Service Pack 3 for XP Released…
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and already there are reports of problems with the install. There also appears to be a fix for those experiencing the problems.
“Now look, here’s the deal…”
However, one must ask why it is that there are problems with the installation of a package designed to alleviate problems?
The package can be downloaded from Betanews, among other places, but though the package is listed as ‘Final’ it should be treated as beta code by those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of applying hotfixes. Let others ’science out’ the difficulties for you, there is nothing here that is earth shattering, especially if you have been allowing your machine to apply the Terrible Tuesday patches each month.
“You mean they really installed the thing?”
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Tags: microsoft, xp sp3 final?, beta code, problems noted
5 Comments
Doug
April 29th, 2008
at 10:10am
They are probably having problems because Microsoft hasn’t officially released Windows XP Service Pack 3 yet. It has been reportedly been available on Major Geeks since April 28, 2008 and Softpedia since April 23, 2008. They are most likely the final release candidate. Just wait patiently until Microsoft officially releases it on their website.
Anthony Kinyon
April 29th, 2008
at 10:48am
FYI MajorGeeks.com has had the final since mid last week available. :) Thousands of users have been running the final for days as a result.
the oracle
April 29th, 2008
at 11:43am
Doug, Betanews states that this is the final, and I should think MS would have something to say about the misrepresentation if so.
Anthony, Not sure about Major Geeks, I don’t visit there often, but it is possible that the files are the same, as inertia in large corporations is astounding, and perhaps someone ‘purposely leaked’ this to alleviate the strain on the MS servers today. A quick MD5 checksum on what is available from MS, and what is available from Betanews and Major Geeks would tell the tale.
Anthony Kinyon
April 29th, 2008
at 9:23pm
The one on MajorGeeks is the final build (5512). A Google search for the “XP SP3 final build” will reveal dozens of sites confirming 5512 is the final. Once installed, it will actually show: build 2600.xpsp.080413-2111 (Service Pack 3).
The build number may or may not slightly change once MS fixes the bug reported on http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1368 . But it is/was the final anyway. Of course that it is safer to download from MS directly from a page with full details about the file. MajorGeeks is currently linking to the file on MS servers. I note that RC2 said “pre-release” in the EULA when I can it, but the version MajorGeeks is offering a link to does not have any mention of pre-release in the EULA when you run it.
I’m not trying to sound snide or anything, just sharing my experience with this file. I do believe it is the final, or at least was until said bug was announced. I suspect MS will simply fix it and re-release it with the same build number, but that’s just a guess. Anything could happen.
Anthony Kinyon
April 29th, 2008
at 9:24pm
That should have been: when I ran it, not can it - oops. :) (Change C to R)