
For activating you dont need to know which service pack you are using 
If you just bought a new computer then chances are you  have SP3
To find out which Service pack you have already installed  (source from http://pcsupport.about.com/od/tipstricks/ht/servicepackxp.htm)



  1) Click on Start and then Control
  Panel.
  
  2) Click on the Performance and
  Maintenance link.
  
  Note: If you're viewing the Classic
  View of Control Panel, you won't see
  this link. Simply double-click on the
  System icon and proceed to Step 4.
  
  3) In the Performance and Maintenance
  window, click on the System Control
  Panel icon at the bottom of the
  window.
  
  4) When the System Properties window
  opens it should default to the General
  tab. If not, choose it manually.
  
  5) In the System: area of the General
  tab you'll find the operating system
  version and the service pack level.
  See the screen shot on this page for
  an idea of what you're looking for.



An Easier way would be



  1) Right click on My Computer
  
  2) Select Properties
  
  3) Under General Tab look for your service pack version


Can you match a Windows XP product key to a service pack release?
We put all our expenses on a credit card and pay it off every month in order to get maximize our cash back.  We never charge more than we have in the checking account, so we always pay it off.  Should we reconsider doing this in order to improve our debt-to-income ratio?

Our goal is to be in the best position possible to get a mortgage in the next 3-12 months.
