How to Get Windows XP SP3 Via Windows Update

Not a Windows XP SP3 beta tester, but can't wait for the official release? Or just like to stay on the bleeding edge? There's a way you can get access to it via Windows Update. It does involve editing the registry, but it's not that difficult.

Here's all you need to do. You need to create the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\
CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\XPSP3

Then create the string value RCPreview below that key, and give it the value:

1c667073-b87f-4f52-a479-98c85711d869

If you had previously had a version of SP3 earlier, you might already have the registry key; just make sure only the string value RCPreview exists in the key when you're done.

Once the key is in your registry, if you go to Windows Update, you'll see you can download SP3 RC1, as above. I've tried it (obviously, since that's my screenshot) and it works.

Of course, your mileage may vary, and changes to your registry should be made with care. Naturally I recommend you back up your registry before trying this, and there's also no guarantee Microsoft won't change things with RC2 or even tomorrow so that this no longer works.

If you want you can also download and run the batch file here.