Microsoft delays Windows XP Service Pack 3


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2 weeks ago I posted my annual list of what we can expect for this year. WinXP SP3 was also mentioned in the list, I put it in summer 2006 as I had several sources for this, including this official list.

Now it seems Microsoft silently changed the release date to 2007, while the publishing date of the list remains unchanged. Maybe I checked the list before that date, but I'm quite sure I didn't.

Last year in April, Ballmer said windows XP sp3 would ship before "Longhorn" comes out. Now it will be a year later: 2nd half or 2007!!

Anyway this sucks of course, in my opinion Windows should get a SP every year until the general support is dropped. Now home users, admins and OEMs who deploy XP have to download a lot of fixes when a new PC is installed. admins can slipstream the fixes but it is a hassle. A SP is very convenient in that way. No wonder techies build there own SP's and release the to the web. Waiting 3 years for a SP is too long!

I hate it when MS does this, and let me predict this Bink.nu headline somewhere in 2007:

"Microsoft cancels Windows XP SP3, instead comes with roll-up-fix"

Strangely SP2 for Windows Server 2003 is scheduled for 2nd half of 2006 (as in my list)

Source: Bink.nu

View: Windows Service Pack Road Map

Why does microsoft even try to plan things? They suck at it.

It's pretty hard to plan dates for anything to do with software. Unlike building something physical, you have no idea when you will face a problem that may take an indefinite amount of time to resolve.

Silly Microsoft, tricks are for kids.

Seriously though, stop guessing dates and try being totally spontaneous like Apple. Their announcements are always fun because there's always something unexpected.

As much as I hope MS takes their time and does Vista right, I wish it would get released because its holding everything up:

Windows Defender

IE7

XP SP3

And you're probably right, they'll delay and delay SP3 and finally release a half assed rollup. All I can say is thank God for Autopatcher!

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