WIN XP SP3

... and I've applied it to a multitude of desktops and laptops both.

The one thing you want to make sure of though, is that you're running a genuine copy of Windows and all other MS products. If they not all legitimate, SP3 will blow the doors off the computer. Of course, that's great fun to watch, when it happens. ]:)

...

rather than download via updates.

Download an ISO that you can burn or a .exe;

https://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2FCDE6CE-B5FB-4488-8C50-FE22559D164E&displaylang=en

or

http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/Windows-XP-SP3-Download-90001.html#download_locations

Either way if you need to reinstall XP on your system at later date you will need SP3 which the majority of files relate to updates released after SP2.

I haven't tried the update install as I downloaded SP3 and installed it on PC's required, I've only had one problem and that was a clients with an undiagnosed problem and the failure of SP3 to backup system32 files before the install alerted me to the possible problem and I was able to cancel without any problem.

Jeff

spelling and grammar>

Mainly because you keep the file and can use it as often as required and it saves bandwidth that is better used elsewhere.

I'm only aware of one problem with Genuine M$ Product and that is the Stated problem of AMD CPU's sometimes no longer working correctly. When this happens the SP either gives a Warning or Returns tot he Existing Load with a warning message about the problem.

Supposedly this only affects AMD Computers made by HP but I have seen 1 Model of Acer with a Intel CPU that has the same problem. Needless to say the same cure for the AMD works for the Intel so it's a fairly straight forward fix.

I've only had this one model with a problem and have installed SP3 to numerous computers without immediately noticeable issues arising. Of course if you use some [b]Special[/b] Software or Hardware configurations you should test on a Backup computer before deploying tot he Desktop for all users but if this is only for a Home Computer I have not heard of any other problems associated with SP3.

Col