Microsoft has stopped updating Windows XP, but that hasn’t stopped developers from updating it. A developer from Greece named harkaz has been working on “Service Pack 4” since September 2013. This service pack is obviously not supported or condoned by Microsoft in any way. Users who are interested in applying this service pack need to understand this work is being done by an independent third party.
Service Pack 4 can be installed on any XP system running at least SP1, or SP4 could be integrated into an installation media to quickly and easily bring new installs up to date. Developer harkaz says this, “It includes updates for most Windows XP components, including MCE and Tablet PC. Request-only hotfixes have been included. Currently, Microsoft .NET Frameworks 4.0, 3.5, 1.1 and 1.0 (Tablet PC only) are included in the Windows XP SP4 package. You can also scan for POSReady updates, because the POSReady trick has been included. In addition, all post-eol updates for .NET Framework 1.1, 3.5 and 4.0 until May 2014 have been included.”
Essentially, this unofficial SP4 includes all of the updates for XP rolled up into a single package. Currently a beta build is available for testing before the unofficial SP4 is released for x86 systems. This update package is not unique. Other developers have attempted to roll-up all of the post SP3 updates into a single package for easy updating.
There are still a large amount of XP users in the world. With recent estimates around 25% of computers still running the 13 year old operating system. Lots of business still run XP because they are using software which was developed in-house years ago and now no one knows how to maintain the software. Most consumers who use common software such as web browsers and desktop publishing software should have no issues upgrading to Windows 7 or 8, but if their system works, why change it?
Are you still running XP? Would you try out the Unofficial Service Pack 4 on your system or not? Let us know in the comments below!
Further reading: Microsoft, Windows XP
