Windows XP SP3 [Beta] Available for Download! - In two weeks!

[Hairbautt]

"Microsoft confirmed officially that Windows XP Service Pack 3 will be made available for download in the next couple of weeks. It seems that Microsoft is continuing the practice of releasing the milestones of the first service pack for Windows Vista and the third refresh for Windows XP concomitantly. The Redmond company initially shipped a pre-beta build of Windows XP SP3 concomitantly with the pre-beta version of Windows Vista SP1 in mid July. Up until this point, Microsoft has been dead quiet about the development of XP SP1, with all details stopped by the Windows Omerta codename Translucency, set in place by Sinofsky."

"Now Microsoft has confirmed that the full beta of the service pack for Windows Vista will be available for download via Connect to some 10,000 to 15,000 testers. Additionally, the Redmond company also announced that the first actual beta of Windows XP SP3 will be delivered to all TechNet and Microsoft Developer Network subscribers. The third refresh for XP is planned for limited availability by mid September. At this point in time, Microsoft failed to reveal if a public beta of the service pack will be offered to users, in a manner similar to that of Windows Vista SP1.

However, unlike Vista SP1 which only now had its final availability date confirmed for the first quarter of 2008, Windows XP SP3 was scheduled all along for the first half of the coming year. In mid July, Microsoft delivered to a select pool of testers Windows XP SP3 pre-beta build 5.1.2600.3180 (xpsp.070718-2058). The version was subsequently leaked to peer-to-peer file sharing networks. Microsoft emphasized that the third service pack for Windows XP, as well as the first service pack for Windows Vista, would not impact considerably the users’ experience on each of the two operating systems. Still, XP SP3 is long overdue as Microsoft delayed the product from 2006, to 2007 and then to 2008. The last refresh, for Windows XP, SP2 was made available back in 2004."

-29th of August

Source: Softpedia
Related: Vista SP1, XP SP3, Windows 7 – Codename Translucency
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View: The Run-Down: WinXP SP3
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Softpedia: Avoid Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista SP1 Downloads! September 8, 2007
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Neowin.Net: Microsoft Hands out XP SP3 beta – Final SP for XP - October 7, 2007

[killuminati96]

Windows XP SP3

I don't trust Microsoft anymore so I won't be installing this. It probably comes with anti-piracy & anti-privacy (spyware) crap in it & more "genuine advantage" updates.

[Hairbautt]

It's just a collection of updates. I don't even think it'll include WMP 11 or IE7 (I'm still checking)

[kaffeine]

I remember when I installed SP2, completely screwed up my PC. Had to remove it the same day. Yes, eventually I had to install it again once all the bugs were fixed. damn M$

[Hairbautt]

SP2 has been like a godsend Tho' when it was first released there were some worries with compatibility...

[kaffeine]

Yea, that's what I meant, when it first was released was filled with bugs, but in time was a nice upgrade. I hope SP3 gets it right from the beginning

[Leeson]

I hope SP3 gets it right from the beginning

as if ms could get anything right the first time round... lol.... if they did we wouldn't need service packs....

[Hairbautt]

It's kinda disappointing to know that Vista was under beta for some time, but was still released with so many flaws...

[lowryder]

oh my god another service pack, sp2 already slowed all my pc's down. Even buyed an heavier computer and sp2 slows it dwn again :/ what will sp3 contain then? Vista is just out and they already are planning windows7 release in 2010

[Hairbautt]

The new beta of SP3 is officially out for select testers.

Con't @ Windows XP SP3 Specifics Revealed