Microsoft Delays XP SP3 Once Again

The problem stems from a compatibility issue between Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) and both XP SP3 and Vista SP1, a Microsoft spokesperson said in an email to ChannelWeb.

Microsoft, which last week targeted Tuesday, April 29 for public distribution of XP SP3, is preparing to block PCs running Dynamics RMS from downloading XP SP3 and Vista SP1 through Windows Update and the Download Center, the spokesperson said.

Once that block is in place, Microsoft will release Windows XP SP3 to the public through Windows Update and Download Center. "Until we have published a fix for this issue, we advise Microsoft Dynamics RMS customers to not install either service pack," said the spokesperson.

Microsoft is working on a fix for the issue and will release it "as soon as that process is complete", according to the spokesperson.

Dynamics RMS is Microsoft's SMB-focused retail chain management offering. In January, Microsoft rolled out a new Dynamics for retail solution that melds Dynamics RMS with its Dynamics AX applications for purchasing, inventory management, merchandising and supply chain management.

Last Tuesday, Microsoft revealed plans to delay the release of XP SP3 to MSDN and TechNet subscribers until May 2 due to high demand for Vista SP1, but reversed its decision the following day.