Windows XP SP3 Available for Download
Windows XP Service Pack 3 is now available for download from Microsoft's Download Center, and is also being released via Windows Update (the latter link, which initiates a check of available updates, only works with Internet Explorer).
(Thanks to the anonymous reader who called to tip us off, by the way.)
The release had been delayed after Microsoft discovered an incompatibility between both XP SP3 and Vista SP1, and Microsoft Dynamic Retail Management Software, specialized software for retailers. In announcing the release of SP3 for XP, Microsoft said it had addressed this problem by deploying a Windows Update filter that would keep the service packs from being offered to customers who use Microsoft Dynamics RMS, and advised these users to contact Microsoft's support services for more information.
What's in the service pack for you? Read my colleague Robert Strohmeyer's impressions of the most recent pre-release version of XP SP3. And you can read more about XP3 on Microsoft's TechNet site.
Microsoft has also resumed automatic distribution of Vista SP1, which was suspended following discovery of the RMS incompatibility.
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Microsoft's Download link on their download page you link to was broken at 3:57 EDT. I hope they get the "HTTP Error 404 - File or directory not found." error fixed soon!
Thanks for pointing this out. Actually, the link works, but only if you use IE. I've amended the post to explain this.
I downloaded via IE. However, after running the download I got the following message:Service Pack 3 Setup cannot update a checked (debug) system with a free (retail) version of Service Pack 3, or vice versa.
I have been running an OEM version of WXP pro and a have updated it with SP2 as well as all updates via automatic update til now.
What is going on here?
klow717 wrote:
I downloaded via IE. However, after running the download I got the following message:Service Pack 3 Setup cannot update a checked (debug) system with a free (retail) version of Service Pack 3, or vice versa.
PCWorld has the wrong link for the Microsoft Download Center download. Check out the Windows XP section at www.itbasement.org for a working link. The link PCWorld posted is for developers who want to debug or develop software for SP3.
I recieved this error also when I followed the link. Service Pack 3 Setup cannot update a checked (debug) system with a free (retail) version of Service Pack 3. I went to windows update and scanned computer. The result was Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) needed updating. After updating I was able to install XP SP3.
Well, since I originally posted, Microsoft has added notes directing individuals who go to the Downloads Center in search of XP SP3 to the Windows Update site. Sigh.