Question

My dilemma is essentially in regard to system maintenance, which for me, has been a debatable issue in regards to the following:

(1) Should I install Service Pack 3? I have been advised not to by a local computer repair shop and I have also read accounts of problems experienced because of it. I am running Service Pack 2 and the computer is running great.

(2) If I don't install Service Pack 3, will Window's Update be able to perform other updates to my operating system? If so, how can I bypass the installation of SP3 and just move on to the other updates?

(3) I have read conflicting advice regarding Registry Maintenance. Some say do it if you know what you're doing; others say leave it alone...period...if you don't know what you're doing. I don't do alot of program installation/uninstallation, so I'm inclined to "leave it alone." What is your recommendation?

Thanks very much,
Michael