Microsoft finishes big XP update

Microsoft said on Monday that it has wrapped up development of its long-awaited Service Pack 3 update to Windows XP.

The update, which consists of previously released updates and a few new bug fixes and changes, will be available for download via the Web on April 29. Microsoft said it plans to start pushing out XP SP3 this summer to "home users" who have Automatic Updates turned on.

A Microsoft representative said the company won't update boxed copies of Windows XP with the service pack, though it will be an option for computer makers that are still offering XP on new machines. Large computer makers have only until June to sell XP on standard systems, though some low-cost, low-memory machines can be sold with XP until 2010, as can some PCs aimed at emerging markets.

Microsoft has been testing Windows XP Service Pack 3 for some time. The product was planned to be released as early as 2006, but was pushed back several times as Microsoft focused on developing and updating Windows Vista.

Colleague Robert Vamosi will have a hands-on look shortly and I'll post a link here.

Update 12:40 p.m.: Robert's blog is now live and available here.

[dryicezero]

XP SP3

My experiences were less than stellar (read here: http://www.smbtechadvice.com), but I think that this actually hurts Microsoft's Vista stance. If SP3 really does 'freshen' XP up, then it becomes yet another reason to skip Vista all together. Does this make good business sense? Who knows?

[Seaspray0]

Initial reports

Comments from those with access to the beta: It can speed up XP by 10%. That's a pretty impressive performance boost. I think it will hurt adoption of vista in the corporate world. Perhaps MS will listen to what corporate wants before releasing their next OS... vista certainly wasn't what they were expecting.

[bemenaker]

XP SP3 beta has been good so far

It isn't a major refresh like SP2 was. This is just bug fixes, and yes, it is a little snappier. This isn't going to do anything one way or the other as far as businesses adopting Vista, they just aren't. I work in the IT dept, and we are the only ones using it here, and NOONE here can do their job fully in Vista. We have to dual boot to XP to fully work. Especially if you want to access the VPN, that we have not gotten working in Vista at all.

XP SP3 is a nice all in update.

[schannoman]

What Vista?

Vista reminds me of Microsoft's last disaster, which some remember as Windows ME...

If I were Microsoft, I'd beef up XP and work my little behind off trying to get Windows 7 operational, and pray that it's a lot better than Vista...

[soggy0]

Please tell me GDI is fixed...

Holy BSOD's Batman...

[Imalittleteapot]

BSOD.

I don't think anybody can help GDI, but I haven't seen a blue screen in a very long time. If you're getting BSOD you have may want to look into updating all your hardware drivers.

[steven.eynon]

XP SP3

SP3 RC2 Refresh installed yesterday via "critical updates". If this is final update then SP3 is already downloadable in UK, but it may be preparation for final release later this month so; who knows?

[OutOfBoxExperience]

Update Breaks XP

The Update prevents you from connecting to the Internet unless you allow NTKernel to access the Internet from your firewall!

This change Guarantee's that Microsoft and Terrorists in the US Govt can access your computer whenever your connected and is a direct violation of National Security!

Security Violations that go undocumented render Microsofts End User Licence agreement Null and Void!

These violations make XP-Home and XP-Pro Freeware and they can now be used without compensation to Microsoft!

Updating Michael AuYeung's 8in1 XP CD to SP2 provides FAR MORE security than ANY retail copy of Windows XP

Try it! Its Free! AND 100% LEGAL