Microsoft confirms that it will begin providing XPSP3 downloads on the 29th of this month.

April 22nd news: Microsoft announced last Monday that it has completed the long-awaited development of Windows XP SP3.

Windows XP SP3 includes previously released software updates for Windows XP, along with some new patches and a few modifications.

Microsoft will begin offering this software for download via the web starting from April 29th. Microsoft stated that it plans to roll out Windows XP SP3 to home users who have enabled automatic updates starting this summer.

A Microsoft representative said that Microsoft will not use this service pack to upgrade boxed versions of Windows XP. However, Microsoft will offer Windows XP SP3 as an option for PC manufacturers who are still providing Windows XP on new computers. Standard PCs sold by large computer manufacturers will no longer come with Windows XP after June of this year. Nevertheless, certain low-priced PCs aimed at emerging markets may continue to use Windows XP until 2010.

Microsoft's Windows XP SP3 has been in testing for some time now. This product was originally scheduled for release in 2006. However, due to Microsoft shifting its focus towards developing and updating Windows Vista, the release date of Windows XP SP3 has been postponed numerous times.