Microsoft's having a tough year with reboots. First it was a reboot ad infinitum in February, brought on by a flawed update to Windows Vista. Now the same things happening to some users who have updated to Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3).

>> Windows XP SP3 reboot hell (and how to get out of it)

Microsoft blames computer makers for some of the problems users have encountered after updating to Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3), according to a company support document.

>> Microsoft faults OEMs for some XP SP3 endless reboots

Microsoft has released an update to fix an issue with Internet Explorer 7 on Windows XP Service Pack 2

"Install this update to resolve an issue where files fail to download when using Internet Explorer 7 on a system running Windows XP Service Pack 2. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer."

>> Update for Windows XP (KB932823)

Installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 sends some PCs into an endless series of reboots, according to posts to a Microsoft support forum.

>> XP SP3 cripples some PCs with endless reboots

Microsoft has warned users updating to Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) that they won't be able to downgrade from Internet Explorer 7 to the older IE6 without uninstalling the service pack.

>> Microsoft warns of IE7 lock-in with XP SP3

Microsoft has released an updated MUI pack for Windows XP Service Pack 3

"Install this package to get the Microsoft Multilingual User Interface Pack (MUI) Update for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3).

The best way to ensure you get Windows XP Service Pack 3 is by turning on the Automatic Updates feature in Windows XP. You can use our step-by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you."

>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 MUI Pack Update

Microsoft has released a checked build of Windows XP Service Pack 3 for developers

"This installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers downloading to a machine intending to debug or develop software on Windows XP Service Pack 3.

DO NOT CLICK DOWNLOAD IF YOU ARE AN MSDN SUBSCRIBER SEARCHING FOR FULL DEBUGGING SYMBOLS FOR WINDOWS XP: A more appropriate download is now available to MSDN subscribers on the Microsoft Developer Network. "

>> Windows XP Service Pack 3, Checked Build

Microsoft has released Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers

"This installation package is intended for IT professionals and developers downloading and installing on multiple computers on a network. If you're updating just one computer, please visit Windows Update."

>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers

Microsoft published an overview of Windows XP Service Pack 3

"XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers experience with the operating system. This white paper summarizes what is new in Windows XP SP3."

>> Download details: Windows XP Service Pack 3 Overview

Microsoft officially released Windows XP Service Pack 3

"Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers"

>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File

Company had delayed release of latest Windows XP service pack and stopped automatic updates of Vista Service Pack 1 because of compatibility problem.

>> Microsoft resumes XP, Vista updates

Bink.nu reports that the XP SP3 slipstream process on a WIndows Vista machine is not working properly

"So I build a new Windows XP ISO with SP3 integrated, this is a Volume License editions (VOL) which only accepts Volume License Keys (VLK). When I want to install it on a clean machine, I noticed that setup prompts for a product key and it does not allow me to continue, which should be a new feature in XP sp3. OK so I fill in the VLK but it does not accept it, I try another one from a customer of mine, does not work either. "

>> Don't slipstream XP sp3 on Windows Vista

While Microsoft makes users wait for the official version of Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3), the update has been widely distributed on pirate sites and can still be found and downloaded from Microsoft's servers.

>> Windows XP SP3 still AWOL, but resides on Microsoft servers

Microsoft has delayed the release of a third service pack for Windows XP, blaming a compatibility issue between the software and a retail-chain-management application.

>> Microsoft delays release of Windows XP SP3

Comments by Steve Ballmer at a press conference in Europe on Thursday have led to speculation that Microsoft is reconsidering its June 30 deadline to stop selling most new Windows XP licenses. A spokeswoman from Microsoft's public relations firm said Thursday that there is no plan for a change in deadline, however.

>> No change in Windows XP plan despite Ballmer comment

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said Thursday that the company may reconsider its decision to stop selling Windows XP on June 30.

>> Microsoft may keep XP alive after all

Thanks DosFreak. Microsoft has released Windows XP Service Pack 3 on the MSDN Subscriber Downloads website.

>> Windows XP Service Pack 3 on MSDN

In a repeat of a February donnybrook over SP1 (Service Pack 1) for Windows Vista IT professionals and developers are blasting Microsoft's decision to withhold the final version of Windows XP SP3 (Service Pack 3) from them until after it's released to the public.

>> TechNet subscribers rip Microsoft over XP SP3 'farce'

DailyTech takes a look at Windows XP Service Pack 3

"We check out the new Windows XP service pack, which has been released to production and will be available to users next week. "

>> Windows XP SP3: Hands-On Preview

Microsoft Monday completed work on Windows XP SP3. The company said the final code of the service pack has been released to manufacturing and now is working its way to OEMs and corporate customers. Access via Microsoft's Automatic Update feature will begin April 29.

>> Microsoft says XP SP3 complete, available imminently