any experts on the sp3 update?

Does anyone know if sp3 fixes an exploit in the DIFx or the windows installer programs or files?

I got a nasty virus that seems to have gone through that to my computer. When I did a google search for DIFx I came across 2 cracker sites talking about stealing windows verification software and putting it on their trojans so DIFx would download them. Don't ask me- it's over my head, but wondering if anyone knows if that exploit has been addressed or DIFx taken out or blocked or something.

Somehow my windows installer was involved too- kept going online...

I searched microsoft but didn't find anything.

I'll be reformatting sometime soon I hope and hope I can find out if I need to block that with another program or not.

sounds like you need to install a third-party firewall and not rely on the built-in Windows Firewall which is not as effective as it only monitors data coming in to your PC, not going out. If you're planning to do a full re-install make sure you also install a third-party firewall at same time. Free ones are becoming thin on the ground but buying one is a good investment. ZoneAlarm is still free though: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Fire...larm-Free.shtml

SP3 generally fixes a lot of problems - security related issues especially. On expert forums such as BleepingComputer's it is recommended time and time again that users install this upgrade. It is strongly advised that you do NOT run a computer on outdated Service Packs such as SP2 for XP Home.

And yes: Windows Installer has been upgraded as well. You should install SP3 immiately after having run at least 3 different security scannings. Full scannings, that is. Always make sure that you install new programs on a clean PC.

Recommended programs:
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware: http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
SUPERAntiSpyware: http://www.superantispyware.com/

Recommended online scanners:
BitDefender Online Scanner: http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html
F-Secure Online Virus Scanner: http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml
Windows Live OneCare safety scanner: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm

Just running your ordinary security programs is not enough. You'll need extra precautions for a download as important as SP3.

Edited by ePost, 10 January 2009 - 01:47 PM.

Windows Xp Service Pack 3 (sp3) Information - http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/146857/windows-xp-service-pack-3-sp3-information/

Louis

thanks everyone! I did have zone alarm and avast and it took over avast and seems to be leaking through zone alarm. I wanted to wait until sp3 got worked out a bit before I downloaded it as I have an asus (amd) motherboard and wasn't clear on what the problems with those were. The antispyware programs didn't catch the virus I have, and when I tryed Norton.... it took over norton's updaters...

I saw on another forum that ms updated the update verification software 4 times, which I think DIFx is . So I guess I'm not the only one who had this problem.

Sorry, I should have listed more details and would have saved people some time. Thanks for so much information.

I ordered sp3 by mail and bought zone alarm security suite and will reformat when those come in the mail. I guess I'll start another thread on a bios/reformating question I have. I reformatted 3 times and it's still there, but I did forget to unplug the modem... I'm really looking forward to the paid version of zone alarm, and am going to disable any services I can get away with before using any auto update!