Windows XP Service Pack 3 Removal Using Add or Remove Programs

Note: Updates to Internet Explorer installed after Service Pack 3 may prevent the removal of Service Pack 3. The new Internet Explorer updates must be removed prior to removing Service Pack 3.

  1. Open Control Panel.

    1. From the Microsoft® Windows® XP default Start menu, click Control Panel.
    2. From the classic Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.

  2. In Control Panel, open Add or Remove Programs.

    1. If you are in Category View, click Add or Remove Programs.
    2. If you are in Classic View, double-click Add or Remove Programs.

  3. In the Add or Remove Programs window, select Windows XP Service Pack 3, and then click Remove.
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  4. In the Software Update Removal Wizard dialog box, click Next.
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  5. Service Pack 3 inspects the configuration, checks for necessary disk space, stops services, restores catalogs, and then runs processes before removal.
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  6. The computer deletes installed SP3 files and copies backup files to the hard drive.
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  7. In the Software Update Removal Wizard dialog box, click Finish to restart the computer.
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  8. Removal is complete.
Note: If removing Service Pack 3 through Add or Remove Programs does not properly work, Service Pack 3 may be removed through System Restore.