1. WinXP SP3 does NOT include IE7 or IE8.
2. If you install IE7 or IE8 before you install SP3, you will not be able to
uninstall IE7 or IE8 (should the need arise) without first uninstalling SP3.
See http://blogs.msdn.com/ie/archive/2008/05/05/ie-and-xpsp3.aspx
3a. If you do not have SP3 installed a year from now, the machine will NOT
be offered any further critical security updates.
3b. No-charge support for getting SP3 installed & working properly (should
the need arise) is available but only until 14 April 2009.
My recommendations are as follows, in order:
1. Get SP3 installed ASAP.
WinXP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation
http://msmvps.com/blogs/harrywaldron/archive/2008/05/08/windows-xp-sp3-read-all-prerequisites-for-a-successful-installation.aspx
Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows XP, but only for Service Pack 3 (SP3) and *only until* 14 Apr-09.
Go to http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=1173 | select
"Windows XP" then select "Windows XP Service Pack 3"
2a. Install IE7, if only for its enhanced security. See
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=21688
2b. Run with IE7 installed for a few months and see how you like it. (If
you don't, you'll HATE IE8 Final Release!)
3. Make certain that Automatic Updates is enabled & configured per your
wishes: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/
Post by JohnMy PC runs IE6/SP2. Whilst looking for info about IE8, I've been reading
lots of recent posts re the installation of IE7 and SP3. I did not install
IE7 and until a few minutes ago had never heard of SP3.
So is SP3 only linked to IE7 or should I have been offered the chance to
install it with IE6?
Once IE8 is no longer a Beta version, will I be able to go straight to it
from IE6 if I so wish?