Windows XP SP2 Almost Final

Windows XP SP2 Almost Final

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/winxpsp2.mspx

Aug 2, 2004: Windows XP SP 2 Release Candidate 2 (RC2) Removed from the Web

This signifies the end of the pre-release distribution program in anticipation of the final release of SP2. Windows XP SP2 remains on schedule for release this month.

We recommend that you not install the RC2 version of SP2 on computers that are running the latest security updates. Instead, install the final version of Windows XP SP2 when it becomes available. Installing the RC2 version of SP2 on computers that already have the latest security updates installed can cause incompatibilities. The final release of SP2 will be compatible with all previously installed security updates.

There is a version of Windows XP Service Pack 2 RTM Build 2180 floating around at the moment. I wont post any links. Frankly, I am not interested until there is an official announcement and network install download link on the MS site (the horse's mouth).

Here are the rumours going around now:

The dates for WinXP SP2 release are as follows:

4th August RTM (2180 or 2181)
5th August RTW (release to web) & MSDN Subscribers - Network Install
25th August Windows Update/Automatic Updates release

Microsoft informed premier support customers that their own customers will begin receiving XPSP2 by automatic updates on the 25th August.

FYI:

RTM = Release To Manufacture
In other words, RETAIL.

RC = Release Candidate
In other words, NOT FINAL.

EDIT:
I originally wrote RTM = Release To Market which is wrong sorry.
Proof:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/itsolutions/msit/deploy/wxpdpsp.mspx

Release to Manufacture (RTM)

Explanation elsewhere (not mine):

RTM is release to manufacturing. This is when the code "goes gold". It'll be around 2 months afterwards until you'll find retail packages available(printing boxes, manuals, pressing CDs and distribution takes time!).