Windows XP SP3 leaps into the tubes

Second verse, same as the first

Microsoft is giving the automatic web release of Windows XP Service Pack 3 another go today, after an eleventh hour muck-up ruined its scheduled availability last week.

The truant XP service pack is ready for download via Microsoft's Download Center or alternatively, Windows Update if using Internet Explorer. Here's the ISO CD image file too for good measure while we're trolling hyperlinks.

Microsoft had pulled the mass download last week when it uncovered an incompatibility issue between SP3 and its point-of-sale application, Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS). The issue in question — and they've yet to specify what the problem is — also affects Windows Vista SP1.

Redmond is still apparently knuckling down over the issue. Customers with RMS are being advised against installing either service pack until the error is resolved. In the meantime, it has deployed a band-aide filter for the automatic Windows Update to block RMS users from getting it. Microsoft said a permanent fix is currently in beta and will be available later this month. ®