Microsoft warns of IE8 lock-in with XP SP3

Microsoft yesterday warned users of Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) that they won't be able to uninstall either the service pack or Internet Explorer 8 (IE8) under some circumstances. The warning was reminiscent of one Microsoft made in May, when Windows XP SP3 had just been made available for downloading. At the time, the company told users they wouldn't be able to downgrade from IE7 to the older IE6 browser without uninstalling the service pack.

In a post to the IE blog today, Jane Maliouta, a Microsoft program manager, spelled out the newest situation, which affects users who downloaded and installed IE8 Beta 1 prior to updating Windows XP to SP3. If those users then upgrade IE8 to Beta 2 , which Microsoft unveiled today, they will be stuck with both IE8 and Windows XP SP3. A warning dialog will appear to alert users. "If you chose to continue, Windows XP SP3 and IE8 Beta2 will become permanent," Maliouta said. "You will still be able to upgrade to later IE8 builds as they become available, but you won't be able to uninstall them."

Windows XP Service Pack 3 available for Network Installation

This installation package of 316.4 MB is intended for IT professionals and developers downloading and installing on multiple computers on a network

A smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update. The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 3 is by turning on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP.

Additionally, Microsoft also put in a x86 ISO image of Windows XP SP3 standalone update CD. As of now, there is no SP3 update for Windows XP 64 bit edition due to kernel update time-line. You can refer to release notes for both Vista SP1 and XP SP3 here.

Download: Windows XP SP3 Network Install (x86) | 316.4 MB
Download: Windows XP SP3 Update ISO Image (x86) | 544.9 MB (Updates XP to SP3 only)

Microsoft Backpedals on Windows Updates

Microsoft has withdrawn Vista SP1 from automatic delivery in the wake of news that XP SP3 can cause data corruption in business applications due to incompatibility issues with retail management software, 'Microsoft Dynamics'.

According to Microsoft representatives, changes introduced in Vista SP1 affect how Microsoft's SQL Server database behaves in certain situations, potentially resulting in data loss or corruption. But the bright side was that, Microsoft was able to put on the brakes before the same problems started affecting XP customers, as well.

Theres no news on when the bugs will be patched and how many applications will be affected by these incompatibilities.

If thats the case then I would be very careful while installing Vista SP1 or XP SP3 to any server running an application with a SQL Server backend.

Source: PC World

XP SP3 vs. Vista SP1 - Which is fastest?

Comparison is done on Phenom 9700 for benchmarking both of the operating systems using PassMark PerformanceTest 6.1. Throughout the testing the hardware platform has remained unchanged.


How ever the benchmark scores of Passmark don't translate well into real world performance but it will somehow, give you an idea.

Source: ZDNet blogs

Windows XP SP3 released through Windows Update

Eventually, Service Pack 3 is available for everybody, which includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes few new functionalities, which won't change the customer's familiarity with the OS.

This new package is easily available to those who use Windows Update and those, who prefer to download it explicitly so theres a direct link for them.

Further more, this paper summarizes what new features are included in Windows XP SP3.

Known issues:
On some hardware configurations, you may encounter the Windows XP SP3 BSoD Endless Reboot Loop with Stop c0000139 on GDI32.dll Error, follow this guide to repair your XP installation.

Source: Neowin

Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3: Release Dates

Service Packs (means by which product updates are distributed) have been a mystery for all the Microsoft OS' users either they are using the XP 'Professional' or Vista Premium.

French site, named PC Inpact has posted change request forms for Microsoft's operating systems i.e. Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3.

According to them, the release dates of these services packs will be:
Windows Vista SP1: February 18th or 19th
Windows XP SP3: March 23rd or 24th

You can see the larger view of request forms by clicking on these images.

 


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