How to Install Windows XP Pro SP3

Windows XP Service Pack 3 is a software package that contains fixes to the operating system that targets stability and security issues. Installing it will decrease many bugs and errors that you can come across while using your computer. Service Pack 3 is available on Windows Update and through direct download from Microsoft and it's easy to install on the computer.

Instructions

Installing SP3 with Windows Update

1. Click on the "Start" button (the Windows logo on the desktop taskbar), click on "All Programs," and choose "Windows Update" from the list of programs.

2. Click on "Express (Recommended)" and Windows Update will scan the computer for available updates. If your computer is up to date, Service Pack 3 will be the only update to appear, but if it isn't, one of the prerequisites to Service Pack 3 (SP1a or SP2) will appear and you'll have to install it first.

   The system scan may take awhile.

3. Check Service Pack 3 and click on "Install Updates." An installation wizard will appear on-screen.

4. Read the license agreement and follow any instructions provided by the installation wizard to download and install SP3 to your computer.

5. Click on "Finish" when the installation completes to restart your computer and allow the changes to take effect.

Installing the SP3 Standalone Package

1. Open your Web browser and navigate to the Windows XP Service Pack 3 download page (the link is available in the "Resources" section).

2. Click on "Download" and a dialogue box will appear. Click on "Run" to download Service Pack 3 on your computer. An installation wizard will appear on-screen.

3. Click on "Next" to begin the installation.

4. Read the license agreement and follow the instructions given in the wizard to install Service Pack 3 on your computer.

5. Click on "Finish" when the installation is complete to restart the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• The installation instructions for Service Pack 3 work the same for SP1a and SP2, just in case you need to install them before installing SP3.

References

• Microsoft. "Windows Help & How-to: Learn how to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)"

Resources

• Microsoft Download Center: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package