For instance, Windows XP SP3 does not include Windows Internet Explorer 7, although Windows XP SP3 does include updates to both Internet Explorer 6 and Internet Explorer 7, and it will update whichever version is installed on the computer.

From the Release Notes: 'Microsoft is not adding significant functionality from newer versions of Windows, such as Windows Vista, to Windows XP through XP SP3.

Windows XP SP3 includes them by default (System administrators must choose to install each of these updates): MMC 3.0, MSXML6, Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1 v2, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) 2.5, IPsec Simple Policy Update for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, Digital Identity, Management Service (DIMS), Peer Name Resolution Protocol (PNRP) 2.1, Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2).

The following are already available for Windows XP in stand-alone updates.

Only two new features have been added: Black Hole Router Detection Windows and Network Access Protection (NAP).

All enhancements and new features that were included with Windows XP SP1 and Windows XP SP2.

All previous security patches and fixes released for Windows XP.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes the following: Alternatively, since the file is so huge, you can download SP3 on a fast Internet connection and use it to update a PC with a slow or non-existent connection.

You can download SP3, copy it to disc or a portable drive and use it on multiple PCs. The advantage of this full download is that it can be used on any system - plus it doesn't require an Internet connection to install. The file will download directly from Microsoft’s servers – you may want to shorten the file name. Click here for the AMD Windows XP SP3 hotfix. This hotfix needs to be applied before SP3, otherwise your system may get stuck in a loop and never start. Do not install Service Pack 3 on systems with AMD chips unless a special hotfix has been applied first. Important notes: Microsoft advise uninstalling any beta or Release Candidate versions before installing this final release. However, you must have installed either Windows SP1 or SP2 before SP3.* Keep in mind that new patches made available after Service Pack 3 was released (mid April 2008) will still need to be applied. The file is a large download and can be applied to any version of Windows XP Home, Professional, TabletPC or Media Center (32 bit only). Windows XP Service Pack 3 (XP SP3) fixes a range of bugs and adds new features to Windows XP.

Windows xp sp3 full