Windows XP SP3 is the latest big service pack for XP but do we really need to install it how much of it aids or hinders the average home user find our more with our free guide

Buts what’s in it? Is it worth installing?

There are a few useful new features such as the router black hole detection, but many of the other features simply would not benefit the average home user, apart from bloating windows slightly more.

Other useful features such as Wifi protected access 2 being already available does it warrant a full install?

Windows XP SP3 Includes the Following

New Functionality Includes



Black Hole Router Detection – Detects if a router is silently losing / discarding packets.

NAP or Network Access Protection – Allows network administrators to limit network access based on a computer software compliance, if a pc is found to be non compliant then it’s access level may be lowed, the pc will then automatically be brought into compliance, then network access will be restored.

Credentials security service provider – Allows forward security compatibility with Windows Vista and server 2008
Descriptive security options control panel – helps to lower the risk of incorrect configuration settings, by explaining in a more user friendly format
Enhanced security for Administrator and Service policy entries –
Microsoft Kernel Mode Cryptographic Module -
Windows Product Activation –

Previously already available

Windows imaging component WIC –
Microsoft management console 3.0 MMC
Microsoft core XML services
Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1 v2
Background Intelligent Transfer Service 2.5 BITS
Digital Identity Management Service
IPsec Simple Policy Update for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP
Peer Name Resolution Protocol 2.1 PNRP
WiFi Protected Access 2

Sp3 can be downloaded from Microsoft updates

Windows XP SP3 , need Windows XP SP2 ?..

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