Service Pack 3 is crap

[Snoopy]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/

It seems that Service Pack 3 is causing all sorts of problems to XP users.
I have turned off the automatic update facility on both MrsS#2's Laptop and that belonging to the THW. The thought of them having an automatic update that caused constant reboots which would mean they would keep running to me to "fix it" is more than I can take. I think we'll manage without this particular Service pack for the time being. SP2 was bad enough.

I, however, coast happily along with my new Vista  (postings passim)

Tho' I confess that all automaitic updates have long been switched of on that set-up

[Barman]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/09/windows_xp_sp3_reboots_crashes/

It seems that Service Pack 3 is causing all sorts of problems to XP users.
I have turned off the automatic update facility on both MrsS#2's Laptop and that belonging to the THW. The thought of them having an automatic update that caused constant reboots which would mean they would keep running to me to "fix it" is more than I can take. I think we'll manage without this particular Service pack for the time being. SP2 was bad enough.

I, however, coast happily along with my new Vista  (postings passim)

Tho' I confess that all automaitic updates have long been switched of on that set-up

Very wise...

The cock-up also affected Windows Vista SP1.

[Snoopy]

  See! I can do Geek too.

[Barman]

See! I can do Geek too.

Good boy!

[Grumpmeister]

This was guarranteed to happen, the first incarnation of every service pack microsoft have ever released have caused more bugs than they've been meant to fix and now it will be worse as they have a vested interest in forcing us to migrate to Pista.

[Grumpmeister]

Well if I was convinced not to put it on my machine before I'm twice as convinced now.

Owners of some AMD-based computers are finding the move to Windows XP Service Pack 3 has sent their systems into an endless reboot cycle.

Microsoft said in a statement: "While the root cause of this issue is complex, it results from OEMs improperly placing a Windows XP image created for an Intel-based computer onto machines with non-Intel chipsets. Microsoft issued guidance to OEMs advising them to only load Windows XP images onto like hardware in 2004."

The issue was noted late last week on Microsoft forums and by others. Those with a problem are encouraged to contact Microsoft's customer support.

The reboot cycle glitch is the latest hiccup for Microsoft with the service pack update. The company had to delay the release of the XP update after discovering at the 11th hour an incompatibility with Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System, a retail chain management program for SMEs.

With that issue, customers running Dynamics Retail Management System could face data loss if they run it in conjunction with SP3.

After delaying the release of XP SP3 because of the issue, Microsoft finally made the OS update available last week, after creating a filter to ensure that those running Dynamics RMS did not get offered XP SP3.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure that apart from the 32 bit and 64 bit specific versions XP is not chipset specific. This sounds like another Microsoft cop out excuse. 

[Barman]

I did a complete new XP Professional install last night.

It downloaded and installed SP2 then re-booted and downloaded and installed SP3.

Thankfully all appears to be well and the PC is working fine [touches wood].

I can see any major new features in there from SP3, the system seems quite slick but then hey all do before you actually put software on them… 

[Barman]

Now running on my laptop too... 

[The Moan Ranger]

Just installed it on my laptop - touch wood, OK so far.

[TG]

I, however, coast happily along with my new Vista  (postings passim)

Tho' I confess that all automaitic updates have long been switched of on that set-up

As indeed am I on my new Vista PC which I may have mentioned I have. 

Goes like a train. So to speak. 

[Snoopy]

I, however, coast happily along with my new Vista  (postings passim)

Tho' I confess that all automaitic updates have long been switched of on that set-up

As indeed am I on my new Vista PC which I may have mentioned I have. 

Goes like a train. So to speak. 

You mean it's covered in imitation cream and has a little cherry on the top?

[Nick]

 

[Uncle Mort]

SP 3 is working fine on my XP machine.

However

Vista on my main home machine 

Yesterday it decided to play up. Running slower and slower and explorer not responding which meant many applications not starting up at all 

After various tries it crashed completely and then took 15 mins to reboot and load windows. Nortons wasn't working and the firewall was turned off. 

System restore, run Nortons update, reboot, still slow. Contemplating restore to factory settings but as I was about to go out I left it running a complete scan.

It was still running the scan when I returned but eventually finished with only one 'fix' (a tracking cookie) Reboot and would you 'adam and eve it', the bloody thing works perfectly.

 

[Barman]

SP 3 is working fine on my XP machine.

However

Vista on my main home machine 

Yesterday it decided to play up. Running slower and slower and explorer not responding which meant many applications not starting up at all 

After various tries it crashed completely and then took 15 mins to reboot and load windows. Nortons wasn't working and the firewall was turned off. 

System restore, run Nortons update, reboot, still slow. Contemplating restore to factory settings but as I was about to go out I left it running a complete scan.

It was still running the scan when I returned but eventually finished with only one 'fix' (a tracking cookie) Reboot and would you 'adam and eve it', the bloody thing works perfectly.

 

Norton... there's your problem right there Uncle... 

[Uncle Mort]

Probably right  - I went to uninstall it yesterday. It wouldn't let me because it said 'Liveupdate' was running 

I've got AVG on my XP machine