Microsoft Pulls Update for Windows

Reuters ^ | May 28, 2003

[Timesink]

Microsoft Pulls Update for Windows

Wed May 28, 2003 12:08 AM ET

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. said on Tuesday it has withdrawn a security update for its Windows XP software after discovering that it switched off Internet connections for some of the 600,000 users who downloaded and installed it.

The update, a small software addition that is used to fix and add features to existing software programs, was originally aimed at improving the security of Internet connections.

But after releasing the update on May 21, Microsoft discovered it was incompatible with other security firewall software used to protect home computers from attacks over the Internet.

That shut down Internet connections for some of the users who had other security software already installed on their computers. Microsoft said those users were not at risk of a security breach and did not experience widespread system crashes.

Removing the software update would restore the Internet connection, Microsoft said. A new update was being prepared, it said.

[Timesink]

Nice going, MS!

[Timesink]

Schadenfreude!

[goldstategop]

I installed it. I haven't had any problems connecting online.

[Tunehead54]

I installed it. I haven't had any problems connecting online.

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The article should have named the firewall software. ZoneAlarm? Black Ice? Symantec? McAfee? All of the above? Just a hint would be nice.

[50sDad]

This is why I swear by Win98, second edition. I set up donated computers for seniors and daycare use, and I have never been burned by 98SE. (And no goofy "Put your CDROM in the romdrive for authentification" nonsense.)

[goldstategop]

I run Norton Internet Security firewall here.

[goldstategop]

Windows XP is rock solid. I haven't had a problem since the Service 1 Pack Release came out last year.

[RckyRaCoCo]

I've installed it, haven

[Timesink]

Reread the article. SOME. SOME.

[Frumious Bandersnatch]

I, who absolutely despise MS in general, have to reluctantly agree. XP is so superior to any other MS OS that it approaches Linux and Mac OS is actual useability.

[Future Snake Eater]

Win98SE crashed on me several times a day. Never had a problem with WinME, 2000, or XP. I know many others who absolutely hated WinME, but obviously some OSes work better for us than others...

[ErnBatavia]

Windows XP is rock solid. I haven't had a problem since the Service 1 Pack Release came out last year.

I like it too (note....extreme lightweight alert in my case), but "no mas" regarding updates. My HP took a dirt nap when I dowloaded SP1 - after hours and hours on hold with support (HP), I was dismayed to find there were what they called 'issues'. I had to get the multipack of CD's to restore, which was a terrifying experience for me.

I'll live with my unenhanced version of XP I think.

[goldstategop]

I'm waiting for Lindows 4.0 to be released soon. Its said that'll be like Windows XP on Linux...

[goldstategop]

Hmmm... I wonder why my HP Pavilion escaped unscathed... :)

[RightOnline]

Personally, I prefer Win2K Professional. Try it. You'll also find that actually upgrading from Win 98 to Win 2K works............and NOT something I normally recommend (usually just reformat your drive and do a 'clean' install with the new OS). A few of my family members use WinXP and really like it; seems fairly stable, etc.......but I still swear by Win2K Pro.

[Reaganwuzthebest]

This is why I swear by Win98, second edition.

98SE is excellent. MS fixed the bugs from 95 and 98, and it's not bloated and buggy like ME. After June 30th they stop servicing it, but I'm going to keep using it as long as I can, like maybe the next 20 years.

[RightOnline]

ZoneAlarm Pro. The absolute best. GREAT stuff.

[shadowman99]

Microsoft will cease support (no new additions, fixes, security updates) later this year. They have already done so for Win95.

Commandment #11 - "Thou shalt not resist following the upgrade path"

[ErnBatavia]

"After the fact", I was told some sort of patch had been developed - said patch originally required installation before taking in SP1....I hear that is rectified now, but I don't care - ain't gonna do it!!!

[ShadowAce]

Commandment #11 - "Thou shalt not resist following the upgrade path"

...which is exactly why I don't run any MS software.