XP pro sp3 disc installation problem

It is a raid 1. It will have office info that is very, very vital. It will have an external hd for backup purposes also. Every bit of prevention is important. I know you won't try and tell me that raid 1 does not offer more added security. It is not foolproof I know but it is still better than a single drive.

That disc has never worked right. The older sp2 disc has performed without a hitch.

ok, we'll hear back when you get the replacement? Or is that it, the disc is going back and then nothing?

Anyway the Windows XpSP2 will do, just update online to Service Pack 3

I did try this but it won't take the sp3 key. The sp3 disc is an oem and the sp2 is retail.

I just want to be totally utterly clear here (and I note, that this was my original confusion as well)

Install Windows Xp SP2 (Or have an existing, Windows Xp SP2 working)
Then go to Windows Update ie here: http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx
Then freely update to SP3
Giving you Windows Xp SP3 (fully)

Please be aware that all Service Packs are free

Some users can purchase Windows Xp with key (that comes with a key -> for Windows Xp)
You would only do this, if you did not own Windows Xp (any service pack!)

It did not take the key that came with my xp sp3 disc. I got a hold of microsoft and a tech had to do an ea. He could not get it to work either so he just gave me new key. It did not say or show the one I had was used, it just said it was not valid. Anyway I got activated and have my new key thanks to MS.

Hmm, must have been a key only meant for SP1 or something

I'm glad to hear MS provided you with a new key.
But. Thay MUST also provide the COA sticker (a physical sticker, that must be attached to your system, that displays the key)
Like this: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/content.aspx?pg=coa&displaylang=en