Windows XP SP3 Released to OEMs, Coming Soon to Windows Update

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=3214173&SiteID=17' target='_blank'>http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet...14173&SiteID=17</a><br /><br /></div><em>&quot;Today we are happy to announce that Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) has released to manufacturing (RTM). Windows XP SP3 bits are now working their way through our manufacturing channels to be available to OEM and Enterprise customers. We are also in the final stages of preparing for release to the web (i.e. you!) on April 29th, via Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center. Online documentation for Windows XP SP3, such as Microsoft Knowledge Base articles and the Microsoft TechNet Windows XP TechCenter, will be updated then. For customers who use Windows XP at home, Windows XP SP3 Automatic Update distribution for users at home will begin in early summer.&quot;</em><br /><br /><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/dht/auto/1208974513.usr1.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />Still rocking Windows XP? Then you'll have a new service pack coming your way within a few days - Microsoft has finished the bits and they'll be available on Windows Update on the 29th...though I'm a bit confused by the mention of &quot;early summer&quot; for XP Home. So is this April 29th release only for XP Professional then?

[Phillip Dyson]

I followed the link and read the comments. Maybe I'm missing something, but why hasn't anyone asked what's in it? :confused:


Or is it something obvious that slipped by me.

[Jason Dunn]

I followed the link and read the comments. Maybe I'm missing something, but why hasn't anyone asked what's in it?

Good point! I think everyone assumes that it's just a bunch of fixes - I don't think it's like SP2 where new functionality and features are added into the mix...but I could be wrong.

[Bob Christensen]

Good point! I think everyone assumes that it's just a bunch of fixes - I don't think it's like SP2 where new functionality and features are added into the mix...but I could be wrong.

I think you're correct. Some time ago, I read (sorry, can't find the source again) where SP3 was nothing but all the crap... er, updates that have occurred since SP2.

[Jason Dunn]

I think you're correct. Some time ago, I read (sorry, can't find the source again) where SP3 was nothing but all the crap... er, updates that have occurred since SP2.

Yeah, I chatted with someone close to the Windows team and he said that SP3 was just bug-fixes...so really nothing to get that excited about, unless perhaps you're a company that only deploys fixes via service packs.

[Stinger]

I'm more exciting about a certain other piece of software (http://www.rockstargames.com/IV/) being released on the 29th. :)

[Joel Crane]

IP Packet black hole detection, thats pretty much the only one I've heard of. Happy to see that feature coming, it just sounds so useful. </sarcasm>

I am disappointed to hear that its mostly just bugfixes.

[Darius Wey]

Good point! I think everyone assumes that it's just a bunch of fixes - I don't think it's like SP2 where new functionality and features are added into the mix...but I could be wrong.

SP3 is mostly updates, but it does add some new features such as Network Access Protection (NAP), black hole router detection, enhanced security options, and changes to product activation.

Also, if anyone here is an MSDN/TechNet subscriber, SP3 was released yesterday, so go get it. :)

[Darius Wey]

I updated three XP boxes with SP3 RTM today, and all in all, I haven't come across any problems, which fortunately, is a far cry from the Vista SP1 blues that so many have encountered. Performance seems a little better, too.

And just a side note, if there are any Mac users here who plan to update their Boot Camp installation of XP with SP3, you'll need to do the following:


Start > Run > regedit.exe
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Setup
Create a new String Value called BootDir
Modify its value to the system drive, which is usually C:\
Exit the Registry Editor and install SP3