Well after a week delay because of some conflict Microsoft finally releases XP SP3, and at a whopping 342MB plan to wait awhile to get this bad boy downloaded. I had downloaded it from another site, legally of course and to be honest I did not see any improvement whatsoever on my computer, and so if you don't care one way or another about it make sure to disable your automatic updates or deselect it from the options when you want to update your computer. That is my experience with SP3 it wasn't to earth shattering but who knows for those with older computers it might work better.
You can either download it through here or go through windows updates.
I do look forward to this. I heard that it optimizers the ram usage lol, But my computer is kinda left un-fixed and I don't think it'll be seeing Service Pack 3 in a while...I guess you might notice a bumb if you computers hardware is kinda old. Besides, it has been 2 years since Vista was released and I'm sure a lot of people have moved on...
* Black hole router detection * Network Access Protection * Credentials security service provider * Descriptive security options control panel * Enhanced security for Administrator and Service policy entries * Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module * Installing without needing a Product Key during Setup
Largely security-based updates then
Also, this service pack removes the Windows Taskbar address bar (whatever that is), so if you use that regularly, I wouldn't install the pack.
I like to make a small correction this service pack is not the retail version of SP3, it is a debug version, meaning that only a specific type of computer that has Windows will accept this version, and no it isn't on the windows update either. So basically I passed off some bad news on SP3 so now it is just a matter of time as the correct version of SP3 shows up.
NAP is the main development which has taken in SP3. The geeks @ Microsoft are stressing on this saying that this enables XP to interact with Win Server 08. They say after SP3 XP can interact with Win Server 08 more efficiently. I think these guys are seriously going to discontinue their support for XP in very near future so they are giving out less and less updates. This is the only reason I can find for so less updates.
Here is a short bio on NAP
QUOTE
NAP is a policy enforcement platform built into Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows XP SP3 with which you can better protect network assets by enforcing compliance with system health requirements. Using NAP, you can create customized health policies to validate computer health before allowing access or communication; automatically update compliant computers to ensure ongoing compliance; and optionally confine noncompliant computers to a restricted network until they become compliant. For more information about NAP, see Network Access Protection: Frequently Asked Questions.
And here is a description of all the features new in SP3
QUOTE
"Black Hole" Router Detection Windows XP SP3 includes improvements to black hole router detection (detecting routers that are silently discarding packets), turning it on by default. Network Access Protection (NAP) NAP is a policy enforcement platform built into Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows XP SP3 with which you can better protect network assets by enforcing compliance with system health requirements. Using NAP, you can create customized health policies to validate computer health before allowing access or communication; automatically update compliant computers to ensure ongoing compliance; and optionally confine noncompliant computers to a restricted network until they become compliant. For more information about NAP, see Network Access Protection: Frequently Asked Questions. CredSSP Security Service Provider CredSSP is a new Security Service Provider (SSP) that is available in Windows XP SP3 via Security Service Provider Interface (SSPI). CredSSP enables an application to delegate the user’s credentials from the Client (via Client side SSP) to the target Server (via Server side SSP). Windows XP SP3 involves only the Client side SSP implementation and is currently being used by RDP 6.1 (TS), though it can be used by any third party application willing to use the Client side SSP to interact with applications running Server side implementations of the same on Vista / LH Server. There is a technical specification of this SSP available at the Microsoft Download Center. Note that CredSSP is turned OFF by default in Windows XP SP3. To Functionality Description enable CredSSP, administrators can modify the following registry keys: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa] In the value ―Security Packages‖ of type REG_MULTI_SZ, add ―tspkg‖ in addition to SSP-specific data already present. [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Securi tyProviders] In the value ―SecurityProviders‖ of type REG_SZ, add ―credssp.dll‖ in addition to SSP-specific data already present. Descriptive Security Options User Interface The Security Options control panel in Windows XP SP3 now has more descriptive text to explain settings and prevent incorrect settings configuration. Figure shows an example of this new functionality. Figure . Security options explanatory text Enhanced security for Administrator and Service policy entries In System Center Essentials for Windows XP SP3, Administrator and Service entries will be present by default on any new instance of policy. Additionally, the user interface for the Impersonate Client After Authentication user right will not be able to remove these settings. Microsoft Cryptographic Module Implements and supports the SHA2 hashing algorithms (SHA256, SHA384, and SHA512) in X.509 certificate validation. This has been added to the crypto module rsaenh.dll. XP SP2 crypto modules Rsaenh.dll/Dssenh.dll/Fips.sys had been certified according to FIPS 140-1 specifications. The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-1 standard has been replaced by FIPS 140-2, and these modules have been validated and certified according to this standard. For more information, see the Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module. Functionality Description Setup Windows Product Activation As in Windows Server 2003 SP2 and Windows Vista, users can now complete operating system installation without providing a product key during a full, integrated installation of Windows XP SP3. The operating system will prompt the user for a product key later as part of Genuine Advantage. As with previous service packs, no product key is requested or required when installing Windows XP SP3 using the update package available through Microsoft Update. Note The Windows Product Activation changes in Windows XP SP3 are not related to the Windows Vista Key Management Service (KMS). This update affects only new operating system installations from integrated source media. This update affects the installation media only and is not a change to how activation works in Windows XP.
I downloaded SP3 from the Windows Site on 29th April, got the link from an external site
As I used to update Windows regulary via the Windows Update, there was some issues when I installed SP3. I was not even able to boot in Safe Mode.
It happened because I got a version of a particular DLL that is newer than the one packed with SP3, I had to boot with Ubuntu Live CD and replace the DLL to boot in.
I didn't notice any specific improvements in XP. I read the SP3 Overview that SP3 fixes many security issues and bugs. There are no UI enhancements or new features added.
I can't remember if I've said this before, but after reading what SP3 had to offer, I know personally that I didn't have any incentive to upgrade. There really isn't anything there FOR the average computer user... just networking enhancements, really [to assist working with client machines and with newer operating systems and server OS's].
What I don't exactly understand is the whole Windows Product Activation feature. They say you won't need to enter a product key to complete installation, yet for [I forget, OEM or retail?] versions of Windows, it keeps you from even booting up into the operating system until you activate Windows. (And of course, there are some versions that will lock use of the operating system after 30 days... which then this feature would make some sense... but how long will this new feature give you before it takes the same measures?)
i updated to windows xp sp3 yesterday through updates.microsoft.com..it's only 66+ MB for my computer.. it only took an hour to fully update to sp3.. most people say that the updates are not noticeable but for me it feels much more secure now..my computer is a wee bit faster now.. i also noticed that they changed the icons like the volume control and the LAN on the taskbar.. i'm still a fan of windows xp despite the near end-life of it.. nevertheless sp3 is a must have update
Well, I just got Windows XP Service Pack 3 for Media Centre Addition (MCE) and it doesn't do much in my opinion, it says it just fixes a few security holes, some bugs and some minor generic improvements...
I was hoping for a MASSIVE GUI difference and to make my computer's desktop similar to that of Windows Vista, but when I restarted my computer, nothing much changed, all that it did was give me "You are low on disk space, click here to solve" error
Well, personally I don't think that this is the REAL Service Pack 3 for Windows XP, it's probably a scapegoat of some sort so that Microsoft can have some extra time working on the REAL Service Pack...
They shouldn't of called this a "service pack" anyways... More like just some generic patches bundled together to me...
I think I am going to stop putting updates on my computer using Windows XP because if they slowly want to diminish the use of it then they might make you put stuff on there to make you do it. I have not had any problems with my computer with just Service Pack 2 so I don't think the third will be necessary. Of course I have Vista now on my laptop so I guess it doesn't matter but on my desktop I want to keep it XP so I can continue to play games. After reading the specifics though with all of the security updates I might end up downloading it anyway because it will end up doing it for me.
Has anyone actually been satisfied with the release of SP1 for Vista? Does it solve the problems
that we've all griped about? Overview of Windows Vista SP1 From what I'm reading
from that document, I'm actually surprised, appalled, and in a way, now wondering if Vista can
actually be an upgrade. I laughed at: QUOTE Enhances support for high-definition (HD)
drives by adding new icons and labels that identify HD-DVD and Blu-ray drives as HD drives.
That's awesome. I never knew the HD drive that I bought was an HD until SP1. /rolleye....
Windows Will Have One More SP And Taht Is SP4 It Has Bug's Fix And will be more helpful idk if
it out atm all tho, but it the last one that they are doing for now.. now for Vista SP1 and Sp2 will
be out i know that SP1 is out now but there is Bugs on it. idk what one atm but i will get you
posting on that.. now for Visit ppl,, plz note this They are Taking Off visit off the stores this
year, the reson on this is well there is pobms with the cmd... and get this All tho longhorn fans
out there did you know that visit has it build in it? to me i like longhorn then ot....
Can anyone in this forum tell me the transition of microsoft windows since 98. I've been arguing
with my friends on this topic concerning microsoft windows xp home edition. is it home
edition>>service packs or each service pack including vista has its own home edition? help please....
check is bright future OS out at: www.reactos.org /laugh.gif" style="vertical-align:middle"
emoid=":lol:" border="0" alt="laugh.gif" /> also check out music video MAC or PC who's the
best at: www.macorpc.org....
Well I have been thinking about building a new gaming rig pretty soon and I will be able to spend a
bit more than usual because I already have the essentials( Mouse, Keyboard, Printer, Monitor) but I
have a questions about Vista. I have a nice HP dv9000 laptop that I have had for a couple months
that came with Windows Vista Home Premium. Now what I want to know is there anyway that I can
somehow get that onto a new machine I build as long as I take it off the laptop? I mean I bought the
laptop and if it comes with Vista, or any OS for that matter, I am purchasing the li....
Means Of Ubuntu Ubuntu is an African word meaning 'Humanity to others', or 'I am
what I am because of who we all are'. The Ubuntu distribution brings the spirit of Ubuntu to the
software world. What Is Ubuntu ? Ubuntu is and always will be free of charge. You do not pay
any licensing fees. You can download, use and share Ubuntu with your friends, family, school or
business for absolutely nothing. About Ubuntu Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based
operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains ....
Iam the user of Windows Vista. I gone with Vista because of unavailability of other options. Windows
will shutdown its support for XP after few years like they done with 98 and other operating systems.
So I brought Vista Home Edition. My computer configurations: Core 2 duo processor. I GB DDR2
RAM. 160 GB Hard Disk And other best available features. Problems suffering with Windowis
Vista: Taking about 3 to 5 minuets for Logging and Sutting Down. Gives many error messages with
good application programs. It is 4 times slower than XP for any Operating System O....
I found this interesting article the other day and I was looking at the programs that were mentioned
and I have to say that some of them I agree with and some I disagree with, and I try to explain what
I like and don't like. QUOTE 1. Expose Available on: Mac It's an elegantly simple
idea, and it has been available on the Mac since 2003. When you want a clear view of all the
application windows that are open at any one time, you just press F3, and a ittle feature called
Expose arranges them all as thumbnails spread neatly across your screen. Click one, ....
Well, a new Windows has been announced. This is going to be the one after Vista. The name Windows
Seven is only a codename for it as it has not yet been decided upon a name for this new operating
system. A screenshot of Windows 7 Milestone 1 Build 6519: Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7 This windows definitely be better then Windows Vista. What
are your guys views on this? What features do you want to see added to Windows 7 or removed from
Vista.....
NOTE: I strongly recommend that you have (at a minimum) 512MB of RAM installed on your system before
attempting this tweak. QUOTE STEP 1: Start > Run > the type: regedit Search for this key: Code:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE>SYSTEM>Current Control Set>Control>Session Manager>Memory Management STEP 2:
Find: DisablePagingExecutive - Double click it and in the decimal put a 1 - This will allow XP to
keep data in memory now instead of paging sections of RAM to the harddrive. Ultimately providing you
faster performance. STEP 3: Find: LargeSystemCache - Double click it and chan....
I've heard this: Windows Vista is more Invulnerable to viruses, trojans, hacks, and more. And
I've heard this one: Windows Vista is not compatible on most Hardwares and softwares, and
Windows Vista isn't more invulnerable to viruses. Which one is right..? Thanks for your
postings....
I know there's an option in Ubuntu to change all the font sizes of the general system, the
windows, and etc. Now I'm trying to do this in Windows. I've changed everything about
the windows except for the general system size. How do I do this?....
Today I checked windows Update because I had nothing better to do, and I found that Windows Vista
Service Pack 1 was out. I'm going to install it and see what's so good about it. As I type
this sentence, the update has finished downloading 8%. I'll also be keeping a time log of
how long it takes, and how much time Vista takes to install the service pack. Okay,
here's the log: Start install (00:00:00) -----Installing Windows update portion (00:00)... done
(04:47) Restarting (00:04:47) Installing Service pack (00:06:09) -----Stage 1 of 3 (06:09....
If you bought a brand new computer within the past few years, you might have noticed that your
computer shipped with a Serial ATA (SATA) controller instead of the convetional Enhanced IDE (EIDE)
controller. The reason for this is to enhance performance and power management as SATA controllers
and their supported Hard Disk Drives have a higher data transfer speed against their IDE
counterparts. And they are supposed to use lesser amount of power thereby saving you more battery
life in your notebook's battery or UPS as the case may be. If you want to install and run ....
The CMD Codes- to use, open up notepad and copy and paste the code into the notepad. name the file
(anyname).vbs (to make a .vbs file, when u save it or save as, it will ask u for a name and which
type u want it, so choose all file then just name it as a .vbs file) then just click on the file u
just made *NOTE* these codes do not stay on forever, they just stay on until the person shuts off
the computer. The registry delete is one that PERMANETLY deletes files on the computer that cannot
be recovered. this will DESTROY the computer -The blue screen of Death *The Blue....
How to Install Windows XP on your CD/DVD/Pen drive QUOTE This article will show you how to
install Windows XP on your CD/DVD/USB Pen drive/ Flash Drive/ thumb Drive Requirements:- 1) Windows
XP CD or Windows XP Setup Information 2) Blank CD or DVD or 2) USB Pen Drive Minimum of 1 GB (disk
space necessary 256 MB or less) 3) BART PE builder software. Procedure:- 1) Make sure that your
system has about 500MB of free disk space! 2) Download the latest PE Builder version
(self-installing package) and install it. 3) Start PE Builder (pebuilder.exe). When you sta....
I'm currently saving up for a laptop for several purposes. One of these is gaming and another is
graphics. I can't decide whether to go used and get XP or new with Vista. The main games
I'll be playing are Guild Wars and Halo. I have heard that Vista is horrible and eats up a
crapload of memory. Well what should I do.....
Windows Vista Rocks so much!!! At Trap17 we request you post with quality. Please try
to make longer posts with more content and of a higher quality. Read the readme for more
information on the rules. ....
I believe everyone in this forum knows what a file system means and that every windows user knows
what FAT and NTFS means so I am not gonna start going into those. Well, the NTFS (Windows NT file
system) offers a few advantages over the good ol' FAT (File allocation table) file system one of
which is the files and folders compression. This I have done quite a number of times to save disc
space (and it really does save some disc space). i am using my computer as an example here. Consider
my 35GB partition which is carrying my Windows Vista Operating sys and has less ....
First make create 16 bit 640*480 image and save it as boot.bmp in 'c:\windows'
directory Click Start|Run and type c:\boot.ini. The file opens in Notepad. Look for an entry
similar to this. CODE
"multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft
Windows XP Professional" /noexecute=optin /fastdetect" Add /noguiboot /bootlogo at the
end of the line so that it looks like this. CODE
"multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)\WINDOWS="Microsoft ....
Before i start i want to make sure you understand this is not a what OS is better this is a what is
better at certain things and your reasons why. I would also like to know more about Linux because
i'm slightly confused on it. Will it mess my computer up if i install it, dont like it, and
uninstall it? OK on with the topic. I own a Mac and work on one for many hours a day, but had
always used a Windows based system since well i was 5 and i remember my father using DOS to run Duke
Nukem haha. So i know my way around it. Here is my Pros and Cons list Windows: Pros....
Hi, We have been seeing Windows Vista Screenshots and from that we can take a look at the new GUI
for Windows. Its called Aero. But i believe it looks more like Linux. Dont you think so. Now the
Windows GUI is no longer unique. The are back with same GUI that other Operating Systems Already
have and Also just take a look at the icons. They are not good at all. Any information about Windows
GUI or you views on it. Please Reply Thank You....
QUOTE Hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of local PC users running pirated Windows
operating systems will soon face the shame of being reminded of their illegal action every time they
switch on their machines. The feature will be added to the operating system by Microsoft Corp from
tomorrow and cannot be erased. It will nag the guilty users and can be awkward if it shows up on
corporate PCs." QUOTE The anti-piracy move is being kicked off in five countries tomorrow –
the United States, Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia. Full Story: http....
how to make windows secure over REGEDIT have you ever questioned yourself, how to hide the
complete desktop of a guestaccount? well, here is the way to get it; ---THE USER NEEDS ADMIN
RIGHTS FOR A SHORT TIME--- logon with the user u wanna manipulate . ---!!!--- click
on start/run and type "regedit". the registryeditor should come up and you should see your
computer registry with the hive-keys classes_root current_user local_machine etc. browse through
"hkey_current_user" and go to "software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\p....
Hello! I am going crazy for a silly little thing. Please help me anyone! The icon for
ZIP files never shows the way it is supposed to. Instead it insists on displaying the Windows
'default document' icon for ZIP files. If I rightclick a zip and choose icon properties, I
can set the icon to be fetched from the winzip executable instead, and all looks fine and dandy
inside the properties dialog, but after refreshing or repairing icon cache it is still the default
document icon that is displayed. If I try to change the icon enough times it will ev....
i have tried to install windows xp on my pc and i get an error right after it ask at the bottom of
the screen to press f2 to restore an error pops up saying FILE
\$win_nt$.~bt\NTKRNLMP.EXE cannot be open error 7 setup cannot complete and has
to close i have had windows xp on the pc before so i know its compatible but i used a different
version of windows before ,this tinme im using a new one and i get this error i seem to find no
solution anywhere about how to resolve this and I was wondering if possible theres something i need
to do,I am not to sm....
today i start my pc in windows xp and found that xp freezes at welcome screen. then i try to boot in
safe mode but the problem persisits then i again try in last good configuration setting but it
doesn't help so i hav to reinstall my xp plz any body hav solution for this so that i do not hav
to reinstall my xp for this problem as i get this problem oftenly. thanks....
I've heard a few days ago about an OS called Windows Xp Nemesis and after some searching on the
internet I discovered it's a version of Windows Xp Hacked that has a lot of programs installed
with the OS. I was just wondering if any of you tried it.......
Express your Opinions, Thoughts or Contribute more info. to help others.
Ask your Doubts & Queries to get answers, So that "Together We can help others!"
Register FREE for AD-FREE
forum, Create your own topics, Ask Questions, track topics, setup
subscriptions & notifications and Get a Free Website w/ Email and FTP.