Official Windows XP SP3 rollout stalled by compatibility error

by Stevie Smith - Apr 30 2008, 12:51

Pre-release Torrent versions of Service Pack 3 (SP3) have already surfaced for those users who are overly eager to install Microsoft’s final major update for its soon-to-be-retired Windows XP operating system.

Windows XP SP3 update hit with compatibility delay. Image: J.Anderson.

And that somewhat skewed and potentially risky accessibility might be the only way to grab SP3, especially as Microsoft has pushed back the pack’s official Web release after a compatibility error reared its ugly head and threw a temporary spanner in the works. “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,” outlined Chris Keroack, Release Program Manager at Microsoft.The compatibility problem was unearthed between Microsoft’s electronic checkout application the Dynamics Retail Management System -- which is utilised by retail businesses -- and Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista SP1.“We are also testing a fix, and will make it available once that process is complete,” added Keroack. “Once they have installed the fix, Microsoft Dynamics RMS customers should be able to run both service packs.”While the compatibility issue would likely only cause problems for a small percentage of overall users, Microsoft has decided to withhold the release of SP3 to Windows Update or the Microsoft Download Center until a filter has been implemented to prevent Dynamics Retail Management System users from installing it.Redmond-based software giant Microsoft Corp. has not yet said exactly how long it will take to create a full fix for the error, although XP users waiting to accept the SP3 download will probably not be especially upset by the hiccup. The XP SP3 update has been repeatedly pushed back on the release calendar ever since it was supposed to arrive in early 2006. XP SP3 will include, when it finally arrives, all the collective fix and patch updates issued by Microsoft since the 2004 emergence of SP2. It will also carry new security-related features and network access protection.

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M.S.PrabhakarApr 30th, 2008 - 14:41:47

I got up early today morning to download the SP3 only to be greeted by this Dynamic RMS bug spoiling the party. Being a home XP user, I wasn't going to be affected by this odd piece of software which even Microsoft had not taken seriously all along! It took me less than a minute's search to locate a direct link to the full SP3 release from Windows update site. The 316 MB download took about 20 min to download and 35 minutes to install.

My 5-year old XP which came pre-installed in my Dell Dimension 8300 had shown considerable signs of ageing over the years (in spite of 1 GB RAM and SP2 upgrade) handling oodles of applications crammed into it. But today, after the SP3 upgrade, it started sprinting like a teenager! I'm amazed by the improvement in performance in every single app installed. I genuinely wonder if I'll ever feel the need for any other OS upgrade. XP has indeed been an excellent experience till this day and has never once crashed!

Without a shadow of hesitation, I support all those XP lovers out there rooting to save this fantastic OS from the gallows.

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Official Windows XP SP3 rollout stalled by compatibility error

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