Microsoft OEM Partner Center

Windows XP Technical Resources

This page contains resources for Windows XP preinstallation, OEM Preinstallation Kits (OPKs) downloads, and Windows XP software releases, in addition to other support resources.

Preinstallation Resources

Win XP OPK Deployment Center Detailed guide for using the Windows XP OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK).
Sysprep Overview Tools used to prepare a computer's hard disk for disk duplication, auditing, and customer delivery.
Preinstalling Hotfixes Describes the various methods to include critical updates and fixes in a preinstallation.
System Builder Recovery Solutions System builders have the option of offering their customers a hard disk-based recovery.

System Builder Bypass Tool Allows system builders to download and install critical updates on new PCs without being required to activate or validate Windows.
Resolving WGA Validation Issues Methods for updating new PCs with critical updates and fixes that resolve Windows Genuine Advantage validation issues.
Automating the Download and Installation of Windows Update Method to create a batch file to use along with the System Builder tool .exe file to automate the System Builder tool.

OEM Preinstallation Kits

Windows XP Service Pack 3 OPK Includes rollup of hotfixes and updates released since the Release to Manufacturing of Windows XP SP2. No other features or fixes are included.
Windows XP Service Pack 2/Windows Server 2003 OPK Can be used for deployments of Windows XP and Windows XP SP2, as well as Windows Server 2003.
Windows XP Service Pack 2 OPK Helps you preinstall Windows XP SP2 on systems you build.

OPK eXtender for Windows XP Helps you create a reinstall CD for customers, create a driver repository, and customize Windows Preinstallation Environment builds and ISOs.
Windows Live OPK Tools to install Windows Live for deployments of Windows XP, including Windows XP SP2.

Software Releases

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2c Provides system builders with a new, extended range of product keys.
Windows XP Service Pack 3 Rollup of hotfixes and updates released since Windows SP2. It does not include any new features.

Windows Update 925507 for Win XP Sysprep.exe Updated version of the System Preparation tool (Sysprep.exe) to use when preinstalling Windows XP.

Networking Technologies

Small Business Networking Technologies Learn the different types of networking technologies which enable networked computers to send information to each other.
Mixing Networking Media When there is more than one networking technology present, they must be bridged together by a common computer that has both types of adapters installed.

Additional Windows XP Resources

How to Identify Windows XP SP2c CDs The volume labels for Windows XP SP2b and 2c are identical. Learn how to identify opened and unopened CD sets for Windows XP SP2c.
System Builder Windows XP Newsgroups These newsgroups are currently structured as peer-to-peer newsgroups and are not monitored by Microsoft experts.
Windows XP White Papers Access individual white papers taken from the Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK).
Extended Support for Windows XP Home and Windows Media Center Editions Get information about extended support for Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition and Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, providing customers with an additional five years of support.
Windows XP Media Center Edition Technical Resources Resources to help you get started with Windows XP Media Center Edition, set up and install Windows XP Media Center, and get technical support.