Having taken Windows XP to Service Pack 3 in the first half of this year, Microsoft is continuing the evolution of the operating system. In this context, the Redmond company has made available for download the Media Pack update for the N variants of Windows XP SP3. The Media Pack is available through Windows Update, and is designed to integrate exclusively with the Windows XP Home Edition N SP3 and Windows XP Professional N. The other editions of Windows XP SP3 already contain by default the components delivered by the Media Pack.

“Different software programs and Web sites rely on some Windows files that are not included in Windows XP Home Edition N or in Windows XP Professional N. This update makes sure that these software programs and Web sites work correctly,” Microsoft revealed, informing that XP users would have to first install Windows Media Player and Service Pack 3 in order to be able to integrate the Media Pack.

The N versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista have been born as a necessity for Microsoft to comply with an antitrust decision of the European Union. In this regard, the Redmond company is offering in Europe versions of its Windows clients stripped of Windows Media Player.

While this is valid for both Windows XP and Windows Vista, the Media Pack is only available for Windows XP SP3. According to Microsoft, programs may require Windows Media Player components, which have been removed from the N editions of XP, and which can only be added with the Media Pack that can be accessed via Windows Updates. 

“Examples include the media features of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Encarta, and Microsoft FrontPage. To make sure that these programs work correctly, install Windows Media Player, and then install one of the following Media Packs: Media Pack for Windows XP Home Edition N, or Media Pack for Windows XP Professional N,” the company added. 


- 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.