X

Photos: Inside Windows XP SP3

Inside Windows XP SP3

Robert Vamosi
As CNET's former resident security expert, Robert Vamosi has been interviewed on the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, and other outlets to share his knowledge about the latest online threats and to offer advice on personal and corporate security.
Robert Vamosi
xpsp3_440.jpg
1 of 10 CNET Networks
On Monday, Microsoft released to manufacturers the final code for Windows XP SP3. The upgrade provides support for WPA2 and the Peer Name Resolution Protocol used in Windows Vista, among other things. The public version will be available for download via the Web on April 29. Based on our initial installation, the upgrade will be effortless for most Windows XP users.
xpsp3splash1_440.jpg
2 of 10 CNET Networks
Upon opening the ISO image, Microsoft presents the following splash screen.
xpsp3splash2_440.jpg
3 of 10 CNET Networks
We are not sure why the text refers to the Security Center or Windows Firewall, both were added in Windows XP SP2. Perhaps this is a placeholder.
xpsp3wizard_440.jpg
4 of 10 CNET Networks
Although it says to do a backup yourself, the installation process itself also performs a backup.
xpsp3EULA_440.jpg
5 of 10 CNET Networks
No surprises here.
xpsp3download_440.jpg
6 of 10 CNET Networks
Although this file is not currently available to the public, we were able to download the RTM version of Windows XP SP3 from Microsoft. It took us about 30 minutes to download, and another 10 minutes to install on a system running Windows XP SP2 Home Edition.
xpsp3extract_440.jpg
7 of 10 CNET Networks
After agreeing to continue, the Wizard unzips the ISO files.
xpsp3finished_440.jpg
8 of 10 CNET Networks
We restarted our test Windows XP Home Edition system without incident.
xpsp3update1_440.jpg
9 of 10 CNET Networks
The longest part of the installation was the backup of the existing Windows XP SP2 code. Still, it could have been worse.
xpsp3update2_440.jpg
10 of 10 CNET Networks
After about 10 minutes, the Wizard did some last minute clean up.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos