Microsoft has released another build of Windows XP SP3 to a closed-set group of testers. "This release catches the build up on previously released hotfixes and responds to critical feedback from previous betas," said a Microsoft spokesperson.
The last time Microsoft sent XP SP3 to the invite-only group of some 15,000 testers was two weeks ago, dubbed RC Refresh 2. The general public has seen only one version of XP's final service pack; Microsoft released that in December 2007.
However, Windows XP SP3's ship date remained as elusive as ever. "We are targeting 1H [first half ] 2008 for the release of XP SP3 RTM, though our timing will always be based on customer feedback as a first priority," the spokeswoman added.
Last week, Microsoft said Vista SP1, a service pack that has received far more attention from the company and its public relations people, was ready to release to manufacturing (RTM). However, rather than immediately offer it to users, or even IT pros and developers who subscriber to Technet and MSDN, Microsoft will hold the code until next month to resolve device driver issues.
One TechNet subscriber warned Microsoft not to duplicate that decision when XP SP3 moved to RTM. "Try doing this for XP SP3 and I'll say bye-bye to Windows forever," threatened a user identified only as "someone".
The decision to delay releasing the SP1 RTM code to developers has apparently infuriated many.
The next major milestone for Windows XP after SP3 ships is June 30, when the nearly seven-year-old operating system is slated to fall off the OEM and retail availability list.
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Comments
satish said: xp 2008 is best
Robert Alcorn said: Like the rest I wont be upgrading to vista as it will mean an upgrade to my current hardware that frankly I cant afford Vista just seems to power hungry high end graphics memory and cpu I dont understand why Microsoft cant continue to make changes to xp obviously they wont make money if they didnt release another operating system but either way Im sure that if they wanted or needed to add the same functionalitys on to xp they could Hears something to consider if vistas so great why are they going to replace it within the next few years answers on a post card
David said: I use XP SP2 Home and my wife uses Vista Home Premium Nothing on earth would persuade me to upgrade to VistaXP is best-ever version of Windows Its stable comfortable to use and has everything I needI shall stay with XP until it crumbles to dust
Ron Sullivan said: Ive used computers since 1968 and built and worked with PCs since 1987 Having evolved through DOS and every MS Windows platform since all I can say is that constant upgrading to new versions of Windows has cost me a small fortune in time money and utter frustration with the incessant replacement and upgrading of hardware and software I agree with John Lewiss comments and I am now very settled with XP Pro SP2 and have no asperation to move to Vista or beyond particularly with all the adverse comments about Vista Upgrading to SP2 was a bad experience now resolved at great expense Lets face it a lot of software and hardware doesnt keep up with the changes in Windows anyway unless you are dead lucky Dont kick it if it works
Bryan Stilwell said: I have always been an XP user in my opinion this operating system is the best that Microsoft have issued and will be the only system for me If Microsoft end their support for this system like many I know I too will be saying Goodbye to Windows for everbrynstlwaolcom
Mr John Lewis said: I am an avid XP Pro user in my opinion this opperating system is the best Microsoft have issued and is the only system for me If Microsoft end their support for this system like the Someone i too will be saying bye-bye to Windows for everjohn21hotmailcouk