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Field Guide to Windows XP SP3
Posted by Adam Pash at 4:23 AM on April 30, 2008
Windows XP Service Pack 3 officially hit Microsoft servers this morning, and although it won't be available through Windows Update today, it should be sometime soon. Your desire to stay on the cutting edge of XP features and security may dictate that you install the latest service pack, but in case you were wondering what you can actually expect from your SP3 update, we're breaking down the new and improved features with our field guide to Windows XP SP3.
What Should I Expect?
You may be disappointed to find out that SP3 isn't really bringing much to the table in terms of new and sexy functionality. In fact, the majority of updates included in SP3 have been available as per-item hotfixes and updates for XP. However, there are also four new features being back-ported from Vista to XP. First, let's take a look at the back-ported features.New Features in XP SP3
For the most part, Microsoft is doing their best to avoid pulling Vista features into XP, with just a few exceptions. They are:- Network Access Protection (NAP): A new system in Vista and Windows Server 2008, this feature sets system "health" requirements to validate a computer's health before it allows that computer to connect to yours.
- "Black Hole" Router Detection: This new feature detects when your router is silently losing or discarding packets and is intended to protect from such problems.
- Product Activation Not Required on Installation: Like Vista, you can now install XP without first providing a valid product key. Windows will prompt for a product key after installation, though, if you want to take advantage of Windows Genuine Advantage.
- Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module: In a nutshell, this Vista back-port makes it easier to encrypt data through a single algorithm. Enjoy that one!
Aside from these Vista back-port features, other new features include more descriptive security options that better explain your security settings and improved administrator security.
Previously Released Features
As I said above, the majority of updates in SP3 were already available in one form or another via hotfixes or installations, but unless you're a system administrator, there's a good chance that they will still be new to your computer. Some are rather developer-oriented, so I'll highlight the updates that might mean something to the general user.
- Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2): Provides support for WPA2, the latest wireless security protocol.
- Peer Name Resolution: It's not sexy, but this minor update allows SP3 computers to communicate with Vista programs that use the Peer Name Resolutions Protocol (PNRP).
- MMC 3.0: This is a framework to help simplify system management tasks in XP. You can learn more about it here.
For a fuller rundown of every new feature, you can grab the XP SP3 overview from Microsoft as a PDF. Like I said, SP3 isn't the sexiest update your computer has ever seen, but if you're planning to continue using XP (and judging from our poll, that's a lot of you), then it's an update you're likely to be using for a while.
If you've updated and noticed a feature tweak or two, let's hear about it—love it or lump it—in the comments.
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
joshthephenom
Posted 5:26 AM 30/4/08
@Adam Pash: No big deal, just looking for some freelance money!
joshthephenom
Adam Pash
Posted 5:15 AM 30/4/08
@joshthephenom: This was a particularly unclean post, sorry about that. I've cleaned it all up!
Adam Pash
brandon20va
Posted 5:15 AM 30/4/08
can somebody confirm if "netsh wlan" was backported or not?
I would love to be able to control my wireless interface through command line like vista allows.
brandon20va
B1663R
Posted 5:12 AM 30/4/08
i guess nothing that exciting. maybe i was just expecting more (although the ability to install xp without a key is kinda nice)
B1663R
Insomnic
Posted 5:08 AM 30/4/08
I really haven't noticed anything in particular worth noting beyond what was already mentioned (although that dang "program access and defaults" link is back in my Start Menu).
The latest version of nLite worked just fine for me to slipstream SP3.
Insomnic
joshthephenom
Posted 5:04 AM 30/4/08
Sorry, for being the grammar nazi, but you guys seriously need to hire a copy editor. I'll do it for a reasonable price!
joshthephenom
adammhaile
Posted 4:54 AM 30/4/08
@SenorDunda:
I submitted the tip about the Address bar... In looking around online regarding those "legal restrictions" I found that it is apparently something to do with the EU Anti-Trust issues they've had.
They've apparently had to make IE not as integrated into the system as it has been. And it seems that the Explorer Address bar is somehow connected to IE. You'll also notice they took the IE icon of of the desktop as part of this.
Granted, it's still all pretty lame... They could've come up with a new Address Bar for the Taskbar...the guy that made the replacement one the article links to did it in a couple days, so it can't be that hard!
Here's the TechNet thread with some info from the actual developers on the issue: [forums.microsoft.com]
adammhaile
aj_robins
Posted 4:49 AM 30/4/08
The early versions of SP3 had something like a 10% speed improvement. Did this make it into the final release, or was it taken out to make vista look more appealing?
If the speed increase is still there, that would be reason enough to upgrade.
aj_robins
SenorDunda
Posted 4:46 AM 30/4/08
"Legal restrictions"? For displaying an address bar?
Sounds fishy to me.
SenorDunda
dahlberg123
Posted 4:43 AM 30/4/08
So basically it does nothing for the average user...
dahlberg123
joshthephenom
Posted 5:59 AM 30/4/08
@SenorDunda: Just pretend I was writing some poetry. :)
joshthephenom
fintach
Posted 5:52 AM 30/4/08
@SenorDunda: His comment from 12:04PM? It doesn't have a comma splice. It has a comma that should be deleted after "Sorry", because the dependent clause that should be offset is "Sorry for being the grammar nazi".
A comma splice is a comma used to tie together two independent clauses.
fintach
SenorDunda
Posted 5:45 AM 30/4/08
@joshthephenom: Your first comment has a comma splice, Mr. Grammar Nazi.
;-)
SenorDunda
greenbot
Posted 7:00 AM 30/4/08
I think I'll install it anyways. I foresee future Windows Updates requiring SP3 for certain patches and software updates.
greenbot
Papa Midnight
Posted 6:52 AM 30/4/08
@dahlberg123: aside from preventing them from installing Nero.
Papa Midnight
NikP
Posted 6:45 AM 30/4/08
For having held off on this for so long, this sucks.
NikP
sirgregory
Posted 6:35 AM 30/4/08
If you find your TCP has been limited by the SP3 update you can fix it with this patch.
[hwrms.com]
sirgregory
OX4
Posted 6:34 AM 30/4/08
Not sure what everyone was expecting, what with MS pushing Vista so hard.
OX4
Chimaera
Posted 6:34 AM 30/4/08
@adammhaile: They had to do something similar with the release of Vista SP1.
[www.infoworld.com]
Chimaera
Pasha
Posted 6:31 AM 30/4/08
Since i format my PC pretty often, i am looking forward to slipstreaming it, and re-installing XP
Pasha
prospero
Posted 7:39 AM 30/4/08
Windows XP SP3 Delayed
[www.crn.com]
Exactly why you shouldn't report on it until it's official.
"Microsoft has decided to hold off on releasing Windows XP service pack 3 through Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center due to a glitch that affects one of its Dynamics products."
prospero
flatlinebb
Posted 8:04 AM 30/4/08
SP3 also renames your Windows Firewall service, which will cause it to turn back on if you had previously disabled it, even through Group Policy for example.
(source: [tinyurl.com])
flatlinebb
gorilly
Posted 9:02 AM 30/4/08
if like me you work in IT... at least it will mean those 90 updates on top of SP2 will come down in one chunk...
otherwise... lets face it... as much as osx is the dogs, theres not much up with xp other than stupid users... so why fix it if its not broke...
and i didnt want some new GUI... its all about classic!
gorilly
SenorDunda
Posted 8:51 AM 30/4/08
;-)@fintach: Haha, I love this site. I learn something new every day.
SenorDunda
FastBytes
Posted 8:38 AM 30/4/08
One important item I think worth mentioning. Prior to SP3 you are able to drag files from networked computers over to your own computer, making copies, or moving those files. With SP3 installed, this is no longer allowed by default. You will be treated to a security violation message window.
This is due to a deliberate new security policy enforcing file downloads from external sources. (It's a feature not a bug)
To regain this functionality go to:
control panel->internet options->security->(select the zone)->custom level->Drag and drop or copy paste files and "file download" under "downloads"
This will now allow the drag and drop functionality as before.
FastBytes
Sion28
Posted 10:10 AM 30/4/08
Okay, so if the copy of XP I own is pre-SP3, then how can I install it w/o a license key? It seems like this "feature" is useless to those who already have XP. It would be of use if you intend to buy XP with SP3 already integrated. But this is unlikely too, since they are taking XP off the shelves in June.... small window of opportunity for this nifty "feature." :-/
Sion28
ValfridBuccaneer
Posted 7:09 AM 30/4/08
Comment on Field Guide to Windows XP SP3 I've noticed something on a slipstreamed SP3 disc install. (I'm using Pro Corp): It does not go through the sequence of "First Boot" where it creates a secondary user, asks about auto-updates etc. Consequently, auto-updates are OFF to begin with, and the initial user is Administrator. -It is SO nice not having to install 8,916 updates through Windows/Microsoft Update. Yes, I know I'm exaggerating, but you understand. -Christo
ValfridBuccaneer
mzeal93
Posted 5:37 AM 30/4/08
I've been xp user for awhile infact just got new computer really nice installed xp on it instead of vista... I would change to linux or mac but to be honest.. they can't play pc games for crap so thats why ill never change... (how bout you mac users get gears of war or crysis? thats right you cant :D)
mzeal93
Wireless_Joe
Posted 5:13 AM 30/4/08
Give us DirectX 10!
Wireless_Joe
lmathews
Posted 11:47 AM 30/4/08
@joshthephenom: I'm pretty sure you're only a grammar nazi if you don't type stuff like "Sorry, for being..." That's not correct use of a comma. ;-)
lmathews
Lazarus
Posted 11:46 AM 30/4/08
I couldnt quite understand why they'd offer a patch to allow you to not have to register on install, since youve already installed and registered and are now patching it. I mean, other than creating a patched install CD [lifehacker.com]
Lazarus
Norcross
Posted 12:37 PM 30/4/08
@FastBytes: thanks for the heads up! I have a fileserver at the house with basic sharing (mainly so my wife can store pics), this would have pissed me off to no end.
Norcross
LtD0001
Posted 1:00 PM 30/4/08
Take that Vista! You ugly red-headed step child!
LtD0001
ChambrasWeed
Posted 2:25 PM 30/4/08
Well it is something i expected. This SP is nothing special nothing to do with the average user. I haven't installed it yet and i definitely wait until read some more comments.
ChambrasWeed
Jimmer
Posted 3:07 PM 30/4/08
In SP2 is there a keystroke that will bring up the Address Bar in the Task Bar and set the cursor there?
Funny, in 15 years I have never bothered to even activate the address bar.
Jimmer
bbbco
Posted 3:49 PM 30/4/08
@prospero
Here is a followup to your comment detailing more information:
[blogs.zdnet.com]
Why am I really not surprised?
bbbco
emegus
Posted 7:28 PM 30/4/08
I've only recently discovered the Address Bar (I undocked it from the taskbar so it appears in the middle of the screen) and will really miss it (if I install SP3)
@Jimmer:re a keystroke to activate the Address Bar in the taskbar - in short: No. However I undocked it and use a autohotkey script to control it:
Winhide, Address ;hide the bar to start with
#a:: ;sets the hotkey to WIN + a
OldActiveWin := WinExist("A") ;stores current Active Window in a variable
WinShow, Address ;show the Address bar
WinActivate, Address
ControlFocus, Edit1, Address ;put the cursor in the address bar and select the address that's there already
WinWaitNotActive , Address ;when Address loses focus
Winhide, Address ;hide it again
Return
Need to look for an alternative if I go for SP3@. Maybe [www.systemsabuse.com]address bar tool or a Run dialogue hack...
emegus
Lazarus
Posted 6:51 PM 30/4/08
@Jimmer: I turn all the tool bars off except quick launch. Theres really no use for anything else. I could always launch a website using Windows+R for the run dialog then entering in the address.
Lazarus
idof6
Posted 6:45 PM 30/4/08
don't you guys think SP3 is only another attmept by microsoft to check for software genuinity? I'm waiting for the next Windows version, as vista is worthless anyway.
idof6
emegus
Posted 7:47 PM 30/4/08
@Lazarus: Run dialogue won't work for the search aliases I've set up in the registry.
I type 'g SP3' (no quots) to search Google for 'SP3'
Reg setting: (space after http: added to avoid the autolink in the comments)
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\SearchUrl\g]
@http: //www.google.com/search?q=%s&as_qdr=d
(Yes I'm on IE @work and don't have TweakUI here)
Maybe a batch file to mimic this is possible...
emegus
mskadu
Posted 12:10 AM 1/5/08
Looks like SP3 is yet to be available
[blogs.zdnet.com]
mskadu
IgorSongbird
Posted 4:29 PM 30/4/08
Comment on Field Guide to Windows XP SP3 I have noticed a marked speed increase in loading start menu/programs/web pages
IgorSongbird
dr_chem
Posted 1:58 PM 30/4/08
anyone know how much space this is going to take up? ive got an eee pc with a 4gb ssd, and only 1.8gb free... i tried to install and it said i needed 32 more mb...
dr_chem
AskTheAdmin
Posted 1:31 AM 1/5/08
@aj_robins: I have seen some speed improvements and have decreased my memory usage by 96mb!
So far so good! Anyone else?? I really want to hear some more feedback.
AskTheAdmin
RTAdams89
Posted 2:27 AM 1/5/08
SP3 also removes the Internet Explorer icon from the desktop and removes the option to re-show it. If you rely on IE, and want the icon back, take a look at this post for an easy hack: [personal.ryantadams.com]
RTAdams89
DanCardin
Posted 4:23 AM 1/5/08
i got an error telling me that it couldnt finish the installation.
DanCardin
Mr-Glass
Posted 7:59 AM 1/5/08
Well - I updated one of my personal old servers running wireless (stand alone box - one power cord - nothing else) Seems something has changed after the reboot. My wireless does not connect - so now I have the pleasure of taking the box to a monitor and keyboard/mouse or taking the monitor, keyboard/mouse to the box... Wish I would have known that before remotely installing... Perhaps I did not read well enough to see any change on that front.. Still blows - until I do this Im essentially locked out of my media server... Booo
Mr-Glass
XylonIshabunny
Posted 11:03 PM 30/4/08
@joshthephenom:
Comment on Field Guide to Windows XP SP3 While you're busy correcting their grammar, you may want to schedule yourself for a punctuation class. There is no need to place a comma after your initial "Sorry". Don't feel bad, overuse of punctuation is the most common error made by students and phenoms. This email and any attachments transmitted herewith may contain confidential and/or proprietary information and are nonetheless intended to be viewed and used solely by the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you believe you have received this email in error please immediately notify the sender and delete it from your system. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email or its attachments are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. The recipient is encouraged to check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses as the company accepts no liability for any damage caused to the recipients computer by any virus transmitted herewith.
XylonIshabunny
dps27a
Posted 9:38 AM 1/5/08
omg I can't wait!!!
dps27a
AskTheAdmin
Posted 10:16 PM 1/5/08
@Mr-Glass: Can you ping the machine? It might not be the wireless!
If you can ping it you can open an MMC Console to the remote machine pull up the services and make sure everything is running.
AskTheAdmin
madderhatter
Posted 10:01 AM 2/5/08
... and here's the "o" I left out ! :o)
madderhatter
madderhatter
Posted 10:00 AM 2/5/08
@Mr-Glass: I think smeone further up said it re-enables the firewall - I'd check that first if you haven't already.
madderhatter
AskTheAdmin
Posted 12:35 AM 3/5/08
@madderhatter: Yup that is what I was getting at but I don't think Mr-Glass is coming back!
AskTheAdmin
minhajuddin
Posted 1:18 AM 4/5/08
I had a lot of expectations with the SP3, This wouldn't make me go for an upgrade :(
minhajuddin