Following the RTM of Windows XP SP3 on April 21, 2008, and the general availability on May 6, Microsoft started serving bits and pieces of the service pack through its Windows Update infrastructure but also via the Download Center. The fact of the matter is that XP users have more options than just downloading the standalone package for XP SP3 Build 5512. And Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File is simply one of them. However, XP SP3 RTM ISO-9660 CD Image File is not addressed to end users, but to IT professionals and system administrators. But despite this, there are no impediments in place that prevent access to the gold bits of XP SP3 packaged as the ISO-9660 CD Image File.

"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' experience with the operating system. This file is a CD image file for users who wish to create an update CD for Windows XP Service Pack 3, for example for offline installation by administrators," Microsoft revealed.

Via the Windows XP SP3 RTM ISO-9660 CD Image File, Microsoft enables users to burn update CDs containing the service pack. At this point in time, there are a few issues in place with the delivery of XP SP3, the most important of which is connected with an incompatibility problem between the service pack and Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS). The Redmond company has set up filters on its WU servers that will prevent XP SP3 RTM from being served to Microsoft Dynamics RMS users, and is advising customers running the Dynamics solution not to install XP SP3 for the time being. Microsoft indicated that a fix has been built and is in testing, and that it is planning to make it available by the end of this month.

The standalone packages of Windows XP Service Pack 3 RTM can be downloaded here.
Windows XP Service Pack 3 - ISO-9660 CD Image File is available for download here.