Windows XP Service Pack 3 kind of released today

[Bamboo]

So, Microsoft has been saying for a while that XP SP3 would be released today, the 29th, but it looks like at the last min. it was pulled due to some kind of bisnuess software not working right with it. It is a really confusing mess rightnow, so might just want to wait. I downloaded it, but am waiting to make sure they don't change something before I install it.

Bottom line is this:
"In a post on the TechNet Forums earlier today, Microsoft Serviceability Release Manager Chris Keroack said a compatibility issue between the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System and both Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 has come to light. "In order to make sure customers have the best possible experience, we have decided to delay releasing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) to the web," Keroack explains. "We plan to put filtering in place shortly to prevent Windows Update from offering both service packs to systems running Microsoft Dynamics RMS.""

Links for more info, and to confuse you as well:

Windows XP SP3 now available... just kidding

Secret Pre-Release Details On Windows XP Service Pack 3
(this is actually a really good article everyone running XP should check out)

XP SP3 vs. Vista SP1 - Which is fastest?

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Now Available

XP SP3 not generally available yet, after all

Update to above article
UPDATED - XP SP3 available for download from Microsoft

Microsoft releases the long-anticipated Windows XP SP3 (updated)

[ScratchMonkey]

http://tech.slashdot.org/tech/08/04/29/2018252.shtml

[ScratchMonkey]

Hmm, MS application software breaks when an MS OS patch is released. Makes you wonder what non-MS software is going to break. And note that the MS application is not one that needs deep hooks into the OS. It's a retail business app.

[Bamboo]

Looks like xp Service Pack 3 is finally officially out. Everyone get to downloading

Link:
Updates for Vista, XP Cleared by Microsoft After Delays

[Skylark]

It is weird that my computer just now told me that windows service pack 3 was available. But I've found a lot of places say that don't bother installing it. Any advice? I know this is sort of a zombie thread, but I was trying to decide if I needed service pack 3. ANNND...

It is already in that "ready to install" que. If I shouldn't install it, trying to figure out how to keep it from saying "install me dumb<word>" all the time.

[TheSkudDestroyer]

I don't remember the specifics, but if you use AMD, do not install SP3...

[Acreo Aeneas]

There was apparently some sort of coding bug in the initial release of SP3, but that has been fixed now. And it did affect some AMD based machines (don't remember the specific ones).

The majority of SP3 was performance tweaks for Windows XP and IE7. I for one have it installed on the AMD Athlon64 3500+ machine behind me. No problems whatsoever.

[TheSkudDestroyer]

64 X2 4200+ here...

I don't use IE7, so it can stay off my HDD

[Acreo Aeneas]

There are also some minor "security fixes", but I never looked into it. I just went and got it and installed it.

Skylark, if you experience problems after installing it, just remove it (via Programs and Hardware in Control Panel).

[Bamboo]

Most sites said they saw a bit of improvements in windows speed after installing it. And the problems are fixed now. There was more than just IE tweaks.

[=DdogG=]

I install service packs b/c they are all the hotfixes rolled up into one install. everything else is icing.

[Spulat]

It's an all-inclusive patch, and I patched my AMD machine at home with the initial release of SP3 and didn't have any issues. M3A78-EMH-HDMI board and 5600+ X2

[ScratchMonkey]

My boss has a high sensitivity to very small changes in speed, and noticed significant improvement on systems where he installed SP3.

(We make automation stuff with very high precision. Small changes in speed lead to huge changes in throughput over lots of parts, and he has a knack for knowing where to squeeze more performance out of a system.)