My old computer was running XP and my son uses it. He had things so weirded out we set out to do a fresh install. The only problem is we can't get updates. I can't figure out why.

Can we use a ISO of XP that has SP3 while using our product key?
 
The worst part is my son has to do it as I can't read any of what's going on anymore. Does anyone know how we should proceed and know where there is clear directions on what to do?
 
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 
Another option I have pondered is installing Win 8. Can a P4 Northwood 2.4ghz with 1gb ram run Win 8?
Asus P4Pe
2.4 GHZ
1gb ram
Geforce fx 5200
 
I prefer to go the XP route.
 
TIA

I think Microsoft have stopped support for XP now, that's why I would imagine you can't get support.
I have just installed windows 7 on a computer that has a similar specification but 2 gb ram - it was not easy I can tell you but after much fiddling about we got things to work OK - however after that experience I would say not too be tackled unless you really know what you are doing. And that was windows 7!
I would imaging that as long as you have your key you should have no problems installing from a ISO of XP. 
I do have a copy of the XP 3 update somewhere if that would be any help.
Nigel
 
 

Maybe Microsoft has stopped supporting XP but the updates are still out there.
I recently revived a crashed XP unit and there were a dozens of updates pending.
 
Your problem is that the old original update links have been changed & don't work!
You have to manually go to the new update web location and manually start the update process to get the ball rolling.
You'll have to update the i.e. browser and a couple of other things before the updates will apply 'automatically'.
I don't have the link handy but you can easily google it.
 
...Steven

If I remember correctly, you can do without Service pack 1 but you'll need service pack 2 before you can put 3 in. Here is a link for service pack 2. http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=28
 
Here is 3 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-xp-service-pack-3.aspx
 
 

Thanks guys. I appreciate it. Hopefully, I can get it to install. That's been the biggest hurdle is getting it to install. It says I need to update my browser but everytime I try and do that, I need a service pack and every time I go to update my service pack, I need to update my browser.
 
Thanks for the links Grant!

 You may want to install Chrome or Firefox, even the current IE browser for XP, I think is 7, doesn't support the new flash updates. You will be more secure and have less issues using the alternatives at this point in XP IMO. Hope you get it sorted.
 

I had same problem with my son recently. I did exactly what you originally inquired, used old product key with another iso.  I used svc pack 2 iso and found 3 patch.  If you have trouble, I can probably retrace my steps for you.

 Just to let you guys know, unless there is a lingering virus issue, there is little to be gained by formatting and reinstalling an old operating system that has had so many updates like XP.
 You will get the results you are trying to get by simply creating another admin user account, log on to the new account and delete all old accounts. It will give you the option to save the old data in a file on the desktop, if you don't need that data delete it.
 99.9% of the time, it will be just like having a new PC

ohgrant
 Just to let you guys know, unless there is a lingering virus issue, there is little to be gained by formatting and reinstalling an old operating system that has had so many updates like XP.
 You will get the results you are trying to get by simply creating another admin user account, log on to the new account and delete all old accounts. It will give you the option to save the old data in a file on the desktop, if you don't need that data delete it.
 99.9% of the time, it will be just like having a new PC

I agree with you in principal and would try that before wiping the whole computer, but sometimes xp computers are so loaded with crap that tons of drive space is wasted. My son's computer was just as sluggish with new user account since drivewas so full of crap that was hard to trace. It ended up being more time effecient to do fresh install for me.

The crap will be deleted with the old user accounts and system restore dumps. The remaining crap is the blotted code that XP service pack 3 became. I've done it hundreds of times for others and is a lot easier than chasing down service packs and old motherboard drivers, depending on the age of the machine of course.
 
 
Edit:  http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/sock478/p4pe/e1110_p4pe.pdf  That's a pretty old P4 system there, only 533 front side buss on the processor, 1X AGP. That's a seriously old machine I doubt would even run Vista well I'm sorry to say.  Should be OK for internet browsing and legacy gaming in XP though.