Windows XP SP3 Released.

[SephYuyX]

Posting this here, rather than tech section so more people can see this.

SP3 is now available for download via Microsoft/Windows Update, and also available via the MS download website. The difference between the two is that the update version scans your PC, and tailors the service pack to only install whats needed, usually running about 70mb (if you keep up on your updates). The downloadable version is about 300~600mb, and for the most part will only install what is needed, but sometimes will reinstall or repair other updates. I usually recommend the full download, but there is no harm in just using the update version, id say 90% of people use that one anyway.

So far I havent read any negitive side effects of this SP, so all users should be safe, regardless of what you use your PC for.

You must be atleast running SP1; XP editions with no SPs will not be able to install SP3. It's recommended that both SP1 and SP2 are installed, but SP2 is not necessary, SP3 will fill the voids.

Notable new features include:
Black hole router detection
Network Access Protection
Credentials security service provider
Descriptive security options control panel
Enhanced security for Administrator and Service policy entries
Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module
Installing without needing a Product Key during Setup

A full detailed list of additions/changes can be found in this white page.
http://download.microsoft.com/download/ ... ck%203.pdf

To download through the updater go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ or http://update.microsoft.com/
To download the full .exe version go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en
To download the full .iso version go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en

*USERS THAT ARE USING IE7*
If you are an IE7 user, and plan to ever uninstall it, you should first uninstall IE7, install SP3, and then reinstall IE7. SP3 causes uninstallation issues with IE7, and reverts back to older unsafe IE6 files, to fix this you will need to reinstall SP3.

Also note that SP3 is only for x86 (32bit) users, and not available for x64bit users.

[Cautery]

What if u have a non licenced windowsXP?

[SephYuyX]

What if u have a non licenced windowsXP?

Pirated version that cant access the update site or download from MS site?
Youll have to find a way to trick WGA to let you download, or find a friend or a torrent to provide you with the full download. MSDN, Technet and RTM partners can access the full download, so im sure it wont be too hard to find.

[octopus]

Is there a service pack 3 full windows install? And I don't mean illegal download, I just want to know if that is available to buy.

[Day]

GFDI, can't wait to upgrade to this on every PC at work, and find the small stupid bugs, that inevitably slip through the cracks... Hell we are still recovering from SP2 at our retail stores... (killing our USB keyboards for no reason).

[SephYuyX]

Is there a service pack 3 full windows install? And I don't mean illegal download, I just want to know if that is available to buy.

I dont think you can currently buy a full Windows XP SP3 install yet, however if you purchase a computer with XP on it, it will have SP3 installed. If you are a MSDN/Technet member, you can access the full install as well.

If you know how to slipstream SPs onto a Windows install, this will have the same effect as buying a Windows XP SP3 CD.

[Jefe]

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/2668/sp3sh1.jpg

Been using it for, what 2 months? Works liek a charm

[Weltall]

It's been out awhile, and various websites sell it on disks I believe. If I can remember where I seen the sell listings I will edit this post.

[pirahna1]

Will I miss anything from this update if I've been using XP3 since the beta? Just did a windows update and nothing came up to download.

[Shuemue]

If you can't or won't use windows update, just download the .iso and burn or mount it.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en

[SephYuyX]

Crazy, I was looking for those d/l versions, but couldnt find them, even searching their own website.
Added to OP.

[Epical]

So there's no conflicts with XI/anything else? I didn't download it right away because I wanted to see if there were any major bugs, and since I'm a Firefox user, there's nothing to worry about?

[Shuemue]

So there's no conflicts with XI/anything else? I didn't download it right away because I wanted to see if there were any major bugs, and since I'm a Firefox user, there's nothing to worry about?

I installed it a few days ago, everything seems fine.

[thestalkmore]

Thanks for the heads up, installed with no immediate issues.

[Tekki]

worth getting ?

[Michaera]

Thanks for pointing it out, gonna try installing it later, etc, but man [derail]I lol'd real hard at:

http://www.adsoft.org/images/lolshue.gif

Thx. xD [/derail]

[Shuemue]

worth getting ?

I see no reason not to get it.

[Tekki]

waste of clicks

[Shuemue]

Increased security = less chance your excalibur gets ganked.

[Miltani]

If you can't or won't use windows update, just download the .iso and burn or mount it.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/deta ... laylang=en

Just to confirm this iso allows you to bypass the WGA right? It works like a charm for unlicensed windows?