Ithaca College

Beginning on Wednesday, July 28, Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) will be released to college-owned computers via the normal Windows Update process.

SP3, which replaces the "SP2" version of Windows XP, is a collection of important Windows updates delivered as a single update file. This is a larger update than normal and may take 30 minutes or so to install. Users can continue to use their computer, but a reboot will be required in order to complete the installation. This reboot will take longer than usual and will be accompanied by some brief pop-up windows and messages. After the reboot, another Windows Update prompt is likely to occur, requiring the user to install additional files and reboot again.

Though this may be a bit inconvenient, it is important that SP3 and related files be installed when prompted as Microsoft will no longer provide security patches or updates for the Windows XP SP2 operating system.

As a special note, this update should be performed using a wired network port if at all possible. If the update prompt is received while using a wireless connection, the user is advised to postpone the installation until the computer can be connected to a wired network.

To verify whether your computer needs this update:

• Right-click the My Computer icon
• Choose Properties
• Look for SP2 under System

To verify whether SP3 is in your computer's update list:

• Click the yellow shield icon in the system tray
• Click Custom Install then click Next
• Look for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB936929) in the list
• Click Install

If an error message occurs during installation ("Service Pack 3 Setup could not backup registry value"), contact the Helpdesk for assistance.

ITS Helpdesk
104 Job Hall
helpdesk@ithaca.edu
274-1000