当你在安装Windows XP SP2及之前的版本的时候，忘记序列号是件很痛苦的事情。因为这也许就意味着你必须再来一次。而Windows XP SP3则顺应Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2和Windows Vista的潮流，取消了这一限制。
在微软同Windows XP SP3同时提供的《Windows XP Service Pack 3 Beta Preview Release Notes》一文中提到：
As in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, and Windows Vista, the user may now complete setup without having to provide their prodUCt key. They will be prompted for the product key as part of Genuine Advantage during subsequent use.
