Re-installed Windows XP, How do I update the service packs?

I had a computer boot issue and had to re-install Windows XP. I went to the download site (automatic update no longer active) and it advises the 3 service pack updates must be installed in order. When I attempt to install the initial service pack, it aborts the installation process saying the server is not responding.

 

How can update Windows XP to SP3?

Or is this no longer possible?

 

Answer
Answer
Thanks for the info.

You have Windows XP Gold (no service packs). It is actually risky to have it connected to the Internet. In its present state, it is not secure and malware can slip in. Actually, a hacker could slip in...

I recommend that you use another PC to download four important installation files (mentioned below) to your USB flash drive.

Preliminary work:

Download the installation files for SP2, SP3, IE8, and Microsoft Security Essentials, which is an effective antivirus/antimalware program. I prefer to keep these (and other useful files) on a USB flash drive, but that part is optional. Here are the links for all four installation files:


http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=28 (for SP2)

 

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=24 (for SP3)


(You may TOTALLY disregard the "intended for IT Professionals" message!)

 

http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&id=43 (for IE8)


http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/products/security-essentials (for MSE)



1. Physically disconnect from the Internet. Also disconnect all unnecessary peripherals!


2. Temporarily disable Automatic Updates. To do this:


Start | Control Panel (switch to Classic View if not already selected) | Automatic Updates


Select "Turn off Automatic Updates" and click OK.

 

3. Install SP2. Reboot TWICE.


4. Install SP3. Reboot TWICE.

 

5. Upgrade to IE8. Reboot TWICE. (Note: It is important to leave IE at the IE6 level before upgrading to SP3. After you are at SP3, then you may upgrade IE6 to IE8.)

 

6. Install MSE.

 

(Very often what happens is someone has their antivirus program running while they are trying to install SP3, which often results in chaos! That is why it should be done AFTER SP3 and IE are installed.)

 

9. Make sure Windows firewall is enabled (it should already be):


Start | Control Panel | Security Center

 

(Now you can physically reconnect to the Internet. Update Antivirus program.)

 

10. Visit Windows Update to download and install only critical security updates. Reboot whenever prompted.

 

11. Re-enable Automatic Updates.

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Repair Installs should rarely be performed. They are tricky, a number of things can go wrong, and in order to minimize the number of things that can go wrong, one must do quite a bit of prep work.

If done correctly, a Repair Install will leave all the installed programs and data (documents, mp3s, photos, etc.) intact.

A Clean Install of course means that the disk is wiped clean and one lays down a pristine instance of the operating system.

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Last updated March 26, 2018 Views 5,060 Applies to: