Just thought of something that might need an answer please.

I'm a Microsoft MVP recipient for Flight Simulator 2007. I maintain a
highly dedicated OFF LINE PC that is used ONLY for flight simulator work.
I've opted to keep Windows XP installed rather than install Vista due to
stability issues with Vista.
Presently I have Service Pack 2 installed. I notice there is a SP3 now
available for XP.
Question concerns what happens if I have to reinstall XP for some reason.
As I said, I keep this PC off line deliberately and use MACS for all my
on line work, so the PC has no AV protection.
If I have to reinstall XP, is it possible to get SP3 on a DVD from
Microsoft so that it can be installed off line, or must I be on line
with the PC to even reinstall XP due to activation?
My present installation has been stable so long I've actually not
thought about this for quite a while and wonder what is the best way to
approach the issue I'm explaining here??
--
Dudley Henriques

First thing you should do is to create an image backup of Windows as it is
now (prior to SP3 install).
The image backup should get you out of trouble should all hell break loose!
No image backup software then use: True Image (has a 15 day trial version
available)
http://www.acronis.com/homecomputing...cts/trueimage/

You should be able to download the SP3 .exe file (using your MAC) and burn
it to a CD.
(File is large but will only install components that you PC requires)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

ISO image version of SP3 - used to create install CD:
(You MAC must have CD burning software that can use an ISO as source)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en

Other useful info:
How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
Be sure to download and read the file titled 'Overview of Windows XP Service
Pack 3'
Note: "You can run the SP3 update package on any edition of Windows XP SP1
or SP2."

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 3
Discusses the hard disk space requirements for installing Windows XP Service
Pack 3 (SP3)
(For a PC on which Windows XP is already installed)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947311/en-us

Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/w.../cc164204.aspx

Release notes for the Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929/en-us

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
Recommends steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.
Also includes troubleshooting information.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950717/en-us

How to troubleshoot an unsuccessful installation of Windows XP Service Pack
3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950718/en-us

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support
(Via Email, Chat or Phone support)
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...3&gprid=522131

Install SP3 in 'Clean Boot' mode:
How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353


SP3 Issues:
Windows XP SP3 Issues and Fixes Continued:
(Note: there is a section of this article devoted to System Restore points,
read it!)
http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2008/0...o-not-install/

Error message when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
"Access is denied" or "Service Pack installation did not complete"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949377/en-us

You do not have enough free disk space on %SystemDrive% to install Service
Pack 3
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949385

You receive a "Stop 0x0000007E" error message after you upgrade to Windows
XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 on a non-Intel-processor-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

Error message after you upgrade a computer that uses a processor other than
an Intel processor to Windows XP Service Pack 2 or to Windows XP Service
Pack 3: "STOP: 0x0000007E"
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=953356
This is the patch to fix the above issue "For non-Intel processors"
***Must be applied before installing SP3***
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

From: Jesper Johansson's blog
Does your AMD-based computer boot after installing XP SP3?
(Affects AMD-based computers with OEM images, primarily HP Desktops)
http://msinfluentials.com/blogs/jesp...ng-xp-sp3.aspx

Updates are not installed successfully from Windows Update,
from Microsoft Update, or by using Automatic Updates after
you repair a Windows XP installation
(This KB article may also solve SP3 Windows Update will not work problem)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144

Some third-party programs may experience a change in functionality after you
install Windows XP Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947309

Problems occur after installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 or
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 with a Norton 2008 product installed:
Info and Fix:
http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT...08051623552079

The print operation fails, or partial pages are printed when you try to
print to a Citizen printer or to an Alps printer
http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;951822

How to remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249/en-us

JS


"Dudley Henriques" <dhenriques@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:OBMp0VA0IHA.5892@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...

JS wrote:
send for the CD, if I do a reinstall on XP down the line, does it have
to be done on line, because if it does, I'll have to connect the PC and
open the ports without an AV installed.
Many thanks

--
Dudley Henriques

How to activate Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307890

See the section "How to activate Windows XP by phone"

JS

"Dudley Henriques" <dhenriques@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:O61YglA0IHA.2064@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

JS wrote:
reference if needed later on.
Best to you

--
Dudley Henriques

You're welcome.

JS

"Dudley Henriques" <dhenriques@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:OqMGvLB0IHA.524@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...

"Dudley Henriques" <dhenriques@rcn.com> wrote in message news:OBMp0VA0IHA.5892@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
SlipStream a CD to SP3 on another XP boxen.

Frank-FL wrote:

--
Dudley Henriques

"Dudley Henriques" <dhenriques@rcn.com> wrote in message
news:eH2e8aO0IHA.5716@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
Why? - per JS's first reply, you can download and burn it to disc with your
Mac.

Scooby Doo wrote:
also assuming it deletes and/or overwrites a zillion files, dll's and
God knows what else.
Going from a Mac to a PC with a program this large involves either a
burn/change/read or a flash drive exchange.
Rather than risk the potential corruption path this route might have,
not to mention a total reinstall on the PC if any corruption is
transfered, I think it's prudent to simply order the CD and install it
directly on the PC.

--
Dudley Henriques

Dudley Henriques wrote:
I downloaded the .ISO with Ubuntu Linux and burned it to a CD and it
worked just fine.

Alias