Microsoft releases new XP SP3 test version
Microsoft said Friday that it has issued a second near-final "release candidate" version of Windows XP Service Pack 3. The move follows the company having finished the first service pack for Windows Vista.
"Yesterday, we released Windows XP SP3 RC 2 to private beta testers," the software maker said in a statement. "This release catches the build up on previously released hotfixes and responds to critical feedback from previous betas."
The software maker repeated that it plans to finalize the XP update by the end of June, but added its customary hedging that its "timing will always be based on customer feedback as a first priority."
The third (and perhaps final) service pack for Windows XP was originally expected as early as 2006, but was pushed back as the Windows team focused on getting Vista, and then Vista Service Pack 1, out the door.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
- Maybe we can just patch xp instead of downgrading to vista
- by Casikat030 February 8, 2008 4:30 PM PST
- I for one refuse to downgrade to a system which requires more system resources and does less. I was a beta tester for Windows Vista before it went public and was not impressed. I've also tried the final 'retail'(more like beta) version on a friends pc. This thing is so bulky you need a solid gaming rig to run it. Could there be any more wasted resources? I Might patch to SP3 when it comes out, but I dragged my feet on getting SP2 and still wouldn't be running it if most of the current games didn't require it. I'm a gamer so eventually I'm sure I'll be forced in to an OS I can't stand and just love to hate but until that day I'll stick with xp its stable, and I already paid for it once so no point in forking over more cash to Microsoft.
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
-
- Dang Straight
- by Mclovin223 February 9, 2008 2:18 PM PST
- You are right. My sister has vista and already it is a pain. Sure vista is streamlined and looks nice, but the basic utility of the system in 0 to none. Installing just software alone takes 12 min with the constant, "Confirmation messages." When i try to install some basic utilities they don't work and hardware if it needs a driver pretty much means you are screwed. Microsoft should have devolved on it longer and made more adjustments. I'll wait for vista to get better, even if i have to stay with xp for 2 more years.
- Like this
-
(3 Comments)