Synopsis:
Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3): How to install on your computer

Solution:
Service Pack 3 (SP3) is an upgrade for the Windows XP system that installs a number of critical security features, including a firewall and protection against potentially harmful attachments and downloads. All faculty, staff, and students with Windows XP computers should be at the SP3 level.

You can install SP3 on your own using the instructions below. If you would like an OIT representative to help you with this process, you can:

• Visit the OIT Solutions Center with your laptop
• Students can contact their Residential Computing Consultants (RCCs)
• Faculty and staff should contact their SCAD/DCS representative

How to Install XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

Step 1
Do you have enough disk space on your hard drive? You should have at least 1GB available for the online update and 1.5GB for the CD version. This is because the update needs a lot of 'head room'. Much of the space will be cleared again after the install.

• Double-click on My Computer
• Right-click on Local Disk (C:) and select Properties
• Ensure that you have enough free space

Step 2
Look at Microsoft's compatibility web site. This site will list many issues that have been encountered with the installation of SP3.

Step 3
Spyware should be removed from your computer completely. Spyware on your computer is the most common reason for an unsuccessful upgrade to SP3.

Step 4
Update and run up-to-date AntiVirus software to make sure your computer doesn't have a virus. Also make sure your definitions are up to date.

Step 5
Back up all your critical data and intellectual property. Use the space allotted to you on the Central File Server. Do not back up applications as you should always have the original media if you need to re-install software applications.

Step 6
A BIOS upgrade is recommended. Check the web site of your hardware vendor to see if one is available.

Step 7
Update your hardware drivers. Some known issues can crop up with devices such as wireless cards. For just about any hardware issue with XP SP3, a driver update will fix it. However in some rare instances a total upgrade of the device is required.

Step 8
Remove any third party firewall software you may have installed. XP Service Pack 3 has its own firewall component integrated into the system.

To download the installer
It is not recommended that you try to download the installer while at home. On campus, connected to the Internet via an Ethernet connection, use Internet Explorer to download the installer from http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com to your computer. You can also consult with OIT Software Sales to purchase the CD.

Installation
You will be prompted by the installer on how to proceed. You will be asked to re-start your computer.

XP Firewall
The XP firewall will be on by default only if you don't have a third party firewall. Do NOT turn it off. Sometimes you will get a message asking to allow incoming network activity such as when using instant messaging programs. Only an Administrator Account can say 'Yes' to these. Never allow unknown activity into the computer. Note that some older versions of ZoneAlarm don't work with XP SP3.

Caution: A firewall can cause significant problems to users who run their PC as servers such as network file sharing or FTP service. Connections INTO your PC from outside hosts may be stopped. Running network services on PCs can be dangerous. The firewall may be a reminder that you have to reconfigure with security in mind.

Automatic Windows Updates
Automatic Windows updates should be set up to run automatically at scheduled times. See How to use Windows Update and configure the Automatic Update Feature. If you set "Auto Update" to a scheduled time, make sure the computer is turned on and online during that time so it can do so. If that is impossible, click on one of the manual settings, but NEVER turn off Auto Updates.

PopUp Blocking
With XP3, Internet Explorer has added a Popup Manager feature (previous versions did not). Popup blocking can interfere with certain web programs, such as Compose and Reply in WebMail. You should configure Popup Manager to allow windows to appear from the Princeton web. See Pop-up Stoppers: How to enable and/or disable in your web browser for more information.