SUMMARY
Windows XP updates are distributed in service packs. Service packs help keep Windows XP current, and extend and update the functionality of your computer.
INFORMATION
To install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), either Windows XP Service Pack 1a (SP1a) or Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) must already be installed.
If you have to install Windows XP Service Pack 1a or Windows XP Service Pack 2, go to the 'Windows XP Service Pack 1a' section or the 'Windows XP Service Pack 2' section in this article.
Important These service packs apply only to 32-bit versions of Windows XP. For more information about service packs for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
To determine which service pack is currently installed on your computer, follow these steps:
- Click Start, and then click Run.
- Copy and paste, or type the following command and then click OK:
winver
A dialog box displays the version of Windows and the service pack that is currently installed on your computer.
Note: You can right-click My Computer icon and then select properties. System properties is quick check method to determine service pack installed on the computer.
How to obtain Windows Service Pack 3
There are three ways to obtain the latest service pack:
- You can turn on Automatic Updates so that your computer downloads the latest service pack automatically.
- You can download the service pack manually online.
- You can order the service pack on a CD.
Turn on Automatic Update
The best way to obtain Windows XP SP3 is to turn on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. To turn on the Automatic Updates feature, follow these steps:
- Click Start, and then click Run.
- Copy and paste, or type the following command, and then press ENTER: sysdm.cpl
- Click the Automatic Updates tab, and then click to select one of the three options. We recommend that you select the Automatic (recommended) option, and then choose the time that you want under Automatically download recommended updates for my computer and install them.
- Click Ok.
After you turn on Automatic Updates, your computer can start to download updates automatically.
Download the service pack manually
You can use Windows Update or the Microsoft Download Center to obtain Windows XP SP3 online.
Check for updates on Windows Update
To check for updates on Windows Update, follow these steps:
- Visit the following Microsoft Web site : http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
- Click Express (Recommended).
- If your computer is up to date, Windows XP SP3 will be one of the updates that is automatically selected. Click Install. If your computer is not up to date, Windows Update will offer some other updates that you have to install first. Install those, and then repeat steps 1 and 2 to obtain Windows XP SP3.
- For Windows XP SP3, review and accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.
Windows XP SP3 will be downloaded to your computer, and the Windows XP Service Pack 3 Setup Wizard will help you install it.
Download the latest Windows XP service pack from the Microsoft Download Center
If you have problems obtaining the service pack from Windows Update, you can download the stand-alone update package from the Download Center. This page will say that this installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers. However, you can safely download this file. The following file is available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:
Download the Windows XP Service Pack 3 package.
Order Windows XP Service Pack 3 on a CD
To order Windows XP SP3 on a CD, visit one of the following Microsoft Web sites, as appropriate for your region:
Asia
North America
South America
Windows XP Service Pack 2
Release Date: August 25, 2004Windows XP Service Pack 1a
Release Date: February 3, 2003To obtain Windows XP SP1a, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
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