How to uninstall Windows XP Service Pack 3

In Windows XP go to Add or Remove Programs and if your scroll down to the bottom you should see Windows XP Service Pack 3 click it and click Remove.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950249

Hi skywalker39

As I mentioned it was installed in the Windows XP install and not as an update using the latest Windows XP Pro cd with SP3. I had already checked in Add/Remove Programs and it's not listed.

So you installed using an XP SP3 CD?
If so there will be no "uninstall SP3" option
What you could do is try a system repair using an XP SP2 CD.
You'll need to re-enter your CD Key during the repair process and theoretically at least it may ask you to 'phone Microsoft to get an activation code having explained why you've needed to reactivate.  This shouldn't be an issue as you have a legitimate SP3 CD-Key.

On a separate note have you tried running your software in compatibility mode for another OS?  What has SP3 messed with that you need to remove?

Well I use a quoting package called Auto-Quote. And when I try to print off quotes, job summary or notes or anything really in it, it takes an extreme amount of time. It only happens on my computer and on my boss's computer. And the only thing that I can think of is Service Pack 3 which is only installed on mine and his. I will try that compatibility mode and see how I go with that.

Just tried the compatibility mode and it closes down Auto-Quote when trying to print. I will try and windows repair with sp2 and see how i go with that.

Try an email to their support in QLD (admin @ aqq.com.au) - if it is SP3 you can't be the only one affected.

That's funny! I used to work for Auto-Quote Queensland only about 2 months ago as their senior tech. So i know whats going on :p

You may like to back up any important data first (be safe)
Then:
Use the hidden $NtServicePackUninstall$ folder
Click Start, click Run.
 type c:\windows\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst\spuninst.exe in the Open box, and then click OK.
When the Windows XP Service Pack 3 Removal Wizard starts, click Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen to remove Windows XP SP3.
If this does not work.

Use Recovery Console
Insert the Windows XP CD in the CD drive or in the DVD drive, and then restart your computer. When you receive the following message, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD:
Press any key to boot from CD
When you receive the Welcome to Setup message, press R to start the Recovery Console.
Note Multiple options will appear on the screen.
Select the correct Windows XP installation.
Note You must select a number before you press ENTER, or the computer will restart. Typically, only the 1: C:\Windows selection is available.
If you are prompted to type an administrator password, do so. If you do not know the administrator password, press ENTER. (Typically, the password is blank.)
Note You cannot continue if you do not have the administrator password.
At the command prompt, type cd $ntservicepackuninstall$\spuninst, and then press ENTER.
At the command prompt, type batch spuninst.txt, and then press ENTER.
Note The Spuninstal.txt file appears. As the file scrolls down, you will see errors and the files that are being copied. This is typical behavior.
After Windows XP SP3 is removed, type exit, and then press ENTER.
Restart the computer in safe mode. To do this, press F8 when the computer restarts.

Note After you restart the computer, the computer may stop responding, and you may see a black screen. The mouse will work. In this case, restart the computer again by turning the computer off and then back on. The second restart will let you log on.
When the computer restarts, Windows Explorer (Explorer.exe) does not run, and the Windows icons and the Start button are unavailable. To resolve this problem, follow these steps:
Press CTRL+ALT+DEL, and then click Task Manager in the Windows Security screen.
Click File, and then click New Task (Run).
In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\RpcSs
In the details pane, right-click ObjectName, click Modify, type LocalSystem in the Value data box, and then click OK.
Restart the computer

Important After you remove Windows XP Service Pack 3 from your computer, we recommend that you visit the following Microsoft Web page and then install the latest security updates:
http://update.microsoft.com (http://update.microsoft.com)

>>That's funny! I used to work for Auto-Quote Queensland only about 2 months ago as their senior tech.
Now that's something that would have been good to have known in advance :D

I think the cut and paste above is again for machines that have been upgraded to SP3

Yeah. Because I don't have the ntuninstall folder. I think I may just bite the bullet and do a format and reinstall with xp pro sp2. And see how I go there. Otherwise i'll just load windows vista.

Does the KB folder for SP3 show up C:\WINDOWS?

Nope, nothing nada, zilch. It's like as though Windows isn't classing SP3 as an update and actually part of the O/S.

I think I will have to format and reinstall. I may install vista to see how I go.

Thanks for your help though :=)