Amd Processors Hit By Xp Sp3 Bug
Posted on: Saturday, 17 May 2008, 00:00 CDT
By JAMES DERK
A couple of my tidbits from last week generated some questions, so I want to hit those before we move on to some product reviews in the coming weeks.
You suggested installing Service Pack 3 for Windows XP, but then I read that it was causing computers to endlessly reboot. Should I install it on my Dell laptop?
There have been some reports of some reboot issues, especially involving computers with AMD processors, so you may want to hold off on installing the patch if your computer is running an AMD.
(You can tell if you have an AMD by the sticker on your PC, or by right-clicking on MY COMPUTER and hitting PROPERTIES.)
Most PCs are running Intel processors, but there are quite a few AMD processors out there, and, of course, not all AMDs are affected by this bug. Microsoft is working on the issue, according to blog posts, and should be releasing an update to the update.
Of course, you should always back up your data before installing a service pack so even if you end up in trouble you should be OK.
I have installed the patch on about 30 PCs, including some AMDs, and have had no issues yet. Your mileage, of course, may vary.
I have a Mac iBook G4 with a bad screen. It still works if I plug in an external monitor, but the display flickers on and off when I don't use a monitor, so it's not a very satisfactory experience.
I have quotes of about $500 to get a used screen installed to repair it, and $800 for a new one. Is it worth fixing?
Your Mac is older than I would invest in. I'd hook up the external monitor or sell it to someone who will (or sell it to a tech who can repair it) and invest in a newer Mac.
You'd have better performance with a $1,100 new Mac laptop than with your old one, which has a far slower hard drive, older technology and slower processor.
It's a great excuse to buy a MacBook Pro.
James Derk is owner of CyberDads, a computer repair firm, and a tech columnist for Scripps Howard News Service. His e-mail address is jim@cyberdads.com
(c) 2008 Evansville Courier & Press. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Source: Evansville Courier & Press
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User Comments (2)
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Posted by Mat on 05/21/2008, 12:07 I have an AMD in my home server, updated to sp3 with no issue. Whoever is having this issue needs to dig a little deeper |
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Posted by HSS on 05/17/2008, 10:14 It's not AMD® fault... |
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