[Razor VinT]

Windows XP Service Pack 3 is still in the testing phase!
Microsoft has released another version of Windows XP Service Pack 3 (RC2) which is now available on Windows Update.

"Windows XP SP3 RC2 Refresh was made publicly available today via Microsoft Download Center," Microsoft said in a statement. "We've made this release candidate available in order to receive further user feedback prior to the release of Windows XP SP3."

There's not too much different in the "refresh" from the RC2 version released last month, according to a TechNet posting. "Beyond fixes for common Windows Update issues, and the inclusion of support for HD Audio, there are no substantial differences between this beta release (build 5508) and XP SP3 RC2 (build 3311)," Microsoft stated.

For its part, Microsoft said the final release is still slated for some time in the first half of the year, with the standard caveat that its timing will depend on customer feedback.

Download from:
Microsoft Download Center
Download.com

News source: Technet forum

[Johnnyboy]

So it isn't coming in April?

[phoenix_abhi]

How long MS ?

[pm_41]

This may be the RTM build...History shows that most of the time MS gets tired of releasing RCs and makes the last released RC the RTM build.

[M.Sudoku]

Remember this is the last service pack for XP, so it should be perfect, where as service packs for Vista will keep coming.

[kaironxp]

read this guys!!!!!!!

http://support.micro...N...11&p1=12757

Windows XP Service Pack 3 3/31/2008 Review Note Review Note

[Burned Phoenix]

^
No, that's a typo.
Microsoft’s exact wording in response to Mary Jo Foley's query about the March 31 RTM date on its site:
"The March 31st date you saw for Windows XP SP3 RTM on Microsoft.com is incorrect. This information was published due to a site publisher error, and Microsoft is currently working to update the site. The final version of Windows XP SP3 is still on target to be released the first half of calendar year 2008."

The wait goes on….