The fact of the matter is that Microsoft has wrapped up with Windows XP Service Pack 3, ever since it reached RTM stage on April 21. After being released to manufacturing, on May 6, 2008, XP SP3 RTM Build 5512 was made available for download to the general public via Windows Update and the Download Center. The third and last service pack for Windows XP comes in a variety of flavors and the Redmond company has added a new option to the download versions already up for grabs. Windows XP users can order the XP SP3 CD.

Microsoft is ready to ship Windows XP Professional SP3 Patch CDs Pro/Home around the world and is enabling consumers from four geographical regions, namely Asia, Europe and Africa, North America and South America to order the service pack. Each CD costs $11.74 and "shipping and handling charges are included in the price", according to Microsoft. Users can order a maximum of 4 CDs from a rich offer including XP Professional SP3 Patch CDs for all the supported languages of the operating system.

The Redmond company has set up a similar offering for Windows Vista SP1. Furthermore, Vista RTM users can order not only SP1 DVDs but also alternative media with the first service pack for the latest Windows client. The same is not valid for Windows XP SP3, since its service pack signals the proverbial beginning of the end for the platform. However, Windows XP will continue to live throughout 2014, with SP3 on board, because the cut-off date for extended support is still approximately six years away.

Ordering XP Professional SP3 Patch CDs is of course an option set up for users that cannot download the service pack. Otherwise, the best way to integrate SP3 in XP is via Windows Update. Additionally Microsoft has a few alternatives in place on the Download Center.

- Windows XP Service Pack 3 stand-alone version is available for download here.
- Windows XP Service Pack 3 Checked Build Network Installation Package is available for download here.
- Windows XP Service Pack 3 CD Image is available for download here.