What?

Microsoft's Windows XP should absolutely be updated with Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 (aka Win XP SP3). 

Why?

We've now installed the release for all our clients on all new, upgraded and even older 'in-production' (e.g. in continuing use) PCs, and we consider the service pack to be in full production mode!

How?

The Win XP SP3 file is 316 MB and can take 30 to 45 minutes just to download on a high speed DSL or cable connection.  As a result...

• It's desirable NOT to download SP3 directly onto each PC, and NOT to install it immediately (another 30 to 60 minutes of tying up your PC while SP3 installs.).  Rather than giving up your PC for a couple 'prime-time' working hours, we recommend downloading once to your network, and then, when you're ready, updating your PCs via the network one-by-one.   Microsoft's 'full-install' download is available at: www-microsoft-com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en (<-- Copy, paste and fix)
• It's important before installing SP3 to be sure the PC is ready (e.g. running programs terminated, restore point set, recent data backup complete, etc.)

There are literally a thousand or more fixes in the SP3 package.  If you're curious you can see the list at:  www-support-microsoft-com/kb/946480 (<--Copy, paste and fix)  The complete installation will use up 1.0 to 1.5 GB of hard disk space that must be available before the process starts.

If you are in the habit of routinely checking for Microsoft updates, please note that you should choose the [Custom] option and then the [Review Other Updates] choices to download and install updates other than Win XP SP3.

A note on Internet Explorer 7.0

We've had encouraged many of our clients NOT to upgrade to Internet Explorer 7.0 (aka IE 7.0).  Like it or not Internet Explorer is a core component of Windows, and changing it can and does affect other applications.  We have had experience with QuickBooks (versions before 2008), ACT 2000 and GoldMine 7.x each not working properly with IE 7.0.

The rule-of-thumb for any mix of software (particularly software that is aging but working effectively) is to be VERY CAREFUL about updating core Windows components like Internet Explorer.  We strongly recommend implementing any updates carefully, testing on a single PC, and then updating other PCs sometime (maybe 30 to 90 days) thereafter.

If you are mixing and matching older software you may find our guide titled: 'Installing Software? Order is important' to be of interest.

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