Mike Nomad
02-03-2009, 09:08 AM
http://images.newsfactor.com/images/id/8908/story-FEA-Stop-PC-Spies-1.jpgMicrosoft Will Halt Service-Pack Blockers for Vista, XP
By Patricia Resende - February 2, 2009 2:37PM
Microsoft is disabling service-pack blocker tools that allow companies to automatically reject service-pack upgrades. Specifically, Microsoft announced expiration dates for the service-pack blocker tool for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3. Microsoft's removal of the service-pack blockers will pave the way for Windows 7 adoption.
System administrators handling Windows Vista and XP for small and midsize enterprise networks may have some work ahead, on the path to the inevitable-looking Windows 7 upgrade.
Microsoft (http://www.cio-today.com/accuserve/accuserve-go.php?c=8376) gave a heads-up to enterprise IT professionals that the service-pack blocker tools for Vista SP1 and XP SP3 will expire on April 28 and May 19, respectively.
"I have some information for those of you who have installed the Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows XP or Windows Vista," wrote Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft's in-house Windows blogger. "We are announcing the upcoming expiration dates for the Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3."
LeBlanc gave the heads-up to administrators because Microsoft recognized the need for IT professionals to have information like this in advance and in order to be sure they are prepared to deploy the appropriate service packs when the blockers expire.
Released in December 2007, the blocker tools prevent service packs from reaching PCs via Microsoft's update service and through Windows Update. Service packs are usually issued when a company wants to strengthen the security and stability of the software.
What To Expect
Administrators are accustomed to Microsoft's issue of tools whenever the company launches major updates to its operating system and its browser, but knowing what to expect helps make the transition smoother.
Companies currently using the service-pack blocker tool for Vista or XP will be told to install Windows Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3 as appropriate, according to LeBlanc. Companies that don't want to download Windows
Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3 don't have to, according to Microsoft.
"Service packs will not automatically install on a machine even after the Service Pack Blocker tool expires," LeBlanc said. "For service packs, you must accept the offering before installation will start."
Blocking tools are still available for organizations that want to temporarily block installation of service-pack updates through Windows Update on Microsoft's Web site; they include a script to specify the remote machine name on which to block or unblock service packs, a Microsoft-signed executable that creates the Registry key, and an ADM template that allows administrators to include group policy settings.
Almost There
Microsoft's already popular and newest operating system, Windows 7, isn't slated to be available in its final form until the end of 2009 or early 2010. A trial version is currently available.
Organizations such as Georgetown University, however, have forbidden Windows 7 use during the trial period, saying that installing Windows 7 beta is too risky because it may disable antivirus software and cause other products, including printers, video cards, and other hardware, to not work properly. The university's information-services team also said problems with software and security programs may be a risk.
"Microsoft Windows 7 Web site states emphatically that there are risks associated with installing the beta version of Windows 7 and that it is not a finished product," read a Web posting from the university's information-services team.
SOURCE (http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=003000ARPBZX)
By Patricia Resende - February 2, 2009 2:37PM
Microsoft is disabling service-pack blocker tools that allow companies to automatically reject service-pack upgrades. Specifically, Microsoft announced expiration dates for the service-pack blocker tool for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3. Microsoft's removal of the service-pack blockers will pave the way for Windows 7 adoption.
System administrators handling Windows Vista and XP for small and midsize enterprise networks may have some work ahead, on the path to the inevitable-looking Windows 7 upgrade.
Microsoft (http://www.cio-today.com/accuserve/accuserve-go.php?c=8376) gave a heads-up to enterprise IT professionals that the service-pack blocker tools for Vista SP1 and XP SP3 will expire on April 28 and May 19, respectively.
"I have some information for those of you who have installed the Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows XP or Windows Vista," wrote Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft's in-house Windows blogger. "We are announcing the upcoming expiration dates for the Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3."
LeBlanc gave the heads-up to administrators because Microsoft recognized the need for IT professionals to have information like this in advance and in order to be sure they are prepared to deploy the appropriate service packs when the blockers expire.
Released in December 2007, the blocker tools prevent service packs from reaching PCs via Microsoft's update service and through Windows Update. Service packs are usually issued when a company wants to strengthen the security and stability of the software.
What To Expect
Administrators are accustomed to Microsoft's issue of tools whenever the company launches major updates to its operating system and its browser, but knowing what to expect helps make the transition smoother.
Companies currently using the service-pack blocker tool for Vista or XP will be told to install Windows Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3 as appropriate, according to LeBlanc. Companies that don't want to download Windows
Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3 don't have to, according to Microsoft.
"Service packs will not automatically install on a machine even after the Service Pack Blocker tool expires," LeBlanc said. "For service packs, you must accept the offering before installation will start."
Blocking tools are still available for organizations that want to temporarily block installation of service-pack updates through Windows Update on Microsoft's Web site; they include a script to specify the remote machine name on which to block or unblock service packs, a Microsoft-signed executable that creates the Registry key, and an ADM template that allows administrators to include group policy settings.
Almost There
Microsoft's already popular and newest operating system, Windows 7, isn't slated to be available in its final form until the end of 2009 or early 2010. A trial version is currently available.
Organizations such as Georgetown University, however, have forbidden Windows 7 use during the trial period, saying that installing Windows 7 beta is too risky because it may disable antivirus software and cause other products, including printers, video cards, and other hardware, to not work properly. The university's information-services team also said problems with software and security programs may be a risk.
"Microsoft Windows 7 Web site states emphatically that there are risks associated with installing the beta version of Windows 7 and that it is not a finished product," read a Web posting from the university's information-services team.
SOURCE (http://www.newsfactor.com/story.xhtml?story_id=003000ARPBZX)