Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3 Official Release Dates

While Microsoft only released the final code of the much anticipated Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows XP SP3 to manufacturers only yesterday, it appears Microsoft may have changed its official launch plans for the two service pack releases.

Yesterday, the company stated it would not release either product until mid-march and now it looks like they will be releasing Windows Vista SP1 much earlier than first anticipated. While Microsoft will be releasing Windows Vista SP1 earlier than expected, it should be noted that only those that do not have a conflicting driver will get the update via Windows Update.

Microsoft officially plans to launch Windows Vista SP1 on February 18th or 19th (Monday or Tuesday respectively) which means at that time the product will be available for download via Windows Update, again, only those without a conflicting driver will be able to get the much awaited update. Also, Microsoft will not comment on the exact issues regarding the drivers issue that was found late in the development process. It would seem those Windows Vista users will have to still wait until mid-March to early April to receive the final code for Windows Vista SP1.

With regards to Windows Server 2008, the product will officially launch in weeks on February 27, 2008 as anticipated with "launch events" being held in several states around the U.S. following the big launch in Los Angeles, California.

In addition to the two biggest product releases, Microsoft is also planning to launch the final service pack for Windows XP, notably Windows XP Service Pack 3. Microsoft will notably launch Windows XP SP3 on March 24th or 25th (again a Monday or Tuesday respectively), in addition, the company will also be ending the sale of Windows XP via retail and OEM channels on June 30, 2008 so Microsoft will not be releasing new boxed-products of Windows XP with SP3, nor will you find XP on a new PC.

To recap the upcoming events in order:

• Microsoft will officially launch Windows Vista Service Pack 1 on Monday, February 18, 2008 or on Tuesday, February 19, 2008.
• Microsoft will officially launch Windows Server 2008 on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 as originally planned.
• Microsoft will officially launch the final Service Pack for Windows XP on Monday, March 24, 2008 or Tuesday, March 25, 2008.

Finally, I invite you to check out our new screenshot galleries of Windows Server 2008 RTM and Windows Vista SP1 RTM and get a feel for what you can expect when the product’s are officially launched later this month.

Note: This blog entry was originally posted on thewindowsblog.net. View original post