Member Avatar for harli

help..!! help...! S.O.S
i had dowloaded xp sp3 for free version at 23.00 wib/ 08/oct/2012, from softpedia but
i don't know its Serial Number, when i installing it to my
computer...who knows that? plz help me...

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Wil 0' Wisp

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— quick checklist and next steps so you can tell whether you actually need a serial (and how to get a safe copy if you don’t).

First, identify what you downloaded: a genuine SP3 update is the Microsoft package KB936929 (stand‑alone EXE or ISO) and is roughly 319 MB; a full Windows XP installer (an ISO labelled “integral”, “retail”, or “full OS”) is different and will ask for a product key at setup. Check the file name/extension (.exe vs .iso) and the size — the official SP3 package is listed in the Microsoft Update Catalog. (Microsoft Update Catalog — Windows XP Service Pack 3 (KB936929).) (catalog.update.microsoft.com)

How to verify the download is the real SP3 and not a repacked/modified image:

  1. Right‑click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures and confirm a Microsoft signature.
  2. If it’s an ISO, mount or open it and look for the SP3 package name such as WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe.
  3. Compare the size to the Update Catalog entry above; greatly different sizes often mean the file was repacked. If you prefer, get SP3 directly from Microsoft’s guidance on obtaining the service pack. (learn.microsoft.com)

If the file you have is a full XP installer (not the standalone SP3), setup will require a valid product key. Look for the 25‑character key on a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker on the PC, in the original retail box/email, or in recovery media from the PC maker; Microsoft also documents how to contact support about missing keys and activation. Note that Windows XP reached end of support on April 8, 2014, so running XP online is risky — plan upgrades or isolation accordingly. (support.microsoft.com)

Before you run SP3: make a full disk image backup, run the SP3 installer in a clean boot, ensure SP2 prerequisites are present, and follow Microsoft’s “steps to take before installing SP3” to avoid common install failures. If the download you grabbed isn’t the genuine KB936929, delete it and use the Update Catalog / Microsoft guidance instead; unofficial “integrated” ISOs often include cracks or unwanted changes. (learn.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

There's no such thing as a free version of Windows, other than a trial copy that you can download directly from Microsoft's website.

Even if you have a legitimate copy of Windows that you copied, it is not a legal copy unless you pay for the license.

Member Avatar for PhilliePhan

As far as I know, Softpedia offers only the service pack (SP3) for download and not a free version of Windows.

PP:)

Member Avatar for JorgeM

I would recommend that Microsoft downloads be retrieved from their site.

Member Avatar for Wil 0' Wisp

Yes SP3, Is an update from Microsoft no serial number is required, it should be 336MB approx, so be prepared for a long time downloading it even on broadband. There is another 108 updates after SP3 so you might just be a little behind in the update stakes.

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