techPowerUp! Forums

Go Back   techPowerUp! Forums > www.techpowerup.com > News

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old Dec 8, 2007, 04:25 PM   #1
Jimmy 2004
Eligible for custom title
 
Jimmy 2004's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: England
Posts: 5,047 (1.66/day)
Thanks: 134
Thanked 276 Times in 185 Posts
Send a message via MSN to Jimmy 2004

System Specs

Microsoft Releases Tool to Block Upcoming Service Packs

With the company putting the finishing touches to no less than three major service packs at the moment, Microsoft has released a tool which will allow users to prevent them from being automatically downloaded. The Windows Service Pack Blocker Toolkit lets users block XP SP3 and Vista SP1 for up to one year, and Server 2003 SP2 until March next year. There are three versions - an executable, a script and a group policy template - so take your pick. This is recommended for any users worried about potential security and stability issues that may result from installing the service packs.

Source: PC World

Last edited by Jimmy 2004; Dec 8, 2007 at 08:22 PM.
Jimmy 2004 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 05:03 PM   #2
effmaster
1000 Posts
 
effmaster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rocket City, Alabama (Huntsville)
Posts: 1,013 (0.48/day)
Thanks: 91
Thanked 78 Times in 37 Posts
Send a message via Yahoo to effmaster

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy 2004 View Post
With the company putting the finish touches to no less than three major service packs at the moment, Microsoft has released a tool which will allow users to prevent them from being automatically downloaded. The Windows Service Pack Blocker Toolkit lets users block XP SP3 and Vista SP1 for up to one year, and Server 2003 SP2 until March next year. There are three versions - an executable, a script and a group policy template - so take your pick. This is recommended for any users worried about potential security and stability issues that may result from installing the service packs.

Source: PC World
interesting heres to hoping that I won't need this though when Vista SP1 comes out next year

Edit: yay I got the first post lol
__________________
“i'd wear tpu panties.” -Random Murderer
“Good to see that you have your issue resolved!!Can I have 700 dollars?” -3991vhtes
Mussels i only pissed on the electric fence after i was told not to - DONT DO THAT.)
Musselsif erotic thoughts made me have seizures, i'd stop looking at porn
How to clean your toilet: http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=40450
effmaster is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 05:11 PM   #3
X-TeNDeR
75 Posts
 
X-TeNDeR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sharpening The Underdog's Teeth
Posts: 110 (0.05/day)
Thanks: 14
Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts
Send a message via ICQ to X-TeNDeR

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy 2004 View Post
This is recommended for any users worried about potential security and stability issues that may result from installing the service packs.
Its a Service Pack, its purpose is to address "potential security and stability issues"..
Maybe we need a Service Pack for the Service Pack
X-TeNDeR is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 05:13 PM   #4
Kreij
Hardcore Monkey Moderator
 
Kreij's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cheeseland (Wisconsin, USA)
Posts: 12,110 (5.28/day)
Thanks: 591
Thanked 5,488 Times in 2,932 Posts

System Specs

Can't you just shut off automatic updates?
Why is a new tool needed?
__________________

Cloud (noun, singular): A dynamic arrangement of multiple potential single points of failure, with a user at one end and their data at the other.


Get more tech news on a wide variety of topics at NextPowerUp
Kreij is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 05:13 PM   #5
panchoman
Sold my stars!
 
panchoman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,650 (3.11/day)
Thanks: 339
Thanked 1,227 Times in 1,036 Posts

System Specs

so ms isn't forcing us to upgrade?!?! wow, did ms get a new head of marketing or something?
__________________


Need any Graphics Made? Visit Graphic Artists United!
R.I.P Megan--Heaven has a new angel
panchoman is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 05:29 PM   #6
Jimmy 2004
Eligible for custom title
 
Jimmy 2004's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: England
Posts: 5,047 (1.66/day)
Thanks: 134
Thanked 276 Times in 185 Posts
Send a message via MSN to Jimmy 2004

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by X-TeNDeR View Post
Its a Service Pack, its purpose is to address "potential security and stability issues"..
You'd hope so, but that doesn't mean more get created by accident... also, some unusual applications may be adversely affected and require patches with new service packs, so some people prefer to wait and be sure.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kreij View Post
Can't you just shut off automatic updates?
Yes, but this way you can keep automatic updates enabled to get any other security patches.
Jimmy 2004 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 06:03 PM   #7
dnoiz
5 Posts
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 15 (0.01/day)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

It's amazing what a company like MS can release these days.

A SP blocking toolkit

Awesome...

R.
__________________
Fast, silent and beautiful !
dnoiz is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 07:22 PM   #8
mandelore
2000 Posts
 
mandelore's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: UK-small Village in a Valley Near Newcastle
Posts: 2,917 (1.18/day)
Thanks: 33
Thanked 152 Times in 127 Posts

System Specs

This is quite sensible really... alot of companies require solid stability without compromise, and that means no updates till they are properly vetted for their company needs.

Tis a good thing, so good going. Anyways, they are protecting their asses, coz if a company automatically got its update and it fuxored their inhouse software they'd not be best pleased
__________________
[img disabled]http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/eve_images/hiqsig.jpg[/IMG]
“looks like an extremely mouldy donut with veins and arteries” -hat
“OCZ has exploded their inventory, and new DDR3 offerings seem to be dropping like bombs over baghdad . . .” -imperialreign
mandelore is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 07:37 PM   #9
[I.R.A]_FBi
Eligible for custom title
 
[I.R.A]_FBi's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: c:\programs\kitteh.exe
Posts: 6,152 (2.81/day)
Thanks: 724
Thanked 556 Times in 461 Posts

System Specs

that should be finishing touches.
__________________
Rig 1+1
Athlon XP 2200+, MSI KM2M Combo, ATI 9200SE 128 MB DDR, 2 X 512 MB DDR333, 250GB + 80 HDD?

“try intel cpu, amd is only good for going to nude sites” -firehawkxd
“go for the 5850 now and play games while the nvidiots wait for the ceo to show an actual working product” -W1zzard
“An MSI logo? This offends my retina. I await your apology.” -MRCL

www.autolounge.com.jm
[I.R.A]_FBi is offline  
Reply With Quote
The Following User Says Thank You to [I.R.A]_FBi For This Useful Post:
Old Dec 8, 2007, 07:38 PM   #10
Kreij
Hardcore Monkey Moderator
 
Kreij's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cheeseland (Wisconsin, USA)
Posts: 12,110 (5.28/day)
Thanks: 591
Thanked 5,488 Times in 2,932 Posts

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy 2004 View Post
Yes, but this way you can keep automatic updates enabled to get any other security patches.
People trust the security patches but not the security patches in the SP?

I know what you mean, it just seams a little ironic to me.
__________________

Cloud (noun, singular): A dynamic arrangement of multiple potential single points of failure, with a user at one end and their data at the other.


Get more tech news on a wide variety of topics at NextPowerUp
Kreij is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 08:37 PM   #11
Nemesis881
200 Posts
 
Nemesis881's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dawsonville, GA
Posts: 467 (0.19/day)
Thanks: 187
Thanked 33 Times in 31 Posts

System Specs

Well I can't see how vista could get any worse so i'm just gonna bite the bullet and dl sp1 when its out.
__________________
“Nemesis is supposed to be badass.” -Metal-Head
Nemesis881 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 11:28 PM   #12
Davidelmo
200 Posts
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 322 (0.16/day)
Thanks: 28
Thanked 23 Times in 14 Posts

System Specs

Gotta love the fact that they don't trust THEIR OWN service pack

I know it can never be 100% safe and secure, but you have to love the irony
Davidelmo is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 8, 2007, 11:49 PM   #13
Chewy
2000 Posts
 
Chewy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Halifax, Canada
Posts: 2,616 (1.04/day)
Thanks: 325
Thanked 151 Times in 140 Posts

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy 2004 View Post
You'd hope so, but that doesn't mean more get created by accident... also, some unusual applications may be adversely affected and require patches with new service packs, so some people prefer to wait and be sure.

Yes, but this way you can keep automatic updates enabled to get any other security patches.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mandelore View Post
This is quite sensible really... alot of companies require solid stability without compromise, and that means no updates till they are properly vetted for their company needs.

They are protecting their asses, coz if a company automatically got its update and it fuxored their inhouse software they'd not be best pleased
So I guess this is just so it dont Fugger up some private/"unusual" software, us regular users I dont think will be needing this.
__________________
BUGABUGABUGABUGAAAAA!

From_Nowhere's perspective on Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates Promoting Windows Vista.
“Mac: "Woah, what are you doing?" Mac says as he levitates in the air. PC: "Playing Half-Life 2, this is my gravity gun." Mac: "Well I can sort of do that." PC: "Technically Mac, you have to become me first."” -From_Nowhere
Chewy is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 9, 2007, 12:35 AM   #14
Pinchy
3500 Posts
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 4,650 (1.80/day)
Thanks: 302
Thanked 360 Times in 344 Posts
Send a message via MSN to Pinchy

System Specs

Don't we have to pay for the new service packs when they come out ?
Pinchy is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 9, 2007, 02:34 AM   #15
CrAsHnBuRnXp
Eligible for custom title
 
CrAsHnBuRnXp's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 5,078 (2.49/day)
Thanks: 451
Thanked 640 Times in 526 Posts

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinchy View Post
Don't we have to pay for the new service packs when they come out ?
Pirate the service packs.

Just kidding.
CrAsHnBuRnXp is offline  
Crunching for Team TPU
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 9, 2007, 03:49 AM   #16
effmaster
1000 Posts
 
effmaster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Rocket City, Alabama (Huntsville)
Posts: 1,013 (0.48/day)
Thanks: 91
Thanked 78 Times in 37 Posts
Send a message via Yahoo to effmaster

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pinchy View Post
Don't we have to pay for the new service packs when they come out ?
Not for existing Vista users I don't think so. Am I wrong?
__________________
“i'd wear tpu panties.” -Random Murderer
“Good to see that you have your issue resolved!!Can I have 700 dollars?” -3991vhtes
Mussels i only pissed on the electric fence after i was told not to - DONT DO THAT.)
Musselsif erotic thoughts made me have seizures, i'd stop looking at porn
How to clean your toilet: http://forums.techpowerup.com/showthread.php?t=40450
effmaster is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 9, 2007, 03:54 AM   #17
Pinchy
3500 Posts
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 4,650 (1.80/day)
Thanks: 302
Thanked 360 Times in 344 Posts
Send a message via MSN to Pinchy

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by effmaster View Post
Not for existing Vista users I don't think so. Am I wrong?
Im not sure...

I forget how it was back with XP because I just let my old comp tech do the building .
Pinchy is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 9, 2007, 04:05 AM   #18
keakar
2000 Posts
 
keakar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,267 (1.01/day)
Thanks: 382
Thanked 301 Times in 216 Posts

System Specs

IMO the real truth behind this is that M$ was trying to create problems for xp users (screw it up and slow it down) through automatic updates so they would go out and buy vista, the problem is they messed it up too much but still want to put it out there so the solution was that they offer a blocking tool which i bet will end up causing needed updates from being downloaded.

the question is why??? if the new update is flawed then dont release it till its fixed or do it as a manual download.
i've been waiting for SP3 for years so waiting a few more months is no problem.
keakar is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 9, 2007, 08:37 AM   #19
mandelore
2000 Posts
 
mandelore's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: UK-small Village in a Valley Near Newcastle
Posts: 2,917 (1.18/day)
Thanks: 33
Thanked 152 Times in 127 Posts

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by keakar View Post
IMO the real truth behind this is that M$ was trying to create problems for xp users (screw it up and slow it down) through automatic updates so they would go out and buy vista, the problem is they messed it up too much but still want to put it out there so the solution was that they offer a blocking tool which i bet will end up causing needed updates from being downloaded.

the question is why??? if the new update is flawed then dont release it till its fixed or do it as a manual download.
i've been waiting for SP3 for years so waiting a few more months is no problem.
as i stated above, the reason will be because it takes alot more time for diff companies to test the compatability and stability of updates/service packs on their own software, how it will effect the business's day to day running etc..

alot of profit rides on the stability of their IT infrastructure, so any compramises to this will adversly affect their company. This blocking software gives them the time they need to make sure that nothing is gonna get bricked, no random crashes, frustrated customers, angry staff, lost profits. Makes sense really
__________________
[img disabled]http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b312/eve_images/hiqsig.jpg[/IMG]
“looks like an extremely mouldy donut with veins and arteries” -hat
“OCZ has exploded their inventory, and new DDR3 offerings seem to be dropping like bombs over baghdad . . .” -imperialreign
mandelore is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 9, 2007, 04:22 PM   #20
imperialreign
3500 Posts
 
imperialreign's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Sector ZZ₉ Plural Z Alpha
Posts: 4,001 (1.88/day)
Thanks: 272
Thanked 953 Times in 710 Posts

System Specs

Quote:
as i stated above, the reason will be because it takes alot more time for diff companies to test the compatability and stability of updates/service packs on their own software, how it will effect the business's day to day running etc..

alot of profit rides on the stability of their IT infrastructure, so any compramises to this will adversly affect their company. This blocking software gives them the time they need to make sure that nothing is gonna get bricked, no random crashes, frustrated customers, angry staff, lost profits. Makes sense really

Valid point.

. . . I'm just surprised MS has actually thought of this tool before SP3 release.


We all know they don't always have their best epiphanies before they release a product/update/service.
__________________

<Guide: Understanding audio specifications and hardware> <X-Fi Support Syndicate>
Hit me up on Steam: http://steamcommunity.com/id/imperialreign
{THERE IS MADNESS TO MY METHODS}
imperialreign is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Dec 10, 2007, 07:54 PM   #21
keakar
2000 Posts
 
keakar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,267 (1.01/day)
Thanks: 382
Thanked 301 Times in 216 Posts

System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by mandelore View Post
as i stated above, the reason will be because it takes alot more time for diff companies to test the compatability and stability of updates/service packs on their own software, how it will effect the business's day to day running etc..

alot of profit rides on the stability of their IT infrastructure, so any compramises to this will adversly affect their company. This blocking software gives them the time they need to make sure that nothing is gonna get bricked, no random crashes, frustrated customers, angry staff, lost profits. Makes sense really
a lot of profit also rides on the fact that they have to make sure everyone buys vista and leaves xp. they did this with win98 when xp came out and are following the same proven buisness strategy to slowly and hopefully not noticably do small updates that have the net result of slowing the older operating system down enough so that it convinces people to switch to the newer "faster" system.

i do not disagree with anything you said, however it has nothing to do with the point i was making about the larger overall goals M$ has and how that effects the way they look at updates being released for xp users.

if the new long overdue SP3 update has serious problems then dont "automatically" screw up my system because i wasnt paying attention to the latest M$ news release so that i could run to disable my autoupdate feature.

does it not make more sense to first release it as a manual download only so i can decide if i want to risk using it and later on after the bugs are all worked out make it into an automatic update? that is how they released IE7

as i said before, i've been waiting for SP3 for years so waiting a few more months is no problem.

Last edited by keakar; Dec 10, 2007 at 08:25 PM.
keakar is offline  
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 07:55 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.6
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
no new posts