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How do I download and install Windows XP SP3?

Anonymous
2013-06-13T21:39:19+00:00

I currently have Windows XP, Service Pack 2 on my IBM ThinkPad.

I tried to follow the recommended instructions on Microsoft's Web site, that is to install it through Windows Update. When I go to the Windows Update page and click the "Custom" button, it says "The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you solve the problem." [Error number: 0x80244019]

I suspect that this is because I am currently running Windows XP SP2; I'm not allowed to update because I haven't updated yet.

The second "advanced" option is to install it "manually". This takes me to a page entitled "Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers". The title was somewhat discouraging, but I was going to get it anyway, but when I scrolled down the page, I read in the description: "DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER". I simply can't ignore a message written in all caps and bolded!

Anyway, could anyone tell me why

  1. The Windows Update version of XP SP3 is, in Microsoft's words, "more appropriate", and
  2. if it's not appropriate for my single installation on my single-user ThinkPad, then what should I do?

Thanks,

      Thomas

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-06-14T07:06:40+00:00

    You can download the stand-alone Windows XP SP3 package from the following Microsoft Download Center page. Although this page says that the installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers, you can safely download and install this package.

    Download the Windows XP Service Pack 3 package now

    Important These service packs apply only to 32-bit versions of Windows XP.

    To order Windows XP SP3 on a CD, click the appropriate link for your region:

    Asia     (except Japan)

    Europe and Africa

    North America

    South America

    Ref: How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-07-21T20:42:58+00:00

    If all you want is ServicePack 3 for XP 32bit,  KB 936 929 is still available from the update catalog.

    You'll need a modern browser to download it( NOT iex8 )  Firefox works fine.

    Choose your language -download the  installer to your Admin account & install.

    https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=kb936929

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-07-21T01:19:16+00:00

    your download link is no longer working and can no longer order the cd for this either what can i do?

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-06-13T21:44:43+00:00

    Just ignore Microsoft's recommendations and misdirections. It is perfectly OK to update one PC this way. In fact it is now the only way to get to SP3.

    See also http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717

    Tricky

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