Windows XP SP3 now available on Windows Update!

http://blogs.technet.com/mu/archive/2008/05/06/windows-xp-service-pack-3-now-available-on-windows-update.aspx

Hello,

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) is now available on Windows Update (and the Microsoft Download Center)!

If you’d like to install it via WU today, you’ll need to visit the Windows Update website. To do this, go to Windows Update and perform an express or custom install, make sure you see the service pack selected, and proceed with the install. After it downloads, you’ll see a series of screens and you’ll be asked to make a few clicks before the install will begin.

If you’re not in a rush, we recommend you use Automatic Updates to install Windows XP SP3. It provides the best experience because the download will happen in the background. We’re planning to begin automatically distributing Windows XP SP3 over AU sometime in the next few months.

You can find more information about the release here.

Hope you enjoy it!

-MU Team

P.S. You may have heard about an incompatibility Dynamics Retail Management System has with SP3 and Windows Vista SP1– we’ve added a filter to block WU from offering Windows XP SP3 or Windows Vista SP1 to systems w/ RMS for now and will make a fix available soon (details here). You may have also heard that we temporarily suspended automatic distribution of Windows Vista SP1 for this – we’re now also happy to report that we’ve resumed automatic distribution of Windows Vista SP1.

Posted: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 6:08 PM by muteam

Windows XP SP3 Delayed

Windows XP SP3 delayed due to a bug with Dynamics, XP SP3 & Vista SP1

http://www.crn.com/software/207403064

Microsoft Delays XP SP3 Once Again
Last Tuesday, Microsoft revealed plans to delay the release of XP SP3 to MSDN and TechNet subscribers until May 2 due to high demand for Vista SP1, but reversed its decision the following day

Windows XP SP3 coming April 21st

Today, Neowin posted the apparent release dates for the Release to Manufacturer (RTM) version of Windows XP SP3. According to Neowin, OEMs, Volume License customers, Windows Connect users and MSDN/TechNet subscribers will have access to SP3 on April 21 (presumably via Windows Update).  For the general public… well, we will have to wait until April 29 to access SP3.

• April 14, 2008: Support is available for the release version of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP
• April 21, 2008: Original Equipment Manufacturers, Volume License, Connect, and MSDN and TechNet subscribers
• April 29, 2008: Microsoft Update, Windows Update, Download Center
• June 10, 2008: Automatic Updates

Article: http://www.neowin.net/news/main/08/04/15/windows-xp-sp3-release-dates

Also, DON’T FORGET!  Windows XP sales end June 30th
Upset about this? As much as I am? Sign the petition!
http://www.savexp.com/

Microsoft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is HERE!

After numerous reports of the increased performance of Windows Vista Service Pack 1, we can now see for ourselves whether it’s true or not.   It has now been released to the public via Microsoft Download Center and Windows Update.

Windows Vista SP1 (32-bit) – Download  [434.5 MB]

Windows Vista SP1 (64-bit) – Download  [726.5 MB]

If you are only updating one computer, please use Windows Update as it has a more appropriate download for your version that will result in a smaller download.  All versions have been reported as available now on Windows Update.

UPDATE: Read the Microsoft article for “Notable Changes in Windows Vista SP1“

Microsoft Releases Internet Explorer 8 Beta (IE8)

Ready, Set, GO!

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/ie8/readiness/Install.htm

Microsoft released the public release of IE8 Beta 1 at the MIX Conference in Las Vegas today. Over the last year they’ve been developing a “standards” mode that they say will pass the Acid2 test, a huge plus for us web developer’s out there.

More news at [ DailyTech ]

[ IE8 Release Notes ]
[ IE8 @ Microsoft Download Center ]
[ IE blog ]