[Cosmicpal]

Why can't I update Windows to the Service Pack 3? Every time I try to do the Windows update to Service Pack 3 my system crashes and I have to restore my system to an earlier date.

I've got an HP Pavillion a1114n computer with an AMD 64 processor. Can someone help me with this please?

[Frank4d]

Sometimes downloading the network install version of SP3 works better than installation via Microsoft Update: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

This article may also help. Sometimes the first two steps work, and sometimes you need to try the Advanced Troubleshooting steps: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377

Also see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/

[Cosmicpal]

I don't get an error message when using Windows Update. It proceeds with the update to the Service Pack 3 but when the computer restarts, I get the "blue screen of death."

I tried downloading the Service Pack 3 from the link you provided and I get this message (as with anything I try to download now):

C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Owner\My Documents\Downloads\WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe.part could not be saved, because the source file could not be read.

Try again later, or contact the server administrator.

[Noyb]

I see no reason to install SP3 when you can get all the critical updates without it.
I tried it once .. And my computer just didn't "feel" right .. so I removed it.

It wasn't broke before I tried to fix it.

[Cosmicpal]

My computer wasn't broke before the Service Pack 3 update either, but when I do update, the system crashes.

Not to sound obtuse or anything, but how do I get all the critical updates without updating to the Service Pack 3?

[flavallee]

Originally Posted by Cosmicpal

I tried downloading the Service Pack 3 from the link you provided and I get this message (as with anything I try to download now):

C:\Documents and Settings\HP_Owner\My Documents\Downloads\WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe.part could not be saved, because the source file could not be read.

Try again later, or contact the server administrator.

You can download the full 316 MB SP3 upgrade from here. I just tried the link and it works fine.

Originally Posted by Cosmicpal

Not to sound obtuse or anything, but how do I get all the critical updates without updating to the Service Pack 3?

Go to the Windows update site and do a custom scan, then select and install the high-priority updates.

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[redoak]

Be aware that "Custom Scan" is not all that obvious. It comes after the MS recommended full scan. You still have to refuse to take the option to install "SP3." Then another scan is run! Then you have to choose what to omit, if any!

I go thru this monthly. "Great fun in the morning!" Far better than messing with SP3, however.

{redoak}

p.s. I may have forgotten some fine points in the procedure. If so, I apologize, but you should be able to carefully work thru the routine.