MS is pushing SP2 through Automatic Update

[SOS]

BLINK.NU (http://bink.nu/Article3472.bink)
REMINDER REGARDING BLOCKING SP2 DOWNLOADS VIA AU AND WU (http://bink.nu/Article3472.bink)

The intent of this alert is to provide you with a reminder about the upcoming deadline around the date on which Automatic Updates (AU) and Windows Update (WU) will deliver Windows XP SP2 regardless of the presence of the blocking mechanism. This dateline is quickly approaching.

Based on customer feedback, Microsoft provided the ability to temporarily block the delivery of Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) via Automatic Update (AU) and Windows Update (WU) in August 2004, so that our customers can complete their testing and implementation of their deployment mechanism for SP2.

Beginning 12 April 2005 this temporarily blocking mechanism will expire and systems with Automatic Update enabled or interactively download SP2 via Windows Update will begin receiving SP2. Note that this is also the scheduled day for the monthly cumulative release of security updates.

Microsoft strongly encourage customers to take the appropriate steps to implement SP2 deployment decisions by that time. More information and guidance about this temporary blocking mechanism at source.


Softwae Update Service (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/sus/default.mspx) -to stop it from happening if you want to stop it.


Programs that will lose functionality. (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130&product=windowsxpsp2)


Programs that will stop working (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=842242)

[mascan42]

Anybody notice that a massive update that is known to cause certain programs to not work properly is being forced on us just before the tax deadline? What happens if your accountant's computer gets fucked up? Will MS pay the late fees for your taxes? :cussing

[MikeyP]

Fuckin' Microshaft... Ah well, I gotta make sure that 200+ PCs are set for SUS instead of AU.
Thanks for the info, SoS.

[SOS]

Beware unplanned SP2 downloads on April 12 (http://blog.informationweek.com/windows/archives/002597.html)

Products that will NOT work with SP2. (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=884130&product=windowsxpsp2)


On Tuesday, April 12, Microsoft will turn off the blocking feature that has made it possible for some enterprises to block Windows XP Service Pack 2 downloads by employees who use Automatic Update. That means in companies that used the blocking tool, SP2 will be downloaded automatically to desktop computers that use Windows' Automatic Update feature.

In its April 4 report on business adoption of Windows XP SP2 (http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=160403344), AssetMetrix warned that a surge of SP2 downloads on April 12 could stress IT help desks and cause "productivity brownouts" among employees. But a Microsoft spokesman downplayed that scenario, saying fewer than 1% of Microsoft's enterprise customers ever used the blocking tool anyway. Small businesses and consumers will be unaffected by the change, he says, because the blocking tool was not available to them.

AssetMetrix advises companies that did use the blocking tool, yet now want employees to upgrade to SP2, to do so gradually before April 12 in order to avoid a big-bang support problem. It's worth noting that April 12, as the second Tuesday of the month, is the same day that Microsoft is scheduled to release its monthly software patches, if any are forthcoming.

[JohnFromPhilly]

isnt it nice how a fuckin' service pack that will ruin Windows XP is still showing up in Windows Update? MS needs to get with the program, i dont have to worry about it with my Mac and my tower has Win2000.

Punching Out.

[RandomNY]

I never use auto update.. Well the only thing this will do is give me back the hundreds of computers, I have repaired, since SP2 was released.

Most of the machines that have had SP2 forced into them have needed to be restored. {SARCASM ALERT-- SONY VAIO's love SP2{end SARCASM ALERT--

Well more 6 day work weeks for me then.. :) WHOO HOO...

[Nothing Sound]

I installed SP2 about 2 months ago on both of my computers
and I have no problems at all. As a matter of fact my desktop computer
runs much better than before the update.

[Hammersmith]

We have installed it across our entire organization and it works just fine. Just make sure that you are free of spyware before you install.

[ShaunC1000]

using it since beta.. no problems
I don't like it how it forces the firewall on you.. a lot of the people at my work will change those settings because they think they're securing their PC better and I have to change them back each time.. if you know what you're doing SP2 won't be a problem

[d0uche_n0zzle]

I installed SP2 about 2 months ago on both of my computers
and I have no problems at all. As a matter of fact my desktop computer
runs much better than before the update.

Mine too, didn't exactly like having to download 94 MB file though. Must say that my computer is running better then ever. *crosses fingers*

[Mavprick]

Im another one with out any problems with SP2. When I first installed it I had trouble with nero but that was patched and fixed right away.

[MilitantRabbit]

No problems here

[Smoke]

The only problems I saw with it related to the in CPU/boot detection, the Biostar board my store sells wouldn't work with it without a BIOS update so it cost us about 20 hours dealing with all the people who had issues (Thanks to updating early). It's been out now for over 6 months, so any software that had issues (like Nero) have had updates released for a while. If you're pirating CAD software that you profit from like one of our customers, well, tough shit. Pay for the software and get the update deek, instead of blaming me for breaking your stuff... Ah well, whatever.

[RandomNY]

Still not using it here and will not use until I'm forced too.

[mascan42]

I'm using it without any problems, but the scanning software my company gives out with some of our fax/copier/printer/scanners needs a patch to work properly with SP2.