windowsxplogo.jpgBy Michael Santo
Editor-in-Chief, RealTechNews

Close only counts in horseshoes, right? Well, although a number of sites are saying that Windows XP SP3 is available for download, it’s not quite there. The reason is a glitch between the service pack and Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System.

“In order to make sure customers have the best possible experience, we have decided to delay releasing Windows XP SP3 to Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center,” the company said in a statement.

The glitch also exists between Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Windows Vista Service Pack 1, though that product has already been broadly released. Microsoft started pushing out Vista SP1 last week via Automatic Updates.

“To help protect our customers, we plan to put filtering in place shortly to prevent Windows Update from offering both service packs to systems running Microsoft Dynamics RMS,” Microsoft said. “Once filtering is in place, we expect to release Windows XP SP3 to Windows Update and Download Center.” Source: News.com

We Say: You’d think they would have the filtering system in place quickly, and you’d probably be right, so this probably won’t block downloads for long. If, of course, you don’t have the RMS system, go for it (if you can find a link).