SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 3 has been released. be aware that you can’t use this for SQL Server 2008 R2

A couple of enhancements in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Service Pack 3 are :

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  • Enhanced upgrade experience from previous versions of SQL Server to SQL Server 2008 SP3. In addition, we have increased the performance & reliability of the setup experience.
  • In SQL Server Integration Services logs will now show the total number of rows sent in Data Flows.
  • Enhanced warning messages when creating the maintenance plan if the Shrink Database option is enabled.
  • Resolving database issue with transparent data encryption enabled and making it available even if certificate is dropped.
  • Optimized query outcomes when indexed Spatial Data Type column is referenced by DTA (Database Tuning Advisor).
  • Superior user experience with Sequence Functions (e.g Row_Numbers()) in a Parallel execution plan.

Download the service pack for your version or feature pack here:

Download SQL Server 2008 SP3

Download SQL Server 2008 SP3 Express

Download SQL Server 2008 SP3 Feature Packs

Knowledge Base Article for Microsoft SQL Server 2008 SP3