Is service pack 3 worth it?

[Schall]

Here's the dilemma:
I want to download Visual Studio 2010 C++ edition to do some work, but I need SP3. Currently I'm running SP2, so should I download it or no?

I vaguely recall hearing bad things about it, but I've been researching it and people don't seem to have any problems with it(of course a lot of what I read was from 2008). Anyway, thanks in advance.

Edit: Nevermind, I'm just going to download it. Seems fine from what I'm reading. Sorry for the useless post.

 

[Raziaar]

I've been using Service Pack 3 for quite some time before I went to Windows 7 without any issues.

Just get it.

 

[VirusType2]

I've been using SP3 since it came out. I don't think I can attribute any problems to it. I think when SP3 originally launched I was mad because it reverted my custom theme hacks and custom icons. (It does that because it 'fixes' all modified system files) But I don't bother with hacks and icon packs anymore (they get annoying and can introduce new bugs). You can however, reinstall them after installing SP3.

SP2 is no longer being supported starting July 13, 2010 (U.S. Windows XP SP2). (no longer being tested for security flaws and no new patches, I believe)

US XP SP2: http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?LN=en-us&x=17&y=16&p1=6794
Complete Index: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifeselectindex
Policy (what does support mean?): http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifepolicy

 

[Schall]

Thanks, guys.

 

[Schall]

Ehmmm, I just ran the automatic updater and it installed everything, but after I rebooted it still said I was running SP2. No noticeable differences either. Any ideas?

Also, when I run the update again, the only options I can choose to install are the Windows Genuine Check or w/e, and IE8.

 

[Hectic Glenn]

Try finding an separate install for SP3 using google through the Microsoft Download Center. It's 900mb by the way.

Then once you've done it, upgrade to Windows 7 and join us!

 

[No Limit]

You need the run the genuine check then you should be able to install it. If you can't you can download it directly from here:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

 

[CyberPitz]

Then once you've done it, upgrade to Windows 7 and join us!

Yes, JOIN US!