Although Microsoft is delaying the distribution of Windows XP SP3 RTW (Release to Web) on Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center (but the standalone update packages are downloadable from Microsoft server), it has released the full installation CD ISO images for Windows XP with Service Pack 3 on MSDN and TechNet subscription site. The Windows XP with Service Pack 3 ISO image is bootable CD to install Windows XP which already slipstream or integrate with the latest SP3, eliminating the need for users to separately download and install the service pack again, and most importanly, chance of encountering problems and errors during SP3 upgrade.

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Microsoft is not going to going to release Windows XP SP3 to the Windows Update, and probably Microsoft Download Center on schedule, which set to be today (April 29) after all. Worse still, Windows Vista SP1 release-to-web (RTW) which has been rolled out in phase through Windows Update has been tentatively halted. Both service packs are reported to have a new compatibility issue with Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS)

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Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) code bits are now been uploaded to Windows Update server, ahead of its public availability release schedule on April 29, 2008 for distribution channel through Windows Update. Users who wary of downloading and applying the unofficial Windows XP SP3 setup file can now used the direct download links to download Windows XP SP3 setup installer from Microsoft WU servers.

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After installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), the system may encounter an error code 0×80070002 that saying “A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the license for this computer.” The computer boots up and log on to desktop, but the error dialog pops up. Cancel the dialog will log off user. Attempt to login will fail again and logout. The process repeats endlessly in loop, and users cannot access the desktop. The only thing user can do is to restart the computer.

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When starting Windows XP computer, the following error message appears:

A problem is preventing Windows from accurately checking the license for this computer. Error code: 0×80070002.

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Cumulative Time Zone update (KB942763) is a cumulative update rollup that includes all the changes that were previously released in Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) articles 928388, 929120, and 933360. KB942763 update changes the time zone data to accommodate daylight saving time (DST) changes in several countries. Installing this update enables your computer to automatically adjust the computer clock on the correct date in 2007 and 2008 due to revised Daylight Saving Time laws in many countries.

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Microsoft has pushed and rolled out the new version of Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool v1.7.69.2 since April 22, 2008 via Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center to those who wants to download non-critical and non-security related software. The current version 1.7.0069.2 of WGA Validation Tool was first released on March 18, 2008 to Windows Vista users, and on April 1, 2008 to Windows XP users who visit WGA website or Download Center, and perform validation test.

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One of the major change to Windows XP SP3 is the fine tuning to Windows Product Activation (WPA) feature in Windows XP. Prior to Windows XP SP3, installation of new Windows XP operating system requires users to enter a valid and genuine product key during setup process. Wrong, invalid or no product key input will stop or halt the installation process. Microsoft plans to change the product key requirement of Windows XP to the same with Windows Vista, where users can skip entering the serial key to a later stage with grace period that allows users to evaluate or try out the OS. Windows XP SP3 Overview documents the plan of the WPA change.

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Windows XP SP3 final RTM version 5.1.2600.5512 has been released, and standalone update installer package has been leaked for free download on the Web. For users who intend to fresh install Windows XP with SP3 in clean install, there is now Windows XP installation CD slipstreamed or integrated with Service Pack 3.

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Contrary to released schedule for Windows XP SP3 Build 5512 published on MSDN blog, Microsoft has published Windows XP SP3 standalone update installation package to MSDN and TechNet subscribers, as speculated. It’s not sure it’s a change of heart by Microsoft after compliant or it’s actual release timeline that not been made known. Anyway, users with access to MSDN or TechNet can find the Windows XP SP3 free download links at Top Subscribers section.

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