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Microsoft Again Delays Windows XP SP3 Release

ImageTuesday was supposed to be the coming out party for Windows XP Service Pack 3, but alas, it was not to be. Microsoft delayed the Web release of the software after finding a compatibility issue.
In the last few days, Microsoft found a compatibility problem between Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System, an electronic checkout system for small- and mid-sized retailers, and both Windows XP SP3 and Vista SP1.

Though that issue would affect a relatively small number of customers, and though many point-of-sale systems use Windows XP Embedded rather than the full version, the company has delayed releasing Windows XP SP3 at all via Windows Update or Microsoft Download Center until a filter is in place to prevent customers who have the Retail Management System from downloading the service pack. It's unclear how long it will take for Microsoft to institute a fix.

Though this delay will likely be short, it's the latest in a series of postponements to Windows XP SP3, which was delayed in early 2006 until 2007 and then again until this year.

Source: Information Week

 
New Ultimate Extras Available

ImageMicrosoft has released 2 new Utimate Extras via Windows Update for Windows Vista Ultimate Users.

The first is another Dreamscene content pack.

The second is a new sound scheme.  After installing, users can can switch their default sound scheme to Ultimate Extras Glass or Ultimate Extras Peal in Change System Sounds of the control panel.

Microsoft has also made the language packs available in SP1 now.

The updates are for both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista.

(Thanks to Caretaker for the heads up.)

 
Gates: Windows 7 may come 'in the next year'
ImageMicrosoft Chairman Bill Gates on Friday indicated that Windows 7, the next major version of Windows, could come within the next year, far ahead of the development schedule previously indicated by the software maker.

In response to a question about Windows Vista, Gates, speaking before the Inter-American Development Bank here, said: "Sometime in the next year or so we will have a new version." Referring to Windows 7, the code name for the next full release of Windows client software, Gates said: "I'm super-enthused about what it will do in lots of ways."

Less than 24 hours ago, a Microsoft representative told CNET News.com that the company expects to ship the successor to Vista roughly three years from Vista's January 2007 debut.

Unclear is whether Gates was referring to early testing of Windows 7 coming within the year, as opposed to a widespread release or debut. An early test geared toward developers would be conceivable. The company has repeatedly said that it will accelerate the development of new Windows versions, largely as a response to Vista's roughly five year gestation period.

Source: C|Net  

 

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