Windows 2000 SP4 Beta Invites Sent

Beta testers of Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 on Monday received invitations from Microsoft to join the Windows 2000 SP4 beta program. Nominations are being accepted through a registration survey on BetaPlace.

"Because you actively tested the Windows 2000 SP3 beta we would like to invite you to beta test the next Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4)," reads the e-mail invite.

"Our goal for the Windows 2000 SP4 beta program is to have a well-targeted group of testers who can actively participate and provide feedback to our development team. Regular and consistent participation throughout the program is expected. Your feedback is critical to the success of SP4."

Testers will be able to download interim releases of SP4 via BetaPlace and request copies of Windows 2000 integrated with the new service pack, which will function for 120 days. Rewards will also be given to testers who report the most bugs each week.

Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 was released on August 1 and included numerous security and bug fixes, along with changes required by Microsoft's anti-trust settlement with the Department of Justice. Microsoft has not said when it plans to release SP4.