Hi NCguy,
Both my brother-in-law and I install Microsoft Service Pack 3 several weeks ago, We had no problems on installation and have had no problems with our PC's since installing it. My opinion is INSTALL IT, to be on the safe side setup a system Restore point so in the unlikely event you have problems you can wind you PC back to the restore point.
My system clearly displays that I have SP3 installed on my computer.
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
Brief Description
Windows® XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers’ experience with the operating system. This white paper summarizes what is new in Windows XP SP3.
Here is the link that will take you directly to the download page:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...AD-BC34-40BE-8D85-6BB4F56F5110&displaylang=en
At the end of the day its up to you and how comfortable you are at doing it
Hope this helps
Cheers
Smartalk