XP SP3

[nihil]

Hi there vanman I hope that you and yours are all well.

Yes, I can see a certain logic in that. I guess the point would be that if you just download and force an install or use a magazine cover CD there is no checking for compatibility.

Using the automatic update does let MS check your system first.

EDIT:

My experience was the exact opposite but I put that down to internet connectivity problems. It is very large (324Mb) whilst the auto installer only downloads about 60Mb and keeps going back for the rest.

Normally I use the autoinstaller or the manual one from the MS Updates site.