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.

[Timesink]

If u cn rd ths, u wstd ur tme.

[Poohbah]

Interesting.

I've installed this patch, and I haven't noticed any slowdown. What are these folks running?

[Timesink]

bump for bump lists

[Timesink]

You at home or on a big LAN at work? Check that last paragraph.

[Sir Gawain]

Tandy 1000s.

[Poohbah]

At home.

Like I said, I haven't noticed any slowdown.

I read the last paragraph--it said users experiencing a slowdown AT HOME should remove the patch.

I'm just wondering what h/w and s/w the folks experiencing slowdowns are running.

[cgk]

My problem with XP so far is it doesn't remain signed online when switching from one profile to another. I haven't seen a patch for it yet. For instance: hubby is signed on, he finishes ripping up all the disruptors on FR, and he switches to my profile so I can have a look-see. :) But, it signs off and I have to re-dial. An inconvenience to be sure - especially with dial-up.

[CyberCowboy777]

Windows XP can slow down PCs.

[Timesink]

I read the last paragraph--it said users experiencing a slowdown AT HOME should remove the patch.

Ah, foo, so it does. Apologies, I'm having major brain freeze today.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Buy the XP Professional. It's much better than the crappy Home edition.

[Poohbah]

Ah, foo, so it does. Apologies, I'm having major brain freeze today.

Maybe you need to remove the security patch from your brain :o)

[Timesink]

Maybe you need to remove the security patch from your brain :o)

But then the liberals will hack in and steal my brilliance!

[Poohbah]

Disable remote connections, and only have interactive logins with attractive conservababes like Ann Coulter or Laura Ingraham :o)

[longtermmemmory]

nuts, I installed this and it did slow my system down. It also said once installed, this patch can't be removed. Are they going to give a patch patch.

[FreedomPoster]

XP Home or Pro?

Does anyone know if this only affects Home, or both Home and Pro?

[I still care]

I was wondering what was going on. Several of my applications have taken so long to start they have "frozen" and I had to reboot.

[Izzy Dunne]

The new version of Windows RG doesn't have this problem.
Click here for a demo.

[longtermmemmory]

xp home. What happens my mouse sticks for a moment when I move across the screen. Pages load slower. Program switching is slower.

[Sender]

I use XP Professional with a DSL 'modem' connected to the LAN card in my PC, and when I log off, it asks me if I want to keep the connection open in a dialog box. If I say yes, it will stay online even when no one is logged on, and it will be online after someone else logs on.

[FreedomPoster]

Cool; everything I've gotten with XP, I went ahead and got Pro. Now I can just D/L the patch and it'll stop whining at me.