Microsoft has quietly released a beta version of Windows XP SP3 to a small group of testers. Microsoft has acknowledged the release, but will not specify what updates will be included in the final version.
Microsoft said it is looking at the first half of next year for the final release, but said this is only a preliminary date – and declined to commit to anything specific.
A third service pack for Windows XP may seem silly at this point, but many businesses are staying away from windows Vista so it is important that Microsoft remains committed to this version of the operating system.