Q:
What’s going on with the new Windows XP SP3? I thought it was supposed to be released already, but I can’t seem to find it anywhere. Do you know anything about it? If so, please share!
A:
Well, I do know a little about it and I’d be more than happy to share it with all of you! Lately, I’ve been getting several e-mails and even phone calls about this, so I figured today would be the perfect time to go over it. The new Service Pack 3 for Windows XP has been a long time coming for most XP users. Ever since Microsoft announced they were going to be releasing it, they’ve sort of been giving us the run around as to when it will actually be available for download. And I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for it to be here already! Well, keep reading to find out when you can expect it and get a little sneak peek at what all it will contain. Here we go!
If you recall, back when Microsoft first started talking about the XP SP3, they gave us an initial release date for sometime in the year 2006. Well, that then got pushed back to sometime in 2007 and then one more time for 2008. As you all know, in the meantime, the new Windows Vista operating system was released and as a result, anything that had to do with XP was put on the back burner. Since then, Microsoft has been working on a Service Pack 1 for Vista as well, so the SP3 release was just pushed back even further.
As it stands right now, the Windows XP SP 3 will be released in the first half of 2008. Right now, it is still being tested and the final touches are being added to it. Microsoft still hasn’t given an exact release date for it, but I can assure you that the wait time is almost over. Maybe Microsoft is just waiting to give you a late Christmas gift! : )
Now, I don’t have a lot of details on what all will be included with the SP3, but I will tell you what I know. It looks like a lot of the changes have to do with the Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player programs. A lot of those updates have already taken place in those two applications, but additions will be included with the SP3 release as well. There will also be some changes within the Windows Live Messenger program and those will be put into place when the updated SP3 becomes available for download. I know that doesn’t tell you a whole lot about what to expect, but it at least gives you a brief overview.
I know this wasn’t in today’s question, but I thought some of you may be wondering about this as well. When will the SP1 for Vista be released? Well, as of right now, that is scheduled to debut by the end of 2007, so that should be along within the next couple of weeks. Of course, that is just an estimated time, but hopefully it’s true. I know a lot of you are waiting for that to become available as well. It seems like Vista is first on Microsoft’s priority list right now, so my guess is they’re going to be on time with this one. So, if you’ve been waiting for the SP1 before you upgrade to Vista, hang tight. It will be here soon!
And the same goes for all you XP users out there! XP is still very popular, so there’s no doubt in my mind that Microsoft will be releasing the SP3 soon. If they don’t, they’re going to have a lot (and I mean a lot) of upset customers. So, like I said, just hang in there and the service packs will be along shortly. And as always, I will keep you all updated on any news concerning these two utilities. As soon as I hear anything, you all will be the first to know. That’s something to look forward to, now isn’t it?!
~ Erin
