This week lots of XP users are seeing SP3 offered when they click the Windows Update icon. Not all of the early adaptors -- people who downloaded the beast and upgraded right away -- had a good experience. (Read XP SP3's Aches, Pains, and User Complaints for details.)
I made the mistake of installing SP3 on my wife's PC last week. The upgrade gleefully removed all traces of the network adapter, so I couldn't get online. I spent half a day trying to make it work. (The how and why would make for an entertaining episode on "Unsolved Mysteries.")
I threw in the towel and finally uninstalled SP3. Don't be concerned: My wife's PC is doing okay; it hasn't been taken over by malware, hassled by Trojans, or targeted for a DDOS attack. (She's also covered with plenty of free security software.)
Will SP3 Hose Your System?
That's a good question and one I can't answer. But if the upgrade does give you grief, you can safely uninstall it, just like you'd do with any program -- and what I did on my wife's machine. However, don't bother with XP's Add/Remove programs and instead, use Revo Uninstaller, a free and much better tool.
If you upgrade and things don't work as expected, you have another option. You can get free support from Microsoft. It's true, Microsoft offers free upgrade support -- by phone, e-mail, or chat -- for many of their products. But no surprise, finding the support sites isn't easy, and especially difficult if you can't get online. So I've listed the sites, phone numbers, and other details. (You ought to save and print this blog for safekeeping. Then do a nice thing and forward the blog to a couple of buddies.)
Free Windows Vista Small Business
Support number: 866 613-0270
Vista Small Business Assurance free phone support is available to all small businesses purchasing a new PC with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate from July 1 to September 30.
Windows Vista Service Pack 1
Support number: 866 234-6020
Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 1 (SP1). This support for SP1 is valid until March 18, 2009. Availability of chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location. For customers residing in North America or Canada, chat and e-mail support is also available.
Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3
Support number: 866 234-6020
Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3). This support for SP3 is valid until April 14, 2009.
Internet Explorer 7
Support number: 866 234-6020
Support for Internet Explorer 7 installation and set-up is available via the phone based on your locale. Customers must be running Windows XP or Windows Vista in a non-domain environment.
