Microsoft sets SP3 free for Windows XP - at last!

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Tuesday, 22 April 2008 06:58

Opinion and Analysis

If only the Vista beta – and Vista SP1 beta processes – could have been as smooth as has seemingly been for XP SP3, although if history is any guide, we’re now likely to see SP3 horror stories. I certainly hope we don’t, but when hasn’t there been horror stories after virtually any update – from Microsoft or others – becomes available?

Keroack ends by saying: “We will still be monitoring this forum during the next few weeks in case you have more feedback about the release of Windows XP SP3. On behalf of myself, Shashank Bansal and Windows Serviceability, many thanks.”

So... the great XP SP3 upgrade cycle will soon begin for those that want it, and in a few months, will become an automatic update for XP users.

As with any update, it’s probably safest to see what the reaction from other users is first. XP SP3 promises to be a smooth upgrade, speeding up XP by 10%, giving it increased security from elements of Vista and a general raft of fixes, updates and patches.

It’s just an incredible shame that the best version of XP yet will, in theory, soon be unavailable to the general population, most of whom still aren’t ready to jump on the Vista SP1 bandwagon, with some even waiting for its successor, Windows 7.

Will Microsoft let XP SP3 retail sales be, as the key to keeping XP loving users happy? Or will Microsoft cut down the XP SP3 tree, forcing users to use Vista, seen by some as mighty crappy?

We’ll just have to wait and see. Until then, XP users, enjoy your SP3!