The most recent version RC1 of Internet Explorer 8 was recently released. Microsoft has made it easier upgrading to IE8 new builds with Automati Upgrades. If you are running earlier build of IE8, Microsoft will offer IE8 RC1 via Windows Update in 25 languages. For Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, the IE language that gets offered via Windows Update will match the base OS language. For Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, the IE language that gets offered via Windows Update will match the Active Language that the user selected for their account.

If you’re currently running IE7, just download the latest RC1 and install it, going further it’ll be uprgaded automatically. However, if you’ve installed IE8, before deploying XP SP3, check this guide IE8 RC1 upgrade guide.