I need some advice from some of our PC experts or not so experts since I

 

You didn't state what the issue was. What exactly is happening?

 

Funny you mention that, my windows has been bugging me to install SP3. Now Im not going to let it!

 

At work we have two hundred plus pc/notebooks running SP3; the ones not on Vista. There are internal security issues related to policising an SP3 pc/notebook that require an administrator to make AD/group changes (the school thing.) Simple speak - I run it on my XP-SP3 notebook.

J

 

get this and run it on your PC
http://www.ccleaner.com/

see if that helps your problems before you try retro fitting an earlier SP

I am running SP# on my machine here now and with this program and AVG anti-virus (free) I have not had a single problem. i run CCleaner about once a week and it is pretty damn cool.

 

CCleaner =GOOD

I run the IT for my company (one of many hats) I ahve only had one machine that has had an issue with SP3.....would you believe it is my own desktop . I have taken it through three escalations with MS and is still yet to be resolved. BTW MS is offering free support on SP3 issues.

I personally do not like Norton AV.....it is a system HOG and I have seen it responsible for system crashes. I use AVG on all of my personal machines and the new version also detects adware and spyware.

Let us know what your specific issue is and I will give it my best shot.

 

I'd second the suggestion to get rid of Norton. In fact, I'd emphasize it more, whether Norton is related to your issues or not, get rid of it at all costs Beware however, that when you uninstall Norton, much like AOL, it leaves traces of itself all over your computer. You need to google removing Norton to get it completely removed. I also use AVG and have been very satisfied w/ it.

 

AVG user for 8+ years now (i think ) and have had nothing but great results (knocking on wood) I suggest everyone i know to use it. Quality without complication

 

in the days of virus's that arrived on 5 1/4 or 3 1/2 floppies and the early DOS world companies like norton an mcafee did alright.. then the daze of confusion came an over function occured an many such softwares got caught up in their own noise making... we have to help you.. you can't protect yourself... many company's mis-marketed themselfs over their clients needs.. so... get rid of them.. AVG is nice.. I have used it for many years an versions.. the free version is all most need... another useful software is from Kaspersky.. a free prowerful online scanner cleaner is Housecall from Trend Micro...

another area to look into would be updated driver files.. that an a clean working environmental structure and your pc should run smoothly until un-rebuildable

 

Thanks everyone, great advice and info. I did not take into account that Norton could be an issue. I will take out Norton and will get CCleaner instead and I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks agin,
-Will