Microsoft expands XP update testing

Microsoft said on Tuesday that it is making public its latest test version of Windows XP Service Pack 3.

The software maker said Release Candidate 2 of XP SP3 will be available after 5 p.m. PST via Microsoft's download center. "We're broadening the availability of the release candidate in order to receive further user feedback prior to the release of Windows XP SP3," it said in a statement.

The same test version was released to a smaller group of testers on February 8. Microsoft said at the time that it was still on track to release the software in final form before the end of June.

It was originally expected as early as 2006, but has been pushed back several times as the bulk of Microsoft's energy has been focused on Windows Vista. The update focuses mainly on bug fixes and other minor changes to the operating system, as opposed to new features.

[jfekendall]

Why?

I installed RC2 from the MSDN site last week and it didn't even give me time to give feedback. BSOD right out of the gate! I think it still needs some work.

[Lsavagejt]

Timing?

Microsoft is going to discontinue marketing XP in June, the same month the fully engineered XP Service Pack 3 becomes available. Timing?