Windows XP Service Pack 2B

[Harper]

I am in the process of doing some ordering via my distributors this evening, and i have noticed that Microsoft has released the following :-

3PK MSOEM WINDOWS XP PRO SP2b
MICROSOFT Code :- E85-04793

Product Information
* Win XP SP2b are the means by which software updates are distributed
* Contain updates for Sys reliability, program Compat, security & more
* Win XP Pro adds security & privacy, Adv recovery options, improved Ntwk connections & more to the features of Home Ed
* Work offline or access users computer remotely with ease with Wless
Ntwkg support, Config wizards, improved power Mgt & more
* Intg with Win Svr & Mgt Soln & keep the Sys current with automatic Win update

That is good that Microsoft has release a new version SP2. After having a rather productive week last week in the office with about 5 systems going out the door, I was wondering if Microsoft was going to release a new service back or not. It's nice to see that they have done this for the OEMs.

However does any one know if Windows Service Pack 2b is avalable as a seperate download as I would imagine that this would save me a lot of time hassle when having to install/re-install OS.

 

[KSoD]

I dont know if this is a seperate SP or not. I do know that they have a SP2 in Beta testing for both Server 2003 and XP X64. I am in the process of testing the Server 2003 onw myself.

So to answer your question i can be sure. It isnt known at this time what their plans are with SP2b.

 

[Harper]

I have found out that XP SP3 will not be out until 2007.

 

[KSoD]

This is correct. They dont plan on releaseing SP3 until after Vista has gone public. If even that soon. It was originally slated to be at the same time but M$ pushed back SP3 till later. Current rumor is 2nd or 3rd quater 2007 for SP3.