Windows XP users up in arms after SP3 download

by Stevie Smith - May 9 2008, 11:18

Microsoft Corp. may well have declared Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) officially open for download after applying a quick-fix access filter to avoid minor compatibility issues with retail management software Dynamics RMS, but it would appear the update is still far from stable.

More pointedly, the diligent tech watchers at Information Week have spotted a wave of user complaints posted to Microsoft’s Windows XP message board following the re-opening of downloads for the stalwart operating system’s final major update ahead of its June 30 retirement.

According to the rush of disgruntled XP users, the SP3 download is causing all manner of problems with their computers including sudden system crashes, freezes, and reboot looping, which have subsequently forced many affected users to perform a full System Restore in order to get their computers up and running again.

“I installed SP3 this morning but when rebooting it loops between startup screen and restarting screen,” comments poster ‘Dan’ on the message board while asking for advice on how to uninstall the Microsoft update.

“I downloaded and installed Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals,” writes ‘Paul’ before revealing that he is now unable to get his computer to reboot.

And, it would also appear that compatibility issues beyond the initial Dynamics RMS problem are cropping up.

“I installed SP3 on my 32-bit Windows Professional laptop, but it’s had some undesirable side effects I need some help correcting,” notes poster ‘Michael Faklis,’ who goes on to explain that the download has caused his address toolbar to disappear, while his external disk drives are struggling at start-up, which is causing Windows to freeze.

Somewhat angrily, ‘Doug W,” outlines that: “After three attempts [to install the update] with different configurations each time, System Restore was the only way to get me out of deep s**t.”

While Service Pack release history shows that major operating system updates often spark issues associated with drivers, system files or installed applications on host computers, such a continuing lack of stability is hardly likely to enamour Microsoft to its ever-faithful XP customers.

As of yet, the Redmond-based software behemoth has not commented on the influx of message board complaints, though track record with SP updates suggests that the company will address any and all as it continues to iron out persistent glitches.

Those Windows XP users willing to brave the download -- there are plenty of happy SP3 recipients too, we might add -- can acquire the operating system’s final batch of upgrades and fixes through their automated Windows Update feature, or by grabbing it directly from the Microsoft Download Center.

 

 

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