Is there an anti-virus for XP that doesn't require SP3?

Question:

I can’t install the 2012 edition of Avira personal, free, anti-virus on my
PC because it requires Windows XP, SP3, 32-bit or higher. I’m still using XP,
SP2, 32-bit and I’m not planning to upgrade in the short run. My question is:
what alternative free, anti-virus software (2012 edition) do you recommend to
run on Windows XP, SP2?

In this excerpt from
Answercast #32
, I look at a system that has not been upgraded to SP3 from
SP2 and the security implications of keeping the older system.

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Protecting XP SP2

You can try Microsoft Security Essentials. It’s very possible that they also will require SP3, but that’s what I would start you with. If that doesn’t work, I’d probably have you look at something like ClamWin because (if I understand it correctly) they even still support Windows 98.

Upgrading is recommended

In reality, my real recommendation is something entirely different:

  • My real recommendation is that you give serious consideration to installing Windows SP3.

There’s a reason that a lot of these manufacturers, and quite possibly Microsoft themselves, are requiring SP3 as a baseline for their products to be supported.

  • SP3 added significant security enhancements to the operating system.

  • You want those fixes!

Security upgrade

So, I’m not sure what’s keeping you from upgrading to SP3; but ultimately, I would strongly recommend that you consider it.

  • Backup first in case there’s a problem, of course.

  • Then, go down the path of whatever it might take to get you to SP3.

Then, the question of prerequisites for something like Avira go away. Obviously:

  • You’ve met their prerequisites by installing SP3

  • But more than that, you’ve increased the security and overall stability of your system with SP3.

End of Answercast #32 Back to – Audio Segment

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2 comments on “Is there an anti-virus for XP that doesn't require SP3?”

  1. Running MSE with only SP2 has been smooth. Still, I realize the need for an upgrade. I´ve tried several times to install SP3, but it always fails, even if I temporarily shut down the firewall and MSE. Advice much appreciated!

    Reply

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