NOW READ THIS
("Security Advisory")
Submitted by: Bill Hickey
NCVA List Master
NRT-0454 Microsoft Releases Third Public XP SP3 Build:
Microsoft released Windows XP SP3 RC2 Refresh, a new public version of Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), saying
it was again testing the update's online distribution. The new build is the second one offered to all XP users
in the last five weeks. The purpose of RC2 Refresh is to validate improvements to the Windows UPdate experience
with SP3. The refresh, which is also tagged as Build 5508, will be available only as a Windows Update download,
and only in English, German, and Japanese versions. Microsoft said there was no significant difference between
this build and build 3311, released 19FEB08, except for the addition of high-definition audio support. As with
the February Windows XP SP3 RC2, users must download, install, and run a small registry hack available from the
company's Download Center to force their PCs to "see" the newest build on Windows Update. Users must also
uninstall earlier versions of SP3 before applying the hack. Once SP3 ships, the next major milestones for Windows
XP are 30JUN08, when the popular operating system is set to drop off the availability list for resellers and
retailers, and 31JAN09, when it will be taken out of all distribution channels. Mainstream support for Windows
XP will continue until 14APR09, according to Microsoft's schedule, with free support after that limited to security
patches.
(ComputerWorld 26MAR08)