Microsoft extends block to SP2 auto update

Microsoft is doubling the number of months that corporate customers can block automatic delivery of Windows XP Service Pack 2.

The company on Tuesday altered its policy for preventing the automatic download of SP2 through Automatic Update or Windows Update, two services for automatically downloading important Windows updates to PCs via the Internet.

Corporate customers now have about eight months--or until the middle of April--to prepare for the security-related update, which may require testing for compatibility with other business applications before installation.

In early August, Microsoft released SP2, a significant update designed to give customers more tools to strengthen Windows against security vulnerabilities. In response to requests from corporate customers, Microsoft on Aug. 10 provided a way to let customers temporarily block the delivery of Service Pack 2 while still getting other "critical" Windows enhancements.

The delay, initially timed at 120 days from Aug. 16, was meant to give customers time to thoroughly test SP2 on corporate networks. Computers makers recommended a go-slow approach, with IBM sending out a memo telling its employees not to install the update because of potential incompatibilities. Many corporate IT executives also plan to use caution in adding SP2 to their machines.

On Tuesday, Microsoft extended the temporary blocking period to 240 days, or about eight months, from Aug. 16. At the end of this period, the Automatic Update mechanism will download SP2 to all Windows XP machines, the company said.

The blocking is done from an entry in the Windows registry, Microsoft said. If the Automatic Update mechanism finds the presence of the registry "key," it will not download Service Pack 2. At the end of the 240-day period, the automatic update services "will ignore the presence of this registry entry and download Windows XP SP2," according to Microsoft's policy.

Microsoft recommends that corporate customers use a program to automatically distribute software, such as Microsoft's Software Update Services or Systems Management Server, on their networks.

Delivery of SP2 to consumers using Windows XP via Windows Update or Automatic Update already began in August.

[Earl Benser]

SP2 Blocking....

Just put Automatic Updates on manual, and SP2 is blocked
forever. Just takes a little effort when other updates are
provided.

I wouldn't trust any automatic installation from MS or anyone
else. With the defects in XP, it could be anyone trying to get into
your computer.

[alek_nedic]

Automatic Updates

http://www.analogstereo.com/vacuum/miele_s5310_vacuum_sbb.htm

[97basford]

Absolute catastrophe

My 19" TFT would not work; My Showshifter would not operate: Nero was a bust and, in my rush to remove SP2 I lost my hard drive. Fortunately I do back up so it was just a loss of time.

I do have a lot of media entertainment programs on my computer and, rather than risk the same thing happening again, I will stop using the net rather than be forced to install it again!

Only in the software industry and only for Microsoft

I am appalled by Microsoft's carelessness in releasing SP2 withoutt adequately testing on all different configuration. I tried installing SP2 on my Dell laptop and lost everything. It turns out that in order to install SP2, you have to first update the BIOS and then download all the new drivers and install them. Why wouldn't Microsoft work with OEMs to prepare separate package and deliver to their customers? Thisis what happens when monopolies are allowed to exist. Can someone pleas come up with a desktop OS that works? Just do to Microaoft what Google did to Yahoo!

[alek_nedic]

install SP2

http://www.analogstereo.com/vacuum/miele_s5360_cat_and_dog_vacuum.htm

SP2/windows XP Home

I recently installed M

























I recently installed MS XP2 running WinXP (Home)
It instantly dropped my 32 bit Res. to 9. I was unable to change the resolution. After about 2 hours with an online Gateway Techie. I was able to get back up and running. So I now have a Firewall. I'm still leary about secure transactions using EXplorer. So I use the Firefox/Mozilla Browser instead.
Hope this posting helps someone.

Sincerely,

Thom Hartley
The Image Works!
Image Capture Ltd.

SP2/windows XP Home

I recently installed Microsoft SP2 into a Windows XP (home) environment. It immediately dropped my Res. to "9" and everything looked like hell, as I was running 32 bit.prior to installing SP2.
Fortunately, my Gateway Live Techie was able to straighten it all out using his remote access to my Laptop. Happy to say I now have Firewall. Graphics look great. Everything running fine.
But it did lock up my system after initial install. Hope this info is helpful to some of our "less techie" readers.

Thom Hartley
Image Works!
Image Capture PC

























I recently installed MS XP2 running WinXP (Home)
It instantly dropped my 32 bit Res. to 9. I was unable to change the resolution. After about 2 hours with an online Gateway Techie. I was able to get back up and running. So I now have a Firewall. I'm still leary about secure transactions using EXplorer. So I use the Firefox/Mozilla Browser instead.
Hope this posting helps someone.

Sincerely,

Thom Hartley
The Image Works!
Image Capture Ltd.