[Slump Tester]

I've tried that, (although not yet on this install) I even found an ISO file online with SP3 and IE8. It must be a corporate copy, cause it doesn't ask for a cd key or validate. But given the source, I just don't trust it!

The ISO from the bit-torrent DID update, but it still seemed to take quite awhile.

I'm gonna try the IE 8 update on this install.

[Errant]

Worked in my case, though I did install an update fix I found on line during the process of trying to figure it out. Wish I could remember the name now for you. In your case, the upgrade to IE8 might be all you need to do. It finally downloaded and install around 170 updates to the OS after several hours. You need a good internet connection. SP3 is pretty large by itself.

[lormand]

I just went on the Microsoft developer site on msdn subscriber downloads and they don’t offer XP. It’s funny that they offer Windows 3.1 thru 3.2 including “for Workgroups”. They skip Windows NT and all the way thru Vista, then offer Windows 7 to the latest.