[cardinal4]

I didnt know SP3 was out yet..

[Califreak]

I’ve heard bad things about this.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13554_3-9929300-33.html

Go to the above link for more info.

[Stayfree]

My neighbor installed it and now he has a bunch of problems with his system...some things will not work at all...

[miliantnutcase]

If your currently up to date with security and your machine runs fine I would hold off.

[dayglored]

XP SP3 is only really a roll-up of all the prior patches.

As such, it's a convenience for folks like me who configure large number of computers for business, and waiting hours for 60+ patches is a pain.

But if your XP is already fully-patched to current, SP3 is hardly a big deal. The 2 or 3 additional "new" features are miminal. Unless you haven't already upgraded to IE7, in which case lots of settings change.

I've done it on my machines, nary a hiccup.

[Clock King]

I had no problems with it, and it seemed to speed things up slightly. However, I have mad computer skills, and I keep my machines up to date and never run “junk” SW. If your machine has no problems whatsoever (and by that I mean no quirks or flaky behavior), then it is probably OK to upgrade.

[dayglored]

Seeing some of the other comments about problems...

Some HP computers using AMD processors have an incorrect configuration, and SP3 will have problems, like causing a reboot-loop. That's not really an SP3 problem, that's an HP mis-configuration problem. Nevertheless, be aware...

There are a few other incompatibilities known, but MS ways that SP3 refuses to download and install om machines whose driver set has known problems. So unless you somehow override that lockout, you should be okay.

[politicalwit]

I installed SP3 about a week before MS’s official release date. Installed on desktop X 2 and Laptop X 2 without any problems or performance issues.

[library user]

[raybbr]

ping

[Salgak]

IF you do it, don’t take it from Microsoft Update/Windows Update.

Download the full CD version. Burn it, THEN run the upgrade.

The CD version has all the drivers, especially important if you’re running on an AMD processor and not an Intel . . .

[politicket]

SP3 is definitely worth the install. You'll see about a 10% performance boost. If you're running a manufacturer's standard system then it will intall without a hitch.

Trust me...I'm a doctor.... ;-)

Actually, I'm expert level on Windows systems with 30 years of experience in the computer realm.

[CarrotAndStick]

Wait for a while. The auto-update is a safer route to take.

[KirbDog]

One thing to keep in mind is this service pack isn’t cumulative. Most service packs in the past were but not this one. You would think it would be after all the iso image is over half a gig in size.

Kirby

[Malsua]

I’ve installed SP3 at least 30 times at this point. No issues. Go forth and multiply! (I’m an IT guy, quite up on these things, SP3 is solid)