XP SP3

[BoilerDown]

Except in this case its just a bunch of Microsoft Windows Updates in an easy to download package, in the guise of a new service pack.

Been running it for a couple months now, no problems.

[Krusty]

Exactly.. updates I already have because I run Windows Update regularly. I also disallow certain updates I don't want (DRM and media player junk, different language addons, things I don't want or need) and it is nothing but a consolidation of all these loose updates I already have.

Offers nothing, fixes nothing, not going to bother installing it. Chances are it has more bugs and things I don't want (WMP and DRM) than it does things I want.

[OOZ662]

Have a look into my thread about creating a "slipstreamed" Windows CD. That's the biggest plus I can see to SP3, in that you can merge SP3 into it instead of downloading every update since SP2 came out and merging them individually... *shudders at the thought*

[Fulmar]

Have a look into my thread about creating a "slipstreamed" Windows CD. That's the biggest plus I can see to SP3, in that you can merge SP3 into it instead of downloading every update since SP2 came out and merging them individually... *shudders at the thought*

Oh God yes, made the rebuilt of my parent's computer so much easier.  Was able to customize the appearance of Windows before before the first boot into the newly installed OS.  It also will auto-enter your Windows CD Key for you and set up admin pass etc, plus the ability to pre-install drivers with the install (didn't try this).  It also saved my neck a little since my 6 year old Windows XP CD has developed a few scratches.

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/howtos/how_to_slipstream_windows_xp_sp3_and_vista_sp1