I've been told I must install XP Service Pack 3. How do I do it?

Q  I have been using my PC with Windows XP for almost as long as the operating system has been around. Recently, I have been advised to upgrade my web browser (I use Internet Explorer 6).

However, when I download the latest version, it won’t install. The error messages I receive suggest that I need to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3). I found and downloaded this, only to face the same problem – SP3 will not install.

On further investigation, the reason for this seems to be that I should have previously installed Service Packs 1 and 2, but I chose not to do so.

I’ve considered upgrading to Windows 7, but as I am very familiar with XP, I am reluctant to change. So where should I go from here?

Is it possible to download SP3, get the latest version of Internet Explorer and continue using Windows XP?
Peter Smith

A  You’ve certainly gone a long while without downloading any updates: Windows XP was released in October 2001. You’re also using an extremely outdated version of Microsoft’s web browser.

The trouble with relying on such old software is that, in the decade since Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6 were released, much has changed. Both PC and online technology has moved on and, even though XP can be made safer for the modern age, Internet Explorer 6 cannot.

In short, you’ve missed out on 10 years’ worth of upgrades and, more importantly, security fixes. Without them, you’re exposing your PC and personal data to great risk every time you go online.

However, we’re here to answer questions, not issue lectures – and you’ve reached the stage where you understand that it’s time to move on anyway.

So, to address your issues in reverse order (for reasons that will become obvious in just a moment), no matter what you do from now on, Internet Explorer 9 (IE9) – the latest version of the browser – will not work with Windows XP: it is designed for use only with Windows Vista and 7.

The most recent – and last – version that will work with Windows XP is IE8. This is available to download by clicking here.

However, before you can do this, you’ll need to update Windows XP so that it has SP3. And before you can do that, an earlier Service Pack must first be installed – 2 or 1a will do. Microsoft has published a full guide to the process, which you’ll find by clicking here.

But if you want the short version, first download and install SP1a, then do the same with SP3. Microsoft recommends that everyday users should install SP3 via Windows Update, which you’ll be able to do once SP1a is installed (click Start, followed by All Programs, then choose Windows Update and follow the prompts).

If you want to download and install it manually, get it here.