Microsoft releases SP3 for Windows XP. Will there be an SP4?

Still running the venerable but stable XP version of Microsoft Windows? Starting today you can make a good system better with Service Pack 3. The 316 MB package is available for direct download if you know where to look. BetaNews has the URL if you want to get the service pack before the official unveiling: a quick check of Microsoft's Windows XP page still highlights SP2. Don't expect any major feature changes; instead, the service pack mostly offers up well over a thousand hotfixes.

I realize that Microsoft is planning to stop selling Windows XP on June 30th (with exceptions for Ultra Low Cost PCs), but one has to wonder if this is the last service pack or not. My gut says that this is it as Microsoft hopes to migrate more and more PC users to Vista. Thoughts?

Update: MS says "not so fast" and has held back SP3 from Windows Update due to a compatibility issue with Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System.

(via DailyTech)

Comments

[Jason Johnson]

I think that Microsoft is going to have to accept that XP will be around for a lot longer than they want and will have to support it. I am not just talking about the UMPC but the the corporate desktop world. I do tech support for several medical centers and the majority of there software is still not compatible with Vista and most of what is requires purchasing an upgrade which is just not going to happen.

[borax99 (Alain C.)]

I think we may still see the odd hotfix/security patch, but we need to acknowledge that there will be no new features added to XP. In my case, the biggest issue is the problem with Creative drivers. After shelling out 500 smackers for their top-of-the-line Audigy card with breakout box, I'm not interested in spending money in order to *lose* functionality, thank you !!!

[James Kendrick]

Downloading on the HP Mini now. :)

[Philip Ferris]

Lifehacker give a good breakdown of Service Pack 3: http://lifehacker.com/385295/field-guide-to-windows-xp-sp3

[GoodThings2Life]

LONG LIVE XP! (at least until Windows 7 aka Vista SP2 *grin*)

[Bryan]

Wouldn't doubt it if every time something went wrong on WinXP-SP3 a pop-up message comes up trying to get people to use Vista.

[GOGORack]

and how do you know if you have Microsoft Dynamic RMS installed? is that an actual program you buy or some kind of obscure MS background app?

[Coirg]

some people are saying the BetaNews link is just to the RC & not final release.

[ICT Blog]

Because I do not even know what Microsoft Dynamic RMS is, I took the plunge and installed SP3. It is fantastic! My laptop is much snappier, what a pleasant surprise :)