Microsoft has released the much awaited Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) final RTM version on Automatic Update and Download Center today. The SP3 RTM was delayed due to a bug in Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS).
Windows XP SP3 combines all previously released performance, security, and stability updates. It also provides a limited number of new and enhanced functionalities, although it does not significantly change the Windows XP experience or bring functionality from newer versions of Windows to Windows XP.

The goals of Windows XP SP3 are to:
- Provide a new baseline for customers still deploying Windows XP, to help them avoid the inconvenience of applying individual updates.
- Fill gaps in the updates users might have missed by declining individual updates when using Automatic Updates, and to deliver updates not made available through Windows Update.
Windows Vista provides the most advanced security and management capability, but for PCs that cannot be upgraded to Windows Vista right now, Windows XP SP3 ensures these PCs have all available updates and allows these PCs to leverage some new Windows Server 2008 capabilities, such as Network Access Protection (NAP).
Windows XP SP3 includes all previously released Windows XP updates, including security updates and hotfixes, and select out-of-band releases. For example, the service pack includes functionality previously released as updates, such as the Microsoft Management Console (MMC) 3.0 and the Microsoft Core XML Services 6.0 (MSXML6).
Microsoft is not adding significant functionality from newer versions of Windows, such as Windows Vista, to Windows XP through XP SP3. For instance, Windows XP SP3 does not include Windows Internet Explorer 7, although Windows XP SP3 does include updates to both Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7, and it will update whichever version is installed on the computer.
Although its available on Automatic Updates, people who want to download the standalone package can use following official links to download SP3:
Windows XP SP3 Network Installation Package
If you face problems while installing SP3, please check following articles:
- [Fix] Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) Setup Error: Access is Denied, Installation did not Complete
- [Fix] Windows XP SP3 Setup Error: Cannot Update a Checked (Debug) System with a Free (Retail) Version of Service Pack 3
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows XP.
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vasudev
Vishal as you have posted & I quote :"..The SP3 RTM was delayed due to a bug in Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) which has been fixed now..."
Please Note that the compatibility issue has NOT been fixed yet. And this is what Microsoft has to say :
"As mentioned last week, we uncovered a compatibility issue between Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) and both Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1). To help protect customers, we put filtering in place to prevent Windows Update from offering both service packs to systems running Microsoft Dynamics RMS. We are still testing a fix and are working to make it publicly available via Microsoft Download Center this month.
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."
Marc
Thank you so much Vishal.
Deyaa Addeen Fahmy Shedeed
Is it sp3 only or windows XP sp3 ?
VG
^^ Its SP3 only. ;)
Hprint
this is only an update right? so nothing will change regarding my files, documents? thanks vishal
VG
^^ Yes. Its a Service pack which will update system files. It'll not interact with your personal documents.
Hprint
Vishal i got an error regarding my kernel, "kernel used to start this program is not owned by microsoft..." how do i deal with these?
Uewd
342MB????????????????????????????????????????
My internet download speed is from 10 to 15kb/s !
sonu
wow its to good
Gunjan
What should I do when I see access is denied
at the time to download office 2010 inspite of installation SP3.bat ?