What ever you do... Do not download Windows XP Service Pack 3! There is a lot of anticipation and a whole lot of public momentum focused on Windows XP SP3, but do not download the service pack. The argument? IT DOES NOT EXIST!

How's that for an argument. A couple of months back you have been able to read a piece entitled "Download Windows XP Pro Service Pack 3 Build 2," right here on Softpedia. It was a mock piece about a download available, particularly on Peer-to-Peer networks. I dare not refer to Windows XP Pro Service Pack 3 Build 2 as a pirated edition of Windows. Just read all the specification of this so-called Microsoft operating system. It is hacked beyond recognition.

We here at Softpedia have been seeing a lot of feedback asking us for a link to this download. Softpedia does not, under any circumstances support piracy of any kind. It is a policy that we stand by and therefore you will not be getting such a link from us.

Instead of a link, I will provide you with a piece of advice under the "live healthy" category: steer clear of any download that claims to offer a third service pack to Windows XP before 2008. Why 2008? Because Microsoft has postponed the release of Windows XP SP3 until 2008.

The image on the bottom is a screen shot of the Windows Service Pack Road Map that has been updated last on October 17, 2006. Just in case you cannot make out the writing, here is what it says concerning the availability of Service Pack 3 for Windows XP Home Edition and for Windows XP Professional: "SP3 for Windows XP Home Edition is currently planned for 1H CY2008. This date is preliminary.SP3 for Windows XP Professional is currently planned for 1H CY2008. This date is preliminary."