Windows XP Service Pack 3 has been out for a while now. If you have XP SP2 or–heaven forbid–the original version of XP, then you must obtain a copy of Windows XP SP3. There are a few ways to do this. You can simply install it on your computer through Windows Update, you can order the CD directly from Microsoft for a small fee, or you can download the .iso file and burn your own copy to disk for virtually pennies. If you have a CD burner and broadband, you should consider just downloading the .iso and burn the image to a disk.

Download and install on your PC, Visit Microsoft Update
Order a Microsoft Windows XP SP3 CD
Download Microsoft Windows XP SP3 .iso

Having the CD with Windows XP SP3 on it will allow you to quickly update Windows XP after a new install. Otherwise, you’ll need to do mutilple critical downloads and numerous boots over the course of several hours. Once you install XP SP3, be sure to immediately visit Microsoft Update again, as new patches are released frequently and the CD may not be completely up to date.