Windows XP Service Pack 3 (RC) (12/18/2007) is not release for public yet. Before you try this registry hack, go to MS Download Center and see if you are allowed to download the update package.

• Microsoft Download Center → Windows XP Service Pack 3 Release Candidate.

If the above failed you may try the Beta Tester hack below.

The following registry hack will set you as one of the Beta Tester so you can download SP3 at Microsoft Download Center.

@echo off
reg delete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\XPSP3 /f 2> NUL
reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\XPSP3 /v RCPreview /t REG_SZ /d 1c667073-b87f-4f52-a479-98c85711d869 /f

Copy the above code and save it as sp3betatester.bat or sp3betatester.cmd in your “C:\”. Run the sp3betatester.* file and go to start → windows update. You should now see Windows XP SP3 (rc) listed in the available updates.

Microsoft Disclaimer
This pre-release software is provided for testing purposes only. Microsoft does not recommend installing this software on primary or mission critical systems. Microsoft recommends that you have a backup of your data prior to installing any pre-release software.

Uninstaller

SP3 installation has a recovery mode (rollback) make sure System Restore is enable when you setup SP3. You can removed SP3 via Windows Add Remove Programs or by manual using its build in uninstaller at C:\WINDOWS\$NtServicePackUninstall$\spuninst

External Links

• Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview
• Official Windows XP SP3 Forum