Home
>
Software
>
Microsoft Blues

Microsoft Blues

With the advent of 'Service Pack 2' for Windows XP operating system, Microsoft have really made the forums hum.

Every forum on computer problems is replete with complaints that since downloading and installing 'SP2', many 'third party' applications don't work.

This service pack was needed to keep viruses and trojans out of people's computers when they are on the internet, but it has caused a world wide backlash against the software giant because people's favored applications won't work, or the computer crashes when they try to open them. Many people have said they will buy a Mac or try Linux instead.

What causes all this fury against Microsoft who are only trying to make surfing the internet safer?

Maybe there was an almighty rush to release this service pack before it had been thoroughly beta tested on all applications to see what the issues would be.

The complexity of this service pack is such that you really need to have a degree in I.T. just to set it's parameters, instead of relying on it's default settings, before you can successfully use it. It really needed a dvd movie to accompany it to visually show what you had to set before starting up any 'third party' applications, but this was not thought necessary because Microsoft were offering free technical support via a free phone number.

Some applications require that you open ports manually, but who would know that without clear instructions?

Some of the applications that need ports to be opened for them include the following:- "Visual Studio.Net", "SQL", "Backup Exec 9", "Ghost Server Corporate Edition 7.5", "Symantec Anti-Virus Corporate Edition 8.0", "SMS 2003 Server", "CuteFTP 5.0 xp", "Exceed 7.0 and 8.0", "Kea! 340 5.1", "View Now 1.05", "Microsoft Operations Manager 2000", "AutoCad 2004", "Backup Exec 9.1 4691", "Windows Scanner and Camera Wizard", "Cold Fusion MX Server Edition 6", "eTrust 6.0.100", "Netshield 4.5", "IBM Tivoli Storage Manager" ...and the list goes on.

Many games won't work. Games that need "DX9.0c" to run, are not supported by the 'SP2', so games don't run.

Virus scanning software by McAfee, Sourcenet, Sonic Wall, Command Anti-Virus, either give error messages, or crash the computer.

Most scanners including Umax scanners may not work and give error messages, or continually re-boot the computer.

Some of the features of Ebay Toolbar will cease to function. Users of Ebay's Enhanced Picture Service are locked out.

Applications which may not work are programs that have to contact a server to work at all, some ftp, multimedia streaming software, 'new mail' notifications in some email applications. Some programs reported not working are webservers such as "Internet Information Services" (IIS), "Remote Desktop", "File Sharing".

Many large companies are so concerned about the applications incompatability issues that IBM have notified all staff not to install 'SP2'.

Complaints to 'third party' software suppliers are soaring as if it is their fault applications don't work.

Even e-books downloaded from the internet are refusing to fully open.

The only way to get these applications to work is to uninstall 'SP2' by going to 'Start' then 'Control Panel' then 'Add Remove Programs'.

Microsoft, as if to shove the blame on users, have warned that installing 'SP2' on a 'spyware' infested machine is a 'bad idea'.

Summing up the pro's and con's of installing 'SP2', one forum poster stated it simply:-

"Windows XP is incompatable with SP2".

About The Author

Tony Dean is a published author and runs a web site selling ebooks and software for immediate download: http://www.ebook-sales.com

To subscribe to his weekly ezine 'Ebook-Sales Ezine' send blank email: http://www.ebook-sales.com

professional maid services Park Ridge ..

In The News:

A 2025 data breach at fintech company 700Credit exposes personal information of more than 5.8 million people through compromised third-party integration partner.

Retailers lose $76.5 billion annually to return fraud as nearly 10% of U.S. retail returns involve fraudulent activity, with $850 billion in returns expected in 2025.

ShinyHunters claims responsibility for stealing 94GB of Pornhub user data affecting over 200 million records and demands Bitcoin ransom.

ChatGPT 2025 now connects to Apple Music, Canva, Expedia, TripAdvisor and OpenTable through built-in apps that help users create playlists, design graphics and more.

Apple releases emergency patches for two zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in attacks. iPhone and iPad users urged to update immediately.

DoorDash launches Zesty, an AI-powered social app that recommends restaurants through conversational search, now testing in San Francisco and New York.

Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.

The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.

New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.

Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.

New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.

Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.

Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.

New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.

The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.

San Francisco Giants invite Jamie Grohsong to throw ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park after he learned to play baseball with a bionic hand following an injury.

FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.

Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.

Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.

Free up iPhone storage fast by clearing large photos and videos from Messages app. Simple steps for iOS users to delete attachments without losing chats.

Scammers are flooding inboxes with fake tracking alerts that mimic real carriers, exploiting the holiday rush to steal logins and personal data.

The Fox News AI Newsletter brings you the latest news on AI technology advancements and the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Texas family reunites with missing 11-year-old cat Grayson after 103 days using Petco Love Lost's AI photo matching technology and community help.

Tired of AI customer service loops? These insider tricks help you escape "frustration AI" and get real human help when you need it most for urgent issues.

Microsoft Blues

Software