Windows XP update could cause support chaos

Dom · Jun 28, 2004, 03:46 PM

The major changes to Windows XP brought by Service Pack 2 (SP2) are bound to cause support headaches. Analysts, users, PC makers and Microsoft Corp. all expect a spike in help desk calls.

SP2 is due out in the third quarter, so it could be out as soon as next month. The service pack will be downloaded automatically into many PCs through Microsoft's Windows Update service and could create problems, including breaking current applications, disrupting networking set-ups and prompting nontechnical users to make PC configuration decisions that may be beyond their grasp.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is still working on a plan to support the security-focused update. "We're working hard on getting together a support plan," said Matt Pilla, a senior product manager at the software maker in Redmond, Washington. One decision has been made; Microsoft will offer no-charge, worldwide telephone support for the service pack, Pilla said.

Microsoft is returning to its policy to provide free support for service packs after leaving support for Windows XP SP1 to the PC makers, Pilla said. Nevertheless, Hewlett-Packard Co., Dell Inc. and Gateway Inc. are also gearing up for the release of SP2 and will support their customers, spokespeople for the PC makers said.

Support directly from Microsoft is more valuable than help provided by PC vendors because it is more in-depth, said Victor Go, vice president of technology at Landmark Theatre Corp., which uses about 600 PCs running Windows.

Read More...

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Source: InfoWorld

germanjulian · Jun 28, 2004, 03:57 PM

lol no really? thats why I will wait 2 weeks till i install it. to get the patches for teh patch

Judas · Jun 28, 2004, 06:27 PM

I absalutely think that Microsoft is doing something right here... they are really starting to pin down the security issues.... they are making massive sweeping changes that should have been made with the first service pack (although it DID make a good amount of difference)..... Chaos? well, so be it.... maybe these other companies will be forced into programing there software a little tighter then letting it slack and be unsupported with updates and upgrades made.....

Jun 28, 2004, 03:46 PM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,942 Rep Power: 0	Windows XP update could cause support chaos The major changes to Windows XP brought by Service Pack 2 (SP2) are bound to cause support headaches. Analysts, users, PC makers and Microsoft Corp. all expect a spike in help desk calls. SP2 is due out in the third quarter, so it could be out as soon as next month. The service pack will be downloaded automatically into many PCs through Microsoft's Windows Update service and could create problems, including breaking current applications, disrupting networking set-ups and prompting nontechnical users to make PC configuration decisions that may be beyond their grasp. Meanwhile, Microsoft is still working on a plan to support the security-focused update. "We're working hard on getting together a support plan," said Matt Pilla, a senior product manager at the software maker in Redmond, Washington. One decision has been made; Microsoft will offer no-charge, worldwide telephone support for the service pack, Pilla said. Microsoft is returning to its policy to provide free support for service packs after leaving support for Windows XP SP1 to the PC makers, Pilla said. Nevertheless, Hewlett-Packard Co., Dell Inc. and Gateway Inc. are also gearing up for the release of SP2 and will support their customers, spokespeople for the PC makers said. Support directly from Microsoft is more valuable than help provided by PC vendors because it is more in-depth, said Victor Go, vice president of technology at Landmark Theatre Corp., which uses about 600 PCs running Windows. Read More... ______________________ Source: InfoWorld

Jun 28, 2004, 03:57 PM	#2
germanjulian Back in London Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: London Posts: 1,794 Rep Power: 0	lol no really? thats why I will wait 2 weeks till i install it. to get the patches for teh patch __________________ /\|\ Asus P5W DH Deluxe, Intel C2D E6600, 2GB Corsair XMS2-6400C4 DDR2, E-VGA GeForce 7800 GT, Creative X-Fi Extreme Music, 500GB Seagate 7200.10 SATA, Lian Li PC-V1100 Aluminum Case Black, etc. http://germanjulian.com /\|\