News around the Web indicates that some PCs are experiencing an endless reboot cycle after installing Windows XP SP3.

It appears that it mainly affects a small amount of AMD-based PCs, although I have seen reports that Intel-based PCs have some issues too. Do not do anything hasty! It is probably going to be relatively painless to fix the issue - so don’t go formatting your hard drive just yet (unless you fancy a clean install).

If this has happened to you, Jesper Johansson’s blog has a great write-up on some troubleshooting steps.

He also points out the Microsoft is offering free installation and troubleshooting support for SP3.

Windows XP SP3 is available via Windows Update. Previously unleashed, and hastily retracted due to a compatibility issue, it is now going out to the masses.

Alternatively, you can download the standalone installer (316MB).

Microsoft is delaying the release of Windows XP SP3 because of a “compatibility issue” between the service pack and Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System, retail chain management software for small to medium sized businesses.

The code-base for XP SP3 was finalised last week and was planned to be made available on 29 April, 2008.

In a statement, Microsoft said: “In order to make sure customers have the best possible experience, we have decided to delay releasing Windows XP SP3 to Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center.” (more…)

Service Pack 3 for Windows XP is available for download from Microsoft’s servers (English language).

At 316 megabytes, it is a reasonably large download - so don’t try this one if you are on dial-up.

As yet, it is unavailable for download through Windows Update - but should be appearing soon.

Microsoft has released to manufacturing Windows XP SP3. The service pack will be available for download through the Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center services on April 29.

SP3 wraps up all previous Windows XP fixes and adds in some new features that bring management in-line with Microsoft’s latest client and server operating systems. Microsoft promised updates won’t “significantly change” customers’ experiences with the operating system. (more…)

The long-anticipated first service pack for Vista has been released by Microsoft.

It is available via a standalone package that can be downloaded from the Microsoft website. It should appear through Windows Update soon as well.

Service Pack 1 improves network performance, enhances security (supposedly), improves system performance and provides support for even more hardware.

Squeezing extra performance out of your Windows XP installation might help you get added value from your PC.

With the release of Service Pack 3 imminent, early reports suggest that adopters can expect up to a 10% increase in performance over SP2. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to make sure you are squeezing every last drop of horsepower out of your computer. Handily, Steve’s Tech Guide has a useful tweaking guide to ensure you can do just that. (more…)

It appears SP3 RC2 is available for Windows XP via Windows Update.

Previously only available to some thousands of beta testers a few weeks ago, Service Pack 3 adds several networking and security improvements, and compatibility with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 security credential providers. It also incorporates features previously available individually as separate updates, such as Micorsoft Windows Imaging Component (WIC), Microsoft Management Console (MMC) 3.0, and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2.

A list of all the features can be found on the Microsoft website.

Note: It is important to uninstall any previous versions of SP3 from your PC before installing this one.  This can be done from Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel.

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 will make some well-known third-party security applications “experience a loss of functionality”, confesses Microsoft in a Knowledge Base article.

Popular applications include ZoneAlarm Security Suite, Trend Micro Internet Securiy and BitDefender AV or Internet Security.  A fuller list of programs, including specific program versions, can be found in the KB article.

Microsoft said in the article: “A program may experience a loss of functionality after you install Windows Vista SP1. However, most programs will continue to work as expected after you install Windows Vista SP1.”

Note: Microsoft says that the KB article: “should not be considered a comprehensive list of programs that experience loss of functionality when they run on a Windows Vista SP1-based computer.”

Microsoft has released Windows Vista Service Pack 1 to manufacturers.

SP1 is a bundle of fixes including extra hardware drivers, and possibly more importantly, fixes for a number of high profile bugs.

It also changes aspects of the controversial Windows Genuine Advantage software integrated with the operating system, which checks if the computer is running a “genuine” version of Windows.  WGA will continue to show warning messages if it believes the license is not genuine, but it will no longer shut down core functions of the PC.

Home users can expect to see a release to Windows Update around early- to mid-March.