Steps to take Before You Install Windows XP Service Pack 3

[Dr.Jones]

To make sure that you have a good experience when you install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), it is always good to check whether your computer is ready for Windows XP SP3. This article gives you the prerequisites to install Windows XP SP3. Other than these prerequisites, this article also provides some suggestions to improve your experience.In addition, this guide can help you troubleshoot some common error messages that you may receive when you install Windows XP SP3.

Requirements to install Windows XP SP3

Before you start to install Windows XP SP3, make sure that your computer meets the following Requirements:

1. Before you download or install Windows XP SP3, first check hard-disk space
   
   
   Depending on where you obtain Windows XP SP3, you will have to have a minimum amount of space free on the system disk.
   
   
   • To install Windows XP SP3 from the Microsoft Download Center, we recommend that you have a minimum of 1,500 megabytes (MB) of free space on the system disk.
     
     
   • To install Windows XP SP3 from a shared network folder, we recommend that you have about 1,100 MB of free space.
     
     
   • To install Windows XP SP3 from a CD, we recommend that you have about 1,765 MB of free space.
   
   
   
2. If you have the following updates on your computer, remove them
   
   Windows XP SP3 cannot be installed if you have the following updates installed on your computer:
   
   
   • Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit
   • Remote Desktop Connection (RDP) 6.0 MUI pack (Update 925877 for Windows XP)
   
   
   If one or both updates are installed on your computer, remove these updates before you install Windows XP SP3. To uninstall these updates, follow these steps:
   
   
   1. Click Start, and then click Run.
      
      
   2. In the Open box, type appwiz.cpl.
      
      
   3. Click Microsoft Shared Computer Toolkit or Remote Desktop Connection.
      
      
   4. Click Remove.
   
   
   
3. If you have a third-party wireless network adapter, make sure that it is supported by Windows XP SP3, or make sure that the manufacturer of your wireless network adapter has new drivers available that support Windows XP SP3 before you perform the installation. If you are not sure, contact the manufacturer of your wireless network adapter.
   
   
4. If you are running antivirus software, disable it
   

Warning This workaround may make a computer or a network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.

Although disabling your antivirus software is not usually recommended, some antivirus software prevents certain system files from being changed. This may cause the Windows XP SP3 installation to fail. To make sure that you can successfully install Windows XP SP3, temporarily disable your antivirus software including any antispyware and third-party firewall programs. To do this, right-click your antivirus program icon, and then click Disable. The antivirus program icon typically appears in the lower-right corner of the computer screen.

Important Make sure that you enable the antivirus software after Windows XP SP3 is installed.

Note An antivirus program is designed to help protect your computer from viruses. You must not download or open files from sources that you do not trust, visit Web sites that you do not trust, or open e-mail attachments when your antivirus program is disabled.

After you make sure all prerequisites are met, go to the "Recommended steps before you install Windows XP SP3" section.

[Dr.Jones]

Recommended steps before you install Windows XP SP3

Before you start to install Windows XP SP3, we recommend that you also take the following steps:

1. Perform a full backup of the files that you have on your computer to an external location
   
   We recommend that you perform a full backup of the files that you have on your computer to an external location, such as an external hard disk, DVD, CD, USB flash drive, or network folder. You can use the Backup and Restore Wizard to back up documents, pictures, and other files.
   
   
2. If you are running Windows XP Professional, create an Automated System Recovery (ASR) set
   
   Note: If your computer is running Windows XP Home Edition, ignore this step. ASR is not available for Windows XP Home Edition.
   
   If your computer is running Windows XP Professional, we recommend that you create an Automated System Recovery (ASR) set before you start the installation. This helps you repair your setup if the installation fails. To create an Automated System Recovery set by using Backup, follow these steps:
   
   
   • Open Backup.
     By default, the Backup or Restore Wizard starts, unless it is disabled. You can use the Backup or Restore Wizard to create an Automated System Recovery (ASR) set.
     
   • Click the Advanced Mode link on the Backup or Restore Wizard.
     
   • On the Tools menu, click ASR Wizard.
     
   • Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.
   
   

Important: You will need a blank 1.44 MB floppy disk to save the system settings and media to contain the backup files.

After you take these recommended steps, go to the "Steps that are required before you install Windows XP SP3" section.

[Dr.Jones]

Steps that are required before you install Windows XP SP3

Before you install Windows XP SP3, make sure that you follow these steps:

1. Start your computer, and then log on as an administrator.
   
   
2. If your computer is running on battery power, plug it in so that your computer does not lose power during the installation.
   
   
3. If your computer has multiple user accounts that can log on to your computer at the same time and you use Fast User Switching, make sure that all other users are logged off before you install Windows XP SP3. For more information, visit the Windows XP Help and Support Center Web site and see "Fast User Switching."
   
   
4. Exit all open programs.

You are now ready to install Windows XP SP3 .