Latest Windows XP patch can slow down PCs

Computerworld ^ | April 23, 2003 | Joris Evers

[Timesink]

Latest Windows XP patch can slow down PCs

By Joris Evers, IDG News Service
APRIL 23, 2003

Microsoft Corp.'s latest security patch can cause computers running Windows XP to slow down to a crawl, affected users say.

Windows XP can take up to 10 seconds to start an application after installation of the patch released April 16 with Security Bulletin MS03-013, users wrote in dozens of postings on several online discussion boards. Removing the patch brings system speed back to normal, according to those users.

Microsoft is aware of the issue and is investigating, said Stephen Toulouse, a security program manager at Microsoft's security response center.

"We have been made aware of some isolated cases of customers experiencing performance issues after applying the patch," he said, referring to the online reports. No customers have called Microsoft's help desk with the problem, according to Toulouse.

The patch, which Microsoft calls Hotfix Q811493, was distributed via Microsoft's security Web site and the automatic Windows Update service. It fixes a security flaw in the Windows kernel, the core of the Windows operating system. The vulnerability is rated "important" by Microsoft, one notch below the highest level in the vendor's severity rating scheme.

The flaw could allow an attacker to raise his privilege level on a vulnerable system. However, to exploit the flaw, an attacker must be able to log onto a system, either at the computer or via a terminal connection, mitigating the risk.

Users offering online advice suggested that home users experiencing system slowdowns remove the patch because corporate environments with terminal servers and client systems accessed by multiple users are most at risk. Microsoft, however, urged all customers to apply the patch and to call the Microsoft help desk if there are any performance problems afterwards, Toulouse said.

[Mr. K]

yikes! can you install win2000 and replace it? I did that on a new dell that came with XP - it runs SO MUCH better.

Also I have just found out that you can turn of the XP interface (buried somewhere in the confix settings) which speeds things up a bunch.

I dont like win XP at all- my 1st and second choices (and I have to work in them both) is Win2000 and Linux

[L_Von_Mises]

I am just a tiny bit relieved. I thought my hard disk was going the way it started to seem a little sluggish in starting apps. Maybe it's just Microcrap. Hopefully they will have a patch for their patch soon.

[skeeter]

I'm afraid I'm stuck with XP... it wasn't always this bad - the slowdown on startup was something that began happening just recently.

[undeniable logic]

Thank you...

My computer slowed to a crawl yesterday and I couldn't figure out why. It was a fresh installation as of Sunday and it was driving me crazy. I am now back up to speed.

Thanks!

[Redcloak]

Time to patch the patch on the patch that patches the patch's patched patch.

[Willie Green]

but it really doesn't make you learn anything.

A similar event will occur when commercial broadcasting eventually makes the transition from analog to digital transmission.
Yes, it should certainly mean better quality radio/television reception for the vast majority of consumers.
But I'm saddened by the impact it will have for hobbyists and schoolkids who will lose the opportunity of listening to their local radio station on a little jumble of wires and components that they built themselves. I'm really not much of an amateur radio enthusiast (too little time), but I tinker with some of their literature on antennas and stuff just so I can get better reception out of my shortwave receiver. You can't stop technological progress, but with something gained there is also something that is lost.

[jammer]

Now, Billy_bob_bob. Since switching to Apple, you haven't had any problem with Winders, either, have you? Proves the MS peoples' point! All the problems are gone! :)

I have a friend who, when he gets a Winders question, asks, "Were you having the problem before you turned the computer on?"
When the answer is "No," he tells them, "Well, just turn the computer off and you won't have the problem."

I suppose it's like the lawyer, lying, and when he opens his mouth joke. You only have problems with Windows when the machine is on.

[John H K]

Meanwhile, back in the XP camp, all of a sudden I'm hearing about all of the bad old problems I remember from years ago on PC's. BSOD crashes, slow booting, cursor hangups, system freezes. Yep, I figured as much. No more Microsoft crapware for me. Now I own real computers that really work.

I built a new box in the middle of January, use my computer a good 14 hours a day since then, and with Win XP I haven't had a SINGLE BSOD, cursor hangup, or system freeze. EVER.

[GunRunner]

I've had people tell me this as well. Can I upgrade to Pro from Home without doing a fresh install?

[Billy_bob_bob]

Good for you. Check back in about nine months or so. From what I have seen many XP installations start to have problems after about a year of solid use. Keep in mind I've been using OS X since 10.1 came out. I've been using 10.2 (Jaguar) for several months now with no problems at all. 10.1 was also stable but less robust. 10.2 is really nice, and from what I'm hearing 10.3 (Panther) will be even better.

[ChadGore]

I've installed the patch, and I have the same thing the article describes. I'm glad I'm not alone.

[Centurion2000]

Microsoft : Virus with features.

[Rightone]

I went to Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs and took this patch off my system. I was definitely having slow cursor and other problems that started about 5 days ago. Your system is only vulnerable if someone actually operates at your keyboard. Can't think why too many home users would need this patch.

Thanks very much for posting this!

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

I've had people tell me this as well. Can I upgrade to Pro from Home without doing a fresh install?

No, you'd have to install it separately.

[Erasmus]

Hopefully they will have a patch for their patch soon.

"The Management wishes to apologise to the Patrons.

Those responsible for sacking those responsible, have been sacked."

[GunRunner]

What are the advantages? Anything worth doing a fresh install for?

[RippleFire]

bump