Windows 2000 Service Pack 3

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Service Pack 3 (SP3) is a collection of updates for the Windows 2000 operating system. You can apply this service pack easily while Windows 2000 is running. SP3 includes the updates contained in Service Packs 1 and 2.

Read the list of security updates.

Important:

Note that during the installation, backup files are created automatically so that you can remove the service pack later if you want to, unless you specifically choose not to have these files generated. If you would prefer that backup files not be created, select the Do Not Archive Files option. You should back up these files so that you can remove the service pack in the future if you want. If hard disk space becomes a concern, you can always move these files to a shared network folder and delete them from your computer. For more information, see article 290728, Windows 2000 SP2 Installation Information, in the Microsoft Knowledge Base. Note that although this article was written for SP2, it applies to SP3 as well.

  • If a previous software installation did not complete successfully, you should restart your computer before installing the service pack. Update.exe automatically detects any installations that are pending completion and blocks the installation of the service pack until the computer is restarted.

  • If you have already installed Service Packs 1 and/or 2, you should install SP3 without uninstalling Service Packs 1 and/or 2.

  • If you have not installed Service Packs 1 and/or 2, you only need to install SP3 to get all of the Windows 2000 updates.

  • SP3 is not a required upgrade; however, some applications might require SP3 to run correctly.

  • Before you install SP3, see Before You Install the SP in the Readme file.

  • If you want to install this service pack on multiple computers, see the installation and deployment guide (see SPDeploy.htm on the SP3 CD). This guide provides detailed instructions for installing SP3 by using either the update or integrated installation method.

On This Page

Install SP3 What's In SP3

Install SP3

Download Windows 2000 SP3.

  1. Before you begin the installation, be sure to disable any real-time virus checkers that you have running and disconnect your computer from any network to which it is connected.

    Disabling real-time virus checkers is important, because they could cause problems with the installation if they are running.

  2. Locate and double-click W2ksp3.exe.

    Note: If Setup prompts you to download W2ksp3.exe or to save it to disk, click Run this program from its current location, and then click OK.

  3. Follow the instructions that appear.

  4. Restart your computer, and then be sure to re-enable the virus checkers. If you disconnected your computer from a network before performing the installation, reconnect it to the network now.

What's In SP3

SP3 contains updates for the following areas of Windows 2000 functionality:

  • Security issues, including all fixes from Windows 2000 Security Rollup Package 1

  • Operating system reliability

  • Application compatibility

  • Windows 2000 Setup