Should I install XP Service Pack 3?
- by Dennis Faas on 20090428 @ 02:12PM EST | google it | send to friends
- Filed under Software | Windows Tips | (related terms: service pack, operating system, microsoft recommends, microsoft, pc)
Infopackets reader 'NCombs' writes:
" Dear Dennis,
I have Windows XP. Do I need to download Service Pack 3? "
My response:
Yes, you should download Windows XP Service Pack 3 and install it immediately as it contains cumulative / major updates to the operating system.
Without updating your PC on a regular basis -- whether it's a service pack or a hot fix, your PC is vulnerable to exploits (hackers, worms, Trojans, botnet, spamming, etc). In fact, Service Pack 3 includes a patch for Conficker worm that we've been talking about.
Microsoft Recommends Backing Up
Service Packs are a major update to the operating system and change many system files. As such, Microsoft recommends that you backup your system before applying a service pack.
That said: the last XP service pack released by Microsoft (XP Service pack 2) caused many computers to fail after it was installed, leaving a lot of folks with an unbootable (unstartable) computer.
In case this happens, I *highly* recommend you make a disk image backup of your system using Acronis True Image. This program is unlike most backup programs: it can revert your entire computer -- including the operating system -- to a previous state.
Details here:
Acronis True Image 2009 Review
