Microsoft has made yet another step in the availability process of Windows XP SP3. The third service pack for XP, a release that will mark the end of the line for major updates designed for the 32-bit versions of Windows Vista's predecessor, is available for download as an integrated ISO image straight from Microsoft since the end of the past week. XP SP3 RTM Build 5512 was released to manufacturing on April 21, planned for launch on April 29 for the general public, and on May 2 for MSDN and TechNet subscribers. While the April 29 delivery through Windows Update and the Download center was postponed to an unspecified date due to compatibility problems, MSDN and TechNet subscribers got the gold bits of XP SP3 early as standalone downloads and now are also getting the integrated version as an ISO image download.

"The full Windows XP install with SP3 integrated (also referred to as the Slipstream build) is now available for TechNet Plus subscribers to download. The following languages are currently available: Chinese-Simplified, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese-Brazil, and Spanish. Additional languages will be added as they become available so watch on TechNet Plus Downloads for new languages," announced a member of the TechNet Plus team.

The file name of XP SP3 RTM Build 5512 slipstream version is en_windows_xp_professional_with_service_pack_3_x86_cd_vl_x14-73974.iso with the following SHA-1: 66ac289ae27724c5ae17139227cbe78c01eefe40. And while it is featured on TechNet Plus Subscriber Downloads, the integrated build of XP SP3 Final is also up for grabs from Microsoft Developer Network Subscriber Downloads.

"Microsoft is pleased to make available integrated retail and volume license installs of Windows XP SP3, to MSDN and TechNet Plus subscribers. Integrated retail and volume license installs are available in the following languages: Chinese Simplified, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish. Additional languages will be made available soon," said Chris Keroack, Release Manager, Windows Serviceability.

Meanwhile, Windows XP SP3 RTM Build 5512 is available for download here.