Windows XP - how to get service pack updates?

Hi, just bought Parallels and installed an old version of Windows XP which I need to update to Service Pack 3. Only trouble is, when I click the Express button on the Windows Update site, I get a fail screen (red button with a white "X") rather than the usual list of SPs, etc. to install.

Any idea why this might be? If not, any idea where to get a Windows XP with SP3 or Windows 7 at a decent price?

Thanking you!

 

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24

(I just googled service pack 3)

 

Thanks, but that just takes me back to the original Windows update page where I had the problem, quote:


The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you solve the problem.
For self-help options:

Frequently Asked Questions

Find Solutions

Windows Update Newsgroup
For assisted support options:

Microsoft Online Assisted Support (no-cost for Windows Update issues)

 

You did however set me looking for SP2 and SP3 downloads, which are here:

http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/xpsp2.html
http://www.softwarepatch.com/windows/windows-xp-service-pack-3.html

So thanks!

 

3 warnings.

1. I posted a link to the download page for SP3 from MS servers, you should've clicked it instead of highlighting and copy the url since the forums truncate the visible link when it's too long, hence the error page you got

Here's the complete url (but unclickable):
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24

2. You don't need SP2, SPs are cumulative, you don't need to install SP2 to install SP3

3. I wouldn't download updates and patches to Windows from non-MS servers.

 

Thanks, that's the page I got first time,titled "Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers"

Trouble is, it says this:

"DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE UPDATING JUST ONE COMPUTER: A smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update."

The "Windows Update" is a clickable link which takes you to the usual Windows Update page with the two buttons (Express and Custom). When I click those, I get the error message I posted "The website has encountered a problem and cannot display the page you are trying to view. The options provided below might help you solve the problem. [...]"

PS that softwarepatch.com site appears to be kosher as it is run by a legitimate company (Uniblue). Also for those patches it is necessary to instal SP2 then SP3.

 

What?? Really? That was the problem? Just ignore the warning about not being for just one computer, how hard is that? Windows update isn't working for you, the warning doesn't apply.
It's for IT professionals, right? Well I'm one, and I'm telling you to use that.

The reason for the warning is that that's the full download and you might not need everything, but if you donwload from elsewhere that's EXACTLY what you (should) get. If the guys at softwarepatch (never heard of nay of the companies mentioned, and I'm distrustful of a company that offers a replication of what's easily available via MS) didn't alter anything it's the exact same download as the one on that page.

Sure, you should use software update as the download will be smaller. If software update doesn't work for you then you download that file that is cumulative and includes all previous sps.

I really don't get it, you stop at a simple warning that the intention is just to spare bandwidth, and that says you should use windows update, but you have no problem whatsoever looking for and downloading what SHOULD be the exact same file from a 3rd party that you have no way to be assured the file wasn't tampered with just because it doesn't say you should use Windows update.

If you decide to ignore my warnings about non-MS sites and applying about cumulative SPs, you are on your own. I guess some train wrecks are meant to happen no matter how hard one tries to avoid others from doing it.

 

The reason I did not download the "Network Installation Package" and clicked the Windows Update link is because THAT IS WHAT IT SAID TO DO ON THE MS WEBSITE. What you, as an "IT professional" need to understand is that not all computer users know which instructions to follow and which to ignore. As a communications professional, I also recommend that you do some serious work on your communications skills, which leave a lot to be desired.

Thanks again for your first reply which helped me to solve my problem.

 

Communications you say? I suppose that includes reading skills:
"The Microsoft Download Center site is your only authorized web source for downloading a licensed copy of Windows XP Service Pack 3. To report a website offering unlicensed copies of Windows XP SP3 for download, please send e-mail to: piracy@microsoft.com or visit http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/ReportingUs.mspx."