Micosoft has not made it official but reports are circulating that SP3 for Windows XP will be released on April 29th. There will be pre-releases to OEM and system builders as well as Gold members, of course.
My advice? I would advise that if your current install of XP has all the latest security and critical patches then let’s wait and see how SP3 works. There aren’t many security enhancments in this SP and there are already reports of problems with machines and Media Center after aplyying the pre-release candidate. So unless you don’t keep your updates up to date I would reccommend you wait a month or so to see how the masses that do apply the SP react. If on the other hand you don’t keep things updated then you have bigger things to worrry about than SP3. You better get in contact with a professional to get things updated. I’ll throw a link to my home page now, in case you need it. http://pcsecureonline.com
If you are dead set to apply this SP then there are some things to consider doing first. Backup! Backup all data that you can’t absolutely live without. If you have the software and hardware you should bo a bit by bit copy of your whole drive to another drive. This will make it easier to “fall back” should things go wrong. Secondly, scan! Run all the free antivirus, adaware, rootkit, malware, rbot, and trojan dectection scans you can get your hands on. In other words, make sure that PC is clean before you go installing any SP’s. I remeber SP2 and the nightmares some people had installing it. I think most of those having problems also had not run any scans prior to the install. Lastly, do some research on the install prior to doing it. And don’t just rely on Microsofts word, either. Look for others who have experienced the install and offer up their advice. I’ll keep an eye out and let you know what I’m hearing after the 29th.
Stan
