Microsoft is alerting customers that it will soon start delivering Windows XP Service Pack 2 to all customers using Automatic Update, whether they want it or not.
In response to requests from businesses, Microsoft last year released a tool that allowed companies to continue using the automatic update feature but temporarily block the security-oriented update from downloading.
However, the grace period comes to an end on 12 April. Microsoft has posted a warning on its Web site, alerting people about the impending deadline.
"Time is running out!" Microsoft said. "Please note that the mechanism to temporarily disable delivery of Windows XP SP2 is only available for a period of 240 days (eight months) from August 16, 2004. At the end of this period (after April 12, 2005), Windows XP SP2 will be delivered to all Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 1 systems."
Microsoft first released the SP2-blocking tool in August, saying it would allow customers to put off the upgrade for 120 days. In September, Microsoft said it would double the length of time, to 240 days, to give businesses more time to test the software.
In a statement, Microsoft said it is sticking to that schedule.
Jon Murchinson, a Microsoft product manager, said: "SP2 is an important, free security update for Windows XP customers that is already delivering value to over 180 million customers worldwide."
The move affects only those who use Windows' automatic update to connect directly to Microsoft servers. Some businesses have reconfigured the automatic update feature to connect to their own corporate update servers. Those companies can continue to push out updates to their own schedule.
While recognising the need for customers to test software, Microsoft has been urging businesses to move to SP2 for its enhanced security benefits, particularly for portable machines that frequently travel in and out of a corporate firewall.
Talkback
I think Microsoft forget to mention putting users under its iron grip. As those who have to have a copy of Windows XP may lose out.
Mcrosoft still have that arrogant action that they have ALL the answers. Why remove SP2 ? I and so many others have had no problems with it. Why issue it in the first place, if they have NO confidence in their own products.
SP2 is not compatable with my Mesh AMD64 system. I hope I am not affected by this as my system will become totaly unusable.
All downloading and installing SP2 will do is paralyse my internet connection. Being dial-up that is speed I can't afford to lose.
Shame nobody forced Microsoft to write good code in the first place.
I also have a mesh amd64 system and after a number of attempts to install sp2 (doing all the suggested edits to the registry etc.) all that happened was a total system failure requiring me to spend a day re-installing XP.
Mesh were unable to help and no one else has provided any explanation of how to get SP2 installed.
What do we do? Switch to Linux?
This Microsoft's decision may force not a small part of XP users to turn off automatic Windows Update. But if coming Longhorn will require SP2 for upgrading, those users may face a difficulty.
Chances are if Longhorn requires SP2 not many of us will be sticking with Microsoft.
To the people who have had trouble installing SP2 on their Mesh AMD 64 computers......
I had this trouble. Neither Mesh nor Microsoft knew why it was happening and had no solution to offer. My system crashed as soon as I rebooted after installation. I had to boot from CD and then un-install SP2. This happened several times.
I intended to forget SP2 and did so for a few weeks, but somehow SP2 had damaged my system and it kept crashing. Finally, my machine refused to boot - even from CD. I was on the brink of taking the bxxxxy thing back to Mesh and camping on their doorstep until the problem was sorted. Then, I thought, one last try - extreme, but better than a machine which was dead. I reformatted the 160 Gb hard disk. Of course, I lost everything - six months work at the least. Sick!
However, when I reinstalled XP, Home Edition by the way, I also installed XP2, which went in OK this time. Starting from a clean sheet, and touching every piece of wood I can find, this was now six weeks ago. I have no trouble at all since and the machine is blindingly fast as it should be.
I know it's drastic, but I felt I had no alternative. At least I now have a superb machine - no thanks to Mesh and Microsoft. Dare you do it?
Best regards.
I installed SP2 on my home built machine (XP Pro), restarted and locked up. All I had was the screen that said windows and a blue bar that was supposed to move across the screen, not moving at all. I tried starting in safe mode, by disk and any other way I could think of. I took out all the PCI cards and drives so it was down to its ultimate basic and still no joy. I had no choice but to buy a new hard drive so I could rescue all my data.
I installed XP Pro onto the new drive and from a clean sheet, without installing anything else onto the computer, installed SP2 again. Again it caused the same problem.
There is no way in hell that I am going to allow SP2 back onto my machine. It really does cause more problems than it fixes.
I installed service pack 2 without any problems twice.How ever I know find when I try try download stuff I get the very annoying dialogue saying this site is unsafe what is fun ya bout this is it tend To be AVG Anti virus and Zone Labs. Is this Microsoft laughing in the face of the opposition. The increased paranoia about saftey issues is spoiling the enjoyment of using e-mail and the INTERNET and computing in general.
will i think they would not froce this upon us xp user if we do not need it or chashes are pcs. i kwon lots of people how used it wish that they never did so it should are chose not there to make
It's a shame. Typical atitude by americans that believe there the only one in heart, and can slavering other countries. Fuck off. We tired about the exactions made over all minimum rights, and no respect at all.
I'm responsable for wath I say, so, it is no need for me to hide my name. Wich is Roberto Lamaille at salasacas@noos.fr
How to disable SP2:
Shut down microsfts BITS client from running, windows update and automatic update will cease to work, this does not block updates already downloaded....
I think that this is BS. This is my computer and my choice as to what i will or will not have installed on my computer. This is like saying well heres an "upgrade" for your jetta and u will take it. I dont agree with this and Bill Gates needs a kick in the nuts and a reality check back here on planet earth.
flawed as it was upon its inception, xp has proved to be a great tool.however,it is still not without its problems,and whilst admitting that many of them are beyond the control of microsoft,such as advanced hacker activity,the increase in virus transmission etc,the fact remains that ms. released an os that was not fully developed.hence all the service packs,patches and updates.
sp2 has been a particular problem for many of my aquaintences,and now i here they are going to force it upon the rest of us?
i suggest they take every thing they know, and have learned sincse, and relaunch xp as"xp 2005" to all users
I hate to say this but it's pretty much true. Many of us as mad as we get at Microsoft for releasing shotty OSs, don't have much of a choice really. Most of us have windows based systems, and thus most of our software is windows based. I personally like Service pack 2. It brought a major improvement to the performance of my system. But my system isn't brand new eather wich could account some issues that other people have. I would guess that most of the brand new systems haven't been tested for SP2 so therefore there have been no releases in new drivers, patches and whatnot.
The other point I wanted to make to is this! Why is this a suprise to anybody? When was the last time MS released a windows OS that didn't have some issues? XP is by far the most stable of all of them, but personally I liked Windows2000 the best of all of them. I won't even mention how bad MS blew it on the ME version of windows.
I think this will become another famous trial story when microsoft gets sued for this as i really think the Highest courts and appeals will find it unconstitutional and in violation of federal laws.
I`ll do prefer Linux by far...
I have XP Home OS version on my computer and I have updated the patches for SP1 version with very little problems. However out comes SP2. Hell all I got was so many freezes and crashes its just not worth having SP2 on my system. I almost lost my hard drve to the stupid SP2 shit upgrade. I even had to get a computer tech in to fix my computer. When he took off all the SP2 shit I've had no problems for at least 5 months now so there is no way in hell that I'm going to allow MS SP2 back onto my system again. I now use Firefox instead of IE it is more stable. MS says it will force people to take SP2 in april well then Gates & company you had better fix all the problems with SP2. If forced to take SP2 I will switch to another OS system that will not crash/freeze. I have been a loyal MS follower however this SP2 upgrade has made me think long and hard about buying anymore MS products period.
I had the same issue. I used the update disk supplied by Microsoft and while installing, got an error message of some sort. It informed me that the update could not be completed and that I should try to uninstall it using the control panel. Unfortunately, I was unable to get my machine to boot up normally or in safe mode. I was able to get it to boot using the install disk from the original XP update install and amazingly had lost none of my data. I have been afraid to retry this because my computer holds all of my business data and programs needed to be in business. I would rather run the risk of occasional forays to the internet to retrieve mail than lose everything again. I note that windows update is installing some monster of a download presently. Because I only log on occasionally, it is still at 42%. I back up my data at least twice a day now hoping to avoid disaster.
I installed SP2 for XP. It locked up my computer and costed me $60 to get it fixed.
i installed sp2 and it froze my computer up ...i couldnt use any programs so it cost me to get it straight. microsoft should pay for thier bad sp2 installs which i was told by the tech thats what caused it!!!
my nephew is a tech and continously told me not to update with microsoft and im running xp pro. dumbass me i figured microsoft knew what they were doing!!!!!!!
It's quite simple, we still have too much disposable income.
Who gains?
This OS is no longer supported - you must buy our new one.
It needs a faster chip, more ram and a bigger hard drive.
This software will not work with your current OS - you must buy our upgrade.
A new virus method has been found - you must buy our upgrade.
I am not paid by any of these revenue generating giants,
but I still hate my job as a guinea-pig for Micro$oft et al,
with their ever increasing demands on my time and effort.
If Windoze was a car, it would be un-insurable.
If it wasn't for the updates, I probably wouldn't need broadband.
Oh yeah BT too.!
Mmmm - 80286 with DOS5 and a huge 10Mb drive - heaven.!
I had SP2 installed and it crashed my whole system, I had to pay lots of money to get my computer back working. The tech told me it was due to SP2 as soon as he took it off my system it started working properly again. I think that all the people that have had crashes should get together and due a class action lawsuit against microsoft.
Betty from Florida
hi! what can i do if everytime i download the sp2
and it stopps for it says that it did not found [ atapi.sys] .
where can i bring this file from?
thanks
I think Microsoft is doing a fine job but there are two things 1st is that they should have done it from the start of there P4
2nd they should tell eveyone what system configaration that need to be done for example If someone had paid for a new system microsoft should list if it will effect it or not
Beta-testers, that's what you all are. And you even payed for that privilige as well. To what effect? That you must buy Longhorn (and new hardware and new software, etc, etc) somewhere in the future and start beta-testing that as well.
Beta-testers? I should have said milk cows. Here, eat your grass and like it too while I milk you, day in, day out. And once I'm done with you of to the butcher you go.
SuSE, Linspire, etc, there are alternatives. But you need to replace your techie that provides life support for your Windows for a more enlighten one.
Oh, before I forget, Longhorn is a stepping stone towards Palladium (now called NGSCB). If you think SP2 will give you problems then wait until that hits the market and everyone gets "motivated" to start using Palladium as well. But ask any salesmen or single-platform minded techie to hear how wonderfull Palladium will be for you (and their revenue). Just don't ask any multi-platform techie because they can only provide cost aware and lasting solutions that'll require you, gasp, to learn to handle a somewhat different user interface.
MESH AMD64
After major windows problems, I wiped out my customer's MESH AMD64 computer, and installed XP again, then some drivers and then Service pack 2 , without any problems at all! After that I installed all the software (Norton antivirus, office, etc).
It was done a month ago, and all is well.
When I installed SP2 I had to reinstall XP just to get my computer working right again. I was unable to get to the system restore and the windows repair did not work either. I had to reinstall everything.
It is my personal opinion that Mr.Gates is forcing something on the public that not only does not work, but also locks you out of the freedoms you would previously have enjoyed with SP1. I think it's wrong to force the buying public to take something they don't want, or even better locks down their PC so you can only get what Microsoft Wants you to have (whatever he has controlling intrest in) . that's why for years he has tried to stop GNU licensce or freeware if you will because he cannot control it. Look foward to responces on this.
I think microsoft made a deal with the republicans, so they wouldn't break up microsoft.
SP2 also will not work on any Emachines or Gateway notebooks running AMD or mobile P4 processors. You have to reinstall from the restore disk...of course Microsoft says it's Gateway's fault, and Gateway says the opposite.
In response to Peter Mitchell's comments about microsoft SP2. I also have a Mesh AMD64 PC and will be effected. Howeer was told around september last year Microsoft was aware of the problem and dealing with it. But they seem to have done nothing to combat the problem. I too hope my system does not become unusable.
I response to Roberto. We americans are stuck with this too. It's not all Americans that are doing this. We don't agree with what one HUGE company is doing either.
It's not Americans, it's BIG businesses that are doing this. Whether it be an American business or French or whatever country the business belongs to, it's being forced upon all of us and there is little to nothing we can do about it.
By your email extention, I am assuming that you are French. If it wasn't for the good old USA, you would be speaking German now instead of French. Just my two cents worth.
Name: Roberto Lamaille
Occupation: Artist-painter
Comment: It's a shame. Typical atitude by americans that believe there the only one in heart, and can slavering other countries. Fuck off. We tired about the exactions made over all minimum rights, and no respect at all.
I'm responsable for wath I say, so, it is no need for me to hide my name. Wich is Roberto Lamaille at salasacas@noos.fr
Nice article - and nice theory about SP2 and organizations using SUS. But what about individuals and smaller companies who do not use SUS. And what about companies using SUS who have neglected to point a few machines to the server.
See article: http://www.boss-solutions.com/pr/BOSSNews_SP2%20Forced%20Update.htm
I personally beleive that this is yet another move of the MICROSOFT corporation to strengthen their Monopolisitic position in the Industry. Many of us know that SP2 has a lot of issues and it does not allow many softwares to be installed etc. The corporation claims that SP2 is the most secure tool.. blah blah.... and we all know about their claims about XP to be the most secure OS. Its yet another business game and the general public are the sufferers. I hope they reconsider this decision and act upon it.
Because a long break down with my computer, it takes to me long to answer.
My name is Roberto Lamaille.
So, I go to the point:
Yes, we do speak french, but not because US soldier haved freed Europe during WWII, but because Ingland have given them the right to be at short time to combat.
It a shame to sayd that America is the one who salve Europe, to many Inglish soldiers been sacrified, even Africans, Indoues.
On commemoretions, We see here in France, American troops instead of English, where the Connies have fight, or Canadians, Is that right???? Finally, I speak french instead of Ketchua, witch is my mother language. What about all partisans who help the allieds with criticals informations, preparing with the sacrifice of theire lifes, the place.
About majors company over rulling the world, never forget that is a huge economical politic made by the States. Remember also a very little thing, which is America is free in part because Lafayette, (French) offerd is help.
No, I'll never gonna accept to thanks Americans for what we are now. We steel paying right now the war effects till now, our economy is the reflect of the economic american laws just before the big crush in 1973. I whas leavind in Ann Arbor, in Michigan in that time, so I've seen what your politics have done. I whas also in Ecuador, my country of origines, and I saw how the libanees in our goverment have sold to the States, my poor country, lieying us that whas for our seek.
American petrofina have destroyed one quarter of the ecuadorian Amazone, with petroleum leaks, gases, polluted water.
My brothers Shuars are in one of the most poverty, the Ashanis also. If they dont give the right of prospections your killing them silently.
To give you a idea of who I am, I am a Salasaca and I will always fight against Americans invading my country. You have kill already millions of American Indians, your are not going to do the same in Ecuador or Peru or Columbia. You are already the major dealer of cocain in Colombia. It's enought.
A over welming of economic appetite my give you a huge indigestion. That the prospect you may expect in the futur, and remember, the world, mostly the poor countries won't forget wath you have done to us.
I do respect American people as single individual, but not your politic and your economical projects. The first right to keep in minde is to protect individual before a major destroying economic politic.
Yes, I leave in France, but steel actif in my fight. As a Indian (mestizo) i'll never rest.
hope I din't offended you wath so ever, but it semms to me that you don't want to try to change the worl for better. Yes, it's hard to fight against big, huge companies, but nothing it's impossible. And if the millions of littles enterprises made a Union, they will have power against the big ones. Keeping silence don't help. Inactivity made them complice with the main brain.
Now, I am in a wellchair, and I don't give up.
So, why don't you???
Sincerelly, Roberto (Yupanqui)
Please reply at my adress if you don't minde.salasacas@noos.fr and you may see my site at: http://www.lejardindelumieres.com, you wellcomme at any time.
Yes I've also got a Mesh Matrix AMD64 system and SP2 will not run on my machine. After SP2 has installed the machine will only start in safe mode and I have to use a pre SP2 restore point to get it running properly again. This problem has been around for a long while now I would have thought that either Mesh or Microsoft would have come up with a suitable solution by now.
If you are buying a new machine with XP2 as its OS it would be sensible not to consider Mesh as an option.
Has it ever occured to anyone that it is possible to "allow" viruses onto the operating system . It has been suggested that MS does exactly that.....then collects a kickback from Norton, MacAfee and others. As soon as i turned on automatic updates, and loaded SP2 my PC locked up and I barely had time to get my important files backed up.
Thank goodness I have moved all my business away from Microsoft.