Microsoft resumes XP, Vista updates

Microsoft on Tuesday said it is resuming two major Windows updates that had been halted because of a conflict with one of its own software products.

A week ago, Microsoft delayed the release of Windows XP Service Pack 3 because of a problem that could lead to data loss when running the XP update in conjunction with its Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System program. It also halted automatic updates to Windows Vista Service Pack 1 because of a similar issue.

The software maker on Tuesday said it is releasing XP Service Pack 3 for Web downloads, and resuming automatic updates to Vista Service Pack 1, after developing a filter that will prevent machines running Dynamics RMS from getting either update.

The filter is not a fix for the incompatibility, though Microsoft said it is working on that as well.

"A fix for this issue is currently in testing at Microsoft and with customers, and we hope to make it publicly available this month," the company said in a statement. "Until then, Microsoft is advising Microsoft Dynamics RMS customers to not install either service pack."

Those already running Dynamics RMS with one of the Windows updates should contact customer support, it said.

[sanenazok]

XP SP3 Download Information

It took me forever to find the download link for SP3:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsxp/0a5b9b10-17e3-40d9-8d3c-0077c953a761.aspx

or shorter link

http://tinyurl.com/2renlu

Useful especially if you have more than one computer to update!

[aka_tripleB]

Most people can get it through Windows Update

It's just as easy if not easier. I'm not sure if it's available if you click express, but it is there if you click the custome button.

[The_happy_switcher]

Redmond has got new experiments Window guinea pigs. Download away.

[maverick_nick]

I'm so tired of these darn fan boys. Well at least Apple keeps their customers in the dark when a bug is discovered until they find a fix - real thoughtful.

[Igiveup2]

OK fanboy, MS is offering major support for XP 7+ years after its release at no extra charge. Support is scheduled to continue until 2014. Now, what level of support is Apple offering for Cheetah or Panther? Have fun buying and installing OS upgrades every 2-3 years just to get proper support.

[sanenazok]

Either Vista sucks and XP is great or not. Make up your mind already!

[The_happy_switcher]

This is easy to clarify: They both suck.

[mackjazz]

Me too..........darn frustrating............ Thanks so much for finding and posting the links for direct download.

[JRude667]

I'll download the standalone to check on the NON main PC! I ain't no fool!

[ajbright]

Err I've downloaded it, installed it and noticed... nothing. Besides filling up a few hundred megabytes of HD space does anyone know what the purpose of this service pack is?

If all it does is put another copy of all the patches issued since SP2 onto my computer, why exactly is it even available to install on an otherwise uptodate PC?

I suppose having another 3 copies of all those patches was deemed to be of some importance, but I can't for the life of me figure out why .. or why a service pack that otherwise does nothing was delayed because of some sort of incompatibility. Incompatible with what? And if so, why wasn't that discovered when whatever patch caused the incompatibility was first released?

[RodsMine]

List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/

Release notes for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (contains pointer to above):
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929

[drtony2000]

My PC crashed after I updated with SP3, something went very wrong, I got the "blue screen from Hell" spent all night trying to fix it, with no luck not even restoring XP, finally I called Dell , They charge me $39.00 for no help they told me to Re-Install XP, but no way did I want to lose all my DATA . I called Microsoft and the tech rep told me that the SP3 UPDATE corrupted some of my windows files because I was runing my Antivirus software. I got great SERVICE and it saved my day and data. and all for $00 FREE!. But I hope they take the SP3 update away from the windows automatic update., for now I am keeping the SP2 no need for more blue screen from hell or worse losing my data... so do your home work before you update to SP3. don't be like me Read Read and it Will be Nice and Heavenly COLOR!

[ronwinship]

Balmer is on a rant to run out of Redmond and retire. He doesn't seem to care how
much blood he leaves in the water on the way out. The Vista SP1 Patch was nightmare
city. Now we have to say our prayers....for three more of our computers?
Whew....may have to wait a bit...to hear what is happening before we step across the
Rubicon!