" (HP's fault) with the way they set them up that causes the machines to endlessly reboot after applying the service pack.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/16/hp_xp_sp3_amd/

I have a Compaq, no clue about the processor.

[Blahages]

I have a Compaq, no clue about the processor.

Hmm...

Just thought I'd ask. I'm not sure if it affected other brands. I just saw that today.

[Patchy]

Just installed...took forever to log me in and get going and my hard drive is really loud now...still doing updates and installer is still running

so hopefully it speeds up again soon :P

[Triple7]

Hmm...

Just thought I'd ask. I'm not sure if it affected other brands. I just saw that today.

I thought that Compaq was acquired by HP, so Compaq => HP? Unless the Compaq is that old...

[Blahages]

I thought that Compaq was acquired by HP, so Compaq => HP? Unless the Compaq is that old...

You're right, Compaq is owned by HP. It was acquired back in Sept. of 2001.

Wasn't thinking at the time.

So, that's a very real possibility.

So, Yeah, Mzor, if you ever feel like trying it again, There is a little tool that someone made that claims to fix the issue that HP has caused with it.

https://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/attachment/7647.ashx

You run that, and it's supposed to tell you if you're affected.

I got that from here: http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesper/archive/2008/05/08/does-your-amd-based-computer-boot-after-installing-xp-sp3.aspx

Or, you can wait for an official fix from HP/Microsoft, whenever that happens.

Just installed...took forever to log me in and get going and my hard drive is really loud now...still doing updates and installer is still running

so hopefully it speeds up again soon :P

Hmm.... The HDD isn't going to be any louder than usual. You may just not be used to hearing it actually doing a lot of stuff at once...

It should speed up. Every machine I've installed it on, I've noticed an increase in speed afterward. Not a drastic one, but one nonetheless.

[0=]

The first login after installing a service pack always takes a long time.

[Axellance]

Hmm...

Just thought I'd ask. I'm not sure if it affected other brands. I just saw that today.

you guys do know that compaq is made by hp so that probably is what is causing the error!

hehe i see that someone alredy pointed this out. oops!

[Blahages]

you guys do know that compaq is made by hp so that probably is what is causing the error!

hehe i see that someone alredy pointed this out. oops!

Yeah. I knew they had, I just wasn't thinking about that at the time. :P

I was thinking "Compaq." It didn't cross my mind then that Compaq was owned by HP.