You may have seen mention on these newsgroups about the availability of Service
Pack 3 for Windows XP. They're talking about what's called a "Release
Candidate". It's not a finished product. It's meant to be installed on test
systems only. Installing SP3 on your main computer is a risk not worth taking.

Be patient and wait for Service Pack 3 to show up in Windows Update. For now, be
satisfied with SP2 and any of the updates provided by Windows Update.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

The current service pack is SP2. SP3 will be required for windows XP when it
is released. It is not currently released so no need to try an install it
now. Be content with SP2 for the time being. You will be advised when SP3 is
available through the Windows Update Site. Then hope you have a high speed
connection as it will be huge.

You are current. SP3 hasn't been released yet, although it is expected
shortly.

Hello, Several different uses.
Compilation of previous, hot patches, security updates, and new product.
Assist in protecting the OS.
When reinstalling OS saves the need to download all the individual updates
from before the SP's release.
When the final version of SP3 is released, Microsoft will offer it as they
did SP2.
take care.
beamish.