XP SP3 update

[#1]

I am being prompted by Microsoft to download the SP3 update.
Can anyone tell me if it is now safe to do so,bearing in mind the problems back in May/June that were being reported ?
I am running an AMD processor and previously there seem to have been "bugs" associated with these.
I would be grateful for any up-to-date info. 

[#2]

It should be fine.
I think those problems were just with Zone Alarm, but those have since been fixed with subsequent Windows Updates.

[#3]

Actually the problems were with certain makes of computers (I think HP but I could be wrong) where the operating system was installed as an image and to save the bother they used the same image for AMD and Intel processors.
This worked fine until SP3 which saw the Intel bits and promptly wiped out/modified the AMD parts so you were left with an non bootable system

[#4]

I thought the AMD problems were for Vista SP1 not XP. The Zone Alarm problem relate to a DNS poisoning flaw fix that MS issued and not related to SP3.
XP SP3 has installed fine on all the systems I have updated (20+) but as with all major updates, make sure you have a backup of all important files beforehand.

[#5]

http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/006978.html

Quote

The recent Windows XP Service Pack 3 update has left certain AMD-based PCs manufactured by Hewlett-Packard caught in an endless reboot cycle caused by an Intel-specific disk image mistakenly being used with AMD hardware. According to the Microsoft Update Product Team Blog, "The problem is a registry value, present on images created with Intel processors, that causes a driver (intelppm.sys) to load at boot

[#6]

You're correct, problems reported were for Vista SP1.
Searching various forums, there are some reports of XP SP3 difficulties but I have upgraded a laptop and PC with no problems.

[#7]

I've now updated around 50 machines with SP3 a mix of Intel, AMD, old, new with no side effects (so far!)
Maurice

[#8]

Thanks to everyone for the replies and information.
I feel more confident now to let it happen.
Thanks again.

[#9]

Did you read EVERY one of the replies here?
Be sure you make backups of ALL your important data before you go to SP3...you may very well need them, together with a whole lot of patience!
Eddie Johnson

[#10]

I have an amd processor and have downloaded and use the update without any probs

[#11]

Quote from: community

Be sure you make backups of ALL your important data before you go to SP3...you may very well need them, together with a whole lot of patience! Eddie Johnson

Sound advice for any significant change to your system, but thankfully I've not had to use it yet on this upgrade
I've got a Clone master to recover from if things do go mammaries skyward.
M

[#12]

Thanks Eddie,tgr,MauriceC for taking the trouble to reply.
As you quite rightly state, I shall take all reasonable precautions and also
keep my fingers crossed !! 

[#13]

Running SP3 on a Pentium D (Presler = 2 x Prescott P4s) with ZoneAlarm build 483 after having the problem, all ok now.