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MS to Fix, Reissue Windows 2000 Rollup

By Nate Mook, BetaNews

August 8, 2005, 10:41 AM

Microsoft is planning to reissue its Windows 2000 Update Rollup, which took the place of Service Pack 5 on the aging, but still widely used, operating system.

Following reports of customers experiencing a number of problems post-install, Microsoft says it will release a new version of the Rollup that integrates hotfixes for such issues. The package includes over 50 patches, both security and non-security related.

"After the release of Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000 SP4, we identified several issues that may occur when you install this update rollup," the company wrote on its support Web site.

"If you are affected by these issues, we suggest that you do not install Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000 SP4 until the corresponding hotfix is available. We plan to reissue Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000 SP4 soon. Several hotfixes will be integrated into the new version of Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000 SP4."

According to the Microsoft Watch newsletter, users have been reporting application compatibility problems with products from Sophos, BlackICE and Panda. In addition, the Rollup disables the ability for Microsoft Office users to save to a floppy disk and may cause network printing problems.

Despite minor kinks, Microsoft says over 1 million Windows 2000 users have downloaded the post-SP4 Rollup and claims the "issues are isolated, and affect few customers."

Add a Comment (8 Comments)

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By Jose

posted Aug 9, 2005 - 4:20 PM

I'm starting to think that microsoft doesnt even test their stuff before sending it out.

Score: 0

By Kramy

edited Aug 8, 2005 - 4:25 PM

No problems here.

I don't know what vista will have, but it looks like a lot. Still, they are boasting a "background loading system", so apparently more programs starting won't slow down your computer as much?

Score: 0

By imafurby

posted Aug 8, 2005 - 2:51 PM

I like Win 2K, it's the least annoying Windows yet. No mess, no fuss, no crapware apps. If only they'd kept to that philosophy with XP.
God knows what "Vista" is going to look and act like. Not real keen to find out either.

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Aug 8, 2005 - 12:16 PM

I can't help but wonder... Does Microsoft *still* think it was better to go the Route of the Rollup... or would it have been wiser to delay the release for the additional testing required for service pack 5?

On the one hand, I'm disappointed that Microsoft didn't think this update through a little more (and include a more recent subset of hotfixes).

On the other hand, I also recognize that most of the problems described affect a small number of users, many of whom are experiencing conflicts with-- you may have guessed it-- unpatched, outdated software.

There are a few legitimate problems and concerns here though too. Glad Microsoft recognizes the issues are going back to the drawing board, but they need to call it what it is... Rollup 2 and advise customers to skip Rollup 1-- especially since the source article mentions that they intend to include a few additional, new hotfixes as well.

Score: 0

By athome

posted Aug 8, 2005 - 11:03 AM

I have had problems with my network ever since the installation.

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Aug 8, 2005 - 11:50 AM

And yet, you are still here... curious.

Hopefully, your issues will be resolved with the re-release.

Score: 0

By bourgeoisdude

edited Aug 8, 2005 - 11:13 AM

"According to the Microsoft Watch newsletter, users have been reporting application compatibility problems with products from Sophos, BlackICE and Panda. In addition, the Rollup disables the ability for Microsoft Office users to save to a floppy disk and may cause network printing problems."

Sounds pretty serious, but keep in mind this only affects SOME people with these apps. Our network had Panda Antivirus and SRP 1 installed with no problems, and we could save to floppy disks using our Office XP apps no problem.

Score: 0

By GoodThings2Life

posted Aug 8, 2005 - 11:49 AM

Actually, a majority of the problems are due to outdated DLL's and drivers included with older versions of the products. In the case of Panda and BlackICE (at least, possibly others), updating to the latest updates resolves the issues.

Score: 0

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