I cannot start Windows XP Pro +SP3 in normal mode. I have tried all the suaul solutions solutions such as eliminating devices that are not essential, fix boot from the recovery console etc. etc. etc................

None of my colleagues who had succeeded installing SP3 on client systems could do it on mine, I had several who tried patiently without success.

Eventually I succeeded after creating and using a slip-streamed CD for Windows Pro SP3 from my Retail Windows XP Pro +SP2 CD and the Microsoft Service Pack 3 CD. Then after formatting my backup disk and making it the boot disk I was able to do a clean install to it of Windows XP+ SP3. So I do know the machine can run with SP3 but I was faced with hours of work installing all my applicatons and the restoring data from backup.
Do you agree that Service Pck 3  is just not worth a lot of problems in installation?. ;D

I have SP3 and have had no problems.

You are one of the great majority, I understand, but there is a significant minority who cannot install it successfuly particularly with Asus motherboards and AMD chipsets

You asked, I answered.  I am sure that others have different experiences.

Ray

Thanks for your reply. I only wish that Microsoft would be as courteous
John 8)