April 21, 2008 10:37 AM PDT

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.

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) 9 comments (Page 1 of 1)
XP SP3
by dryicezero April 21, 2008 11:38 AM PDT
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?
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Please tell me GDI is fixed...
by soggy0 April 21, 2008 3:10 PM PDT
Holy BSOD's Batman...
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XP SP3
by steven.eynon April 21, 2008 11:44 PM PDT
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?
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Update Breaks XP
by OutOfBoxExperience April 23, 2008 8:10 AM PDT
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
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  • About Beyond Binary

  • During her seven years at CNET News.com, 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.


    Beyond Binary is a look at how technology is changing our lives and the people behind all that life-changing stuff, with an extra emphasis on that which emanates from Redmond, Wash.

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