Windows XP Service Pack 3

This Microsoft page, Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview, shows this update with a Date Published of 12/10/2007. Why doesn't it appear during Windows Updates?

 

An overview is just an article written on what it changes, etc.

They always come out before the SP is released, my guess is so admins can see what to expect before deployment.

The Vista SP1 changes have been published for quite some time, too.

 

OK, thanks. I just found this: Wanted: New information on XP SP3. So, this update has been in the making for quite awhile now and I gather the official release won't happen for awhile yet. I'll just sit back and wait.

 

But, a Release Candidate is still not the final release, right? We'll all know when the final version has been released because, at that time, it will come up during Windows Updates, I presume.

Trying it now is a little tempting. Hmm ... eh, I'll probably wait.

 

Release candidates are just that, candidates. Safer than betas, sure, but no, not final.

HOWEVER

They all are candidates to be final code. Hence, Vista RC Refresh 2 ended up being final code for SP1, which is not yet available to consumers. MSDN, OEMs, and beta testers can get the final version already (legally).

 

The best thing about SP3 is if you have to repair or reinstall XP, it'll save you the heartbreak of going to WU for the 80+ post SP2 updates.

 

G'Day ; I received notification from ms and downloaded SP3, read me and release notes, I am under the impression it is the official release, my pc has been running very smooth since, maybe I just want to beleive it's better, but it seems to be realy smooth.
Another thing while I'm here, has anyone tried the browser AW2 Explorer 13 from ms marketplace ? I've had it for a month, no dramas, VERY fast with lots of bells and whistles, looks a bit like firefox,
Blessinsg Miykle :wave