Should I update new XP install if I only use it for running software, totally offline.

MsAntonia

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Dec 25, 2013
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With the upcoming end of security support for XP, I've been converting some XP machines to dual-boot XP and Linux. For online access I use onlly Linux. I'll disable networking in XP so the machines won't go online when that operating system is up.

But, I still have a few software programs such as Dreamweaver that I need to run on XP. I'll completely reinstall XP on some of the machines because they are due for that. My question is, from a purely functional and speed standpoint in running Dreamweaver and several other 32-bit software on XP, should I update XP as far as it will go. With SP3? And with the updates after that? Since I'm not online in XP, I assume from a security standpoint that isn't necessary. I've also read in a few places that updates tend to slow XP down as the updates accumulate. I don't know if that is correct, but what are the experts recommendation on installing updates just to run software offline? Is it necessary or even desireable?
 

MsAntonia

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Dec 25, 2013
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That brings up another question. If I update the software in June, for instance, which is two months after the security updates cease, is it safe to do that if the machine is behind a hardware router firewall, and the update is the only thing that is done?. No browsing around or anything like that. I can't do it before then because I'm on assignment in Asia and away from home until then.
 

Danimal1q2w3

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Dec 4, 2013
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Just download the service pack 2 setup file they have them for offline installations. Put it on a cd or a USB drive. I know a lot of older machines need a chipset driver to use USB so maybe just burn the whole thing to a cd

 

MsAntonia

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Since I already have SP3 update on an external hard drive, can't I just jump from the fresh xp install directly to the sp3 update and be done with it?
 

Danimal1q2w3

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No unfortunately it's not so simple you just install sp2 first. You can skip sp1 however and go straight to 2
 

MsAntonia

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Good. I'm glad I asked. I just assumed. I'll go to the MS site then and search out SP2, put that on first, and then use my sp3 update I already have. Thanks much...
 
On a fresh installation and after updating to SP3, there are over 140 subsequent updates to download. For me, the only safe way to run XP after April will be in a Virtual Machine within a Linux system - totally invisible to the outside world. XP users without that protection will have no idea where the next threat will come from.

I'm not being alarmist here - it is highly likely to happen just so. For those who simply cannot afford to upgrade to another Windows system, this is the best option - Linux systems are free.