Windows XP Service Pack 3 via Windows Update Delayed

Microsoft has decided to delay Windows XP SP3 RTW that is it will delay the release of Windows XP SP3 to Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center as planned on April 29.

This is what the release manager Chris Keroack announced :

"In the last few days, we have uncovered a compatibility issue between Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) and both Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1). 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.

To help protect customers, we plan to put filtering in place shortly to prevent Windows Update from offering both service packs to systems running Microsoft Dynamics RMS.  Once filtering is in place, we expect to release Windows XP SP3 to the web.

We are also testing a fix, and will make it available once that process is complete.  Once they have installed the fix, Microsoft Dynamics RMS customers should be able to run both service packs.

Until then, we advise Microsoft Dynamics RMS customers to not install either service pack.  Microsoft Dynamics RMS customers running Windows XP SP3 or Windows Vista SP1 should contact Microsoft Customer Support Services for additional information."

(Source:TechNet Forum)

No new dates have been announced.

Also, Some people have downloaded it from direct link to the executable of XP SP3 available on the net. A Microsoft spokeswoman said the company is advising users against doing this. The official response:

“Customers should not download Microsoft software from links posted on non-Microsoft websites, when those links point directly to the executable as is the case here. Customers should always download from a page on Microsoft.com that provides all relevant download details, installation instructions, and release notes. In this particular case, it’s possible that some 3rd party websites are linking to the Windows XP SP3 software that we have published for MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Since we cannot confirm the source of every link that 3rd parties provide, out recommendation is that customers wait until we’ve published Windows XP SP3 to Windows Update and the Download Center.”

(Source:Mary Jo Foley Blog)

While XP SP3 is available on MSDN/TechNet. Windows XP SP3 now available on MSDN, TechNet