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Microsoft Releases SP4 for Windows 2000
Snake_Plisken writes "I checked Windows Update today on a lark and found that Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 has been released." You can read a short CNet article discussing the media player patches as well as one more about
the fixes in SP4.
But when are they going to release a service pack for Windows NT4?
I'll wait until it's been ported to Linux.
Best Windows Freeware
AWWWWW...I just got SP3 installed last night!
CB
free ipod and free gmail!
Any brave souls out there already applied this yet? I am looking at about 100 Win2K boxes that will potentially need this...so anyone with feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Someone post the diffs between SP3's and SP4's EULAs :)
What do you think we are? a bunch of piraters?
Go here for the change log to Windows 2000 Service Pack Four. Some of the changes are quite amusing.
"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." - Oscar Wilde
Here's the Service Pack:
1 00 0101001100100000000001111110101010010101010101...
10101010010010001010111101000001010110100111111
Yeah, right! Come out of the closet. You like Microsoft! This guy can't be trusted ;)
Honk if you're horny.
And here you can read about the newest security leak which is not patched by this servicepack ;) :)
That guy who analysed the buffer overflow also found a funny easteregg in the buggy dll file.
Another Microsoft patch? It must be Thursday. I never could get the hang of Thursdays...
So what? Everyone should have a valid license, if you own win2k ;) Else, you can get it here anyway
Slashdot, reporting on a Windows update, without making some kind of wise-crack about it?
Did Microsoft buy OSDN?
..There's a-dooin's a-transpirin'
Now I can upgrade from Windows 2000, SP3, hot fix 06052003, ntoskernel patch 5.0022, security rollup 05142003. Yea!
Karma: The shiznight, mostly because I am the Drizzle.
As always, please read before blindly updating...
SP4 FAQ
Lists of fixed bugs
DavaK
The Scary part is, I've found Win2000 to be the most stable and reliable Windows ever released. 63,000 defects? I wouldn't doubt it. The part that worries me with how well 2000 works, how many defects do the 9x, XP, and NT versions contain?
The preceding post was not a Slashvertisement.
I wouldn't call a Service Pack for one of the most popular operating systems just "every patch". Service Packs come out about once a year.
And if you really want to talk about relevance, I'll guarantee you there's far more Win 2000 boxes out there than any of the Free OSes...
I checked Windows Update today on a lark...
:)
Quick! Somebody port Linux to a sparrow so we can stay ahead of the curve!
Today songbirds, tomorrow fur bearing mammals!
I like you, Stuart. You're not like everyone else, here, at Slashdot.
Another SP.. means it's time to backup everything "just in case".
Stupid murphy's law. Why can't you be more like moores law? At least we get some benefit from you!
Anyone who is subscribed to the WKML knows that this path has been in CVS
for ages. Good news though, Palmer Cox will be maintaining the old versions
for all of you ancient Win98 types.
Can't wait to get my hand on Longhorn, I heard Andrea Billcangeli is working
on a better DRM architecture.
we just got done with testing on sp3 and gave the ok for the techs to install it yesterday.
you're all figments of my deranged imagination
Just make sure you get the network installation - express installation doesn't download the files, just the installer.
~Berj
And to think that in 1990 that was written as a joke... now it seems like a rather accurate description of reality.
Beep beep.
We all know what this means, another service pack will be hurried out shortly to fix whatever awful bug this one introduces... :-)
I checked Windows Update today on a lark...
That just says it all right there, doesn't it? Checking the patch levels on the most widely used operating system in the world is considered a flighty, fickle act one does in a moment of insanity.
It's almost enough to make me wish I didn't relate to the sentiment.
Actually more than that - they counted as high as 65535, but then their bug-reporting software went titsup.
My next sig will be ready soon, but subscribers can beat the rush
I hate to say it, but when I read changelogs for many Linux apps (or the kernel), they simply say "Fixed bug in foo.c". That doesn't tell me a whole lot as an end-user.
My beliefs do not require that you agree with them.
This site has a pretty good list of weird MS Support documents.
I'm not looking at the terms of the EULA to confirm this, but I've read that MS Service Packs are cumulative, in that when you install SP4 you are agreeing to install SP3 (along with its EULA). If true, this means that by installing SP4 you are agreeing to the terms of SP3.
Nope, no sig
Except this is what it was: a trojan, but with an all new date, and an all new filename. Someone has just rereleased this baby.
Fortunately, a few things clued me in:
(1) It said it was from Microsoft. But the URL said from a Verizon ad.
(2) It called me a Microsoft Client. I've never felt so humiliated. I do *NIX or Mac.
(3) It claimed to fix ALL the known security flaws in Windows. This one should have been obvious.
(4) It was advertised to work on Win9x, ME, and 2000. My guess is that Microsoft doesn't do a whole lot for Win95 people who haven't upgraded. I could be wrong.
(5) It included an executable. [??? how did that slip past my ISP??? They normally strip executables.]
Anyhow, for those of you who use Windows, be aware [once again, and again and again] that those trojans are not to be run.
Correct Horse Battery Staple: 72 bits of entropy. Enter "Correct H" into google. When it generates the phrase, that's
Of course, the existence of the bug in the first place never put their customers at risk. What a crock of shite. Reminds me of MS's recent purchase of a virus protection sooftware company.
1. Sell software with security holes
2. Sell protection against those same holes
3. Profit!
The arrogance is astounding.
Comment?!
There is no service pack for the "french" version of W2K, like there was for the 2nd service pack. I do hope they end up making one or that it doesn't matter which one you install...
I downloaded the 2nd service pack *twice* last time: one time in english (to realise it wouldn't install) and one time in french.
Fun-fun-fun.
Semantics is the gravity of abstraction
I am!
I rate pi at 3.14159
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lampposts...for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang
They (Microsoft) already did that; it's called Windows XP.
Don't believe me? Go look at the version numbers on 2000 and on XP.
Windows 2000 = Windows NT 5.0
Windows XP = Windows NT 5.1
Every cloud has a silver lining (except for the mushroom shaped ones, which have a lining of Iridium & Strontium 90)
Interestingly enough, the only two languages SP4 appears to be available in, currently, is English and German.
Not to say that Microsoft is authoritarian or anything, but I can just hear Colonel Klink saying it now...
Ve Haff Vays of MAKING YOU UPGRADE!!!
Quod scripsi, scripsi.
You can use the handy official Microsoft desktop support lifecycle wizard to see how long they plan to support each desktop OS version. Windows 2000 will be fully supported through 3/31/05, then it will enter "extended support" for two more years (extended=more expensive). After that you're on your own. Win2k server follows basically the same guidelines, except that in the "extended" support period you need to pay for non-security-related hotfixes.
Sure, Linux gets patched too. Quite a lot in fact in some distributions (I run Gentoo). But there are some important differences.
1. I can patch Linux myself if needed. No such option with Microsoft. Maybe I can disable the service or firewall it, but that's about it.
2. Fixes for most distributions actually come fast, and don't get lumped into huge "service packs" that take months to come out, and forever to download on a modem (bet at MS they have a nice connection and don't even remember what it's like to have a 56K line). And if a distribution lags, I can just find how the problem was fixed and apply the patch myself.
3. I can decide exactly what to install. In Windows it's either a whole service pack, or nothing at all.
4. There's much less patching, actually. The kernel, and base tools tend to be patched very little. Of course, if you have a 20GB installation you'll see patches quite often, but I don't consider instant messengers and web browsers to be a part of the OS.
5. Patches don't come with EULAs, DRM, or changes in licensing terms.
SUPPLEMENTAL END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT
MICROSOFT WINDOWS 2000 SERVICE PACK 4
PLEASE READ THIS SUPPLEMENTAL END-USER
LICENSE AGREEMENT ("SUPPLEMENTAL EULA")
CAREFULLY. BY INSTALLING OR USING THE
SOFTWARE THAT ACCOMPANIES THIS SUPPLEMENTAL
EULA, YOU AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS
SUPPLEMENTAL EULA. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE, DO
NOT INSTALL OR USE THE SOFTWARE AND, IF
APPLICABLE, RETURN IT TO THE PLACE OF
PURCHASE FOR A FULL REFUND.
THIS SOFTWARE DOES NOT TRANSMIT ANY
PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION
FROM YOUR COMPUTER TO MICROSOFT
COMPUTER SYSTEMS WITHOUT YOUR CONSENT.
1. GENERAL
This EULA is a legal agreement between you (either an
individual or a single entity) and Microsoft Corporation
("Microsoft"). The accompanying Microsoft software
includes computer software and may include associated
media, printed materials, online or electronic
documentation, and Internet-based services
(collectively, the "Components"). The Components are
provided to update, supplement, or replace existing
functionality of Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional,
Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, Microsoft Windows
2000 Advanced Server, and Microsoft Windows 2000
Datacenter Server (the "Software"). Your use of the
Components is subject to the terms and conditions of
the end user license agreement (either from Microsoft
or some other entity) under which you have previously
licensed the Software (the "Software EULA")
and this Supplemental EULA.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A VALIDLY LICENSED COPY OF
THE SOFTWARE, YOU ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO
INSTALL, COPY OR OTHERWISE USE THE COMPONENTS
AND YOU HAVE NO RIGHTS UNDER THIS
SUPPLEMENTAL EULA.
2. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF YOUR USE
OF THE COMPONENTS
a. Installation and Use.
Provided you comply with all applicable license terms and
conditions contained in the Software EULA (which are
hereby incorporated by reference except as set forth
below) and this Supplemental EULA, Microsoft grants
you the right to reproduce, install and use one
copy of the Components on each of your computers
that is running a validly licensed copy of
the Software ("Computers").
b. Reservation of Rights.
The Components are protected by copyright and other
intellectual property laws and treaties. Microsoft
Corporation or its suppliers own the title, copyright,
and other intellectual property rights in the Components.
All rights not expressly granted to you in this Supplemental
EULA are reserved. The Components are licensed, not sold.
c. Capitalized Terms.
Capitalized terms used in this Supplemental EULA and not
otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned
to them in the Software EULA.
3. AUTOMATIC INTERNET-BASED SERVICES.
The Software features described below are enabled by
default to connect via the Internet to Microsoft
computer systems automatically, without separate
notice to you. You consent to the operation
of these features, unless you choose to switch
them off or not use them. Microsoft does not
obtain personally identifiable information
through any of these features. For more
information about these features, please see
your Software documentation or the Microsoft
online support site.
a. Windows Update Features.
Under the Software's default configuration, if you connect
a device to your Computer and the correct device driver is
not available on your Computer, then Windows Update
features on your Computer (including Device Manager
and the Plug & Play CDM Module) automatically attempt
to check Microsoft computer systems via the Internet
for the correct device driver. Having this happen
automatically makes Plug-and-Play
Thank bob for these. I've been waiting for these for a long while. Hibernate is a real time saver, but I can do with less device problems and without the occasional corrupt MBR when using it.
Interestingly enough, XP does an excellent job at hibernating, but my next laptop will be running OSX. I can't see myself paying out for an XP upgrade. Pretty colors, system restore, and it breaks PGP for only 150-200 dollars? No thanks.
Because XP feels so flashy, childish and dumbed down, I'd either go to Linux or Win2k if my current XP install goes completely ka-boom. 99% of what I've done with XP is make it like 2k, but once that was done I don't see any technical reason to downgrade either.
Kjella
Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings
I checked Windows Update today on a lark
Are you using an update of the Avian Carrier standard? Or is there simply a lack of pidgeons in your area?
If its a new standard, can we see some benchmakrs, and comparisons with the Avain system. Also does it support IPv6?
Thanks
If this was Apple they give it a dot rev and charge $129 for it.
Same deal - XP (NT 5.1) is only a dot rev past W2K (NT 5.0).
I think 2003 Server is NT 5.2, but don't quote me on that.
I can't for the life of me understand some of the comments I read in response to this article about SysAdmins who are actually INSTALLING this thing right now to a bunch of users without testing!
This isn't a flame against Microsoft, it makes sense to fully test anything like this, be it OSX, Redhat, Windoze, whatever. Those that are deploying without testing are doing SysAdmin's in general a complete disservice-- it makes us all look bad when something goes wrong.
It just doesn't make any sense to me to even consider deploying before it has been out a while and tested. A service pack is a cumulative rolloup of security fixes and bug fixes and occasionally some enhanced features. Yes, there are additional fixes that haven't been distributed yet, but unless you HAVE to install it, you can wait a couple of weeks and test it in production before deploying it to everyone in your company.
Look at Winnt SP3 and SP3a. They released SP3a shortly after 3 because of some problems with the service pack. Frankly, I wouldn't want to be the sysadmin who installed it on all my clients to discover all the problems! Crazy!
"Look! There! Evil, pure and simple from the Eighth Dimension!" --Buckaroo Banzai
"Come on, how many icons and groupings can a default win2k have wrong? I doubt they have 10,000 help pages."
:)
Doesn't sound like ya know, does it? I don't know how you can leap from an "I doubt" comment to a "this is clearly..." statement.
"This is why Windoze 2000 can't run more than a few days in a row."
Funny, I had a home-made Tivo running Windows 2000 that had an average up-time of 3 months. I've got an NT4 Exchange Server that's been up for 80 days here. We used to have an IIS webserver running gon NT4. It was up for well over 6 months. We never needed to restart it, but we did have to physically move it a couple of times. My desktop machine has been running for about 13 days now. It'd have gone longer but my UPS is flaking out on me. Not bad for a machine that I do 3D animation and play games on.
" Trust your observations to tell you that software simply sucks."
Think I'd be defending 2K if I had 'observed' that the software 'simply sucks'?
"Balderdash! Windows2000 runs on intel 386. Wince runs on ARM. That's it. What do you think this is, free software that's compiled to specific x86 processor families, Motorola, ARM, Alpha, "
A machine is not a processor, it's a complete setup. Never heard of the old "Windows is on 90% of desktops" stastic before?
"you will always be at the mercy of the service patch that requires you to give up hope of privacy."
Actually, if you had read the EULA instead of going by the sensationalized Slashdot version of it, you'd know that the purpose isn't for MS to go sniffin around your machine. The reason it's there is to support a number of the features they added to Windows to deal with the virus problems that have been plaguing it. Go read it.
"Pull your head out of your closed source place please."
I would suggest you do a little thinking on your own instead of repeating all the stuff you've heard on Slashdot that gets modded +5 Insightful.
"Free software has fewer bugs and does more than any dinky windoze distro will ever. "
That's a myth. I'll give the Open Source community credit for responding to bugs in a timely manner, but you need to face facts that Open Source Software is rarely both well designed and bug free. Run a few commercial apps in front of an ordinary user and then run a few free apps in front of an ordinary user, most of the time he or she will be able to tell you which is which. "well, the commercial one seems to be friendlier to me while the free one is confusing to use."
" The complextiy you are thinking of is a legacy of all the dirty tricks M$ used over the years to kill of software rivals. That does not exist in free software and never will. "
Yeah, that's scientific. Heh.
"This is why free software PCs don't have to be turned off until the power fails."
Riiiiiiiight. We'll see how stable your Linux machine gets when games start becoming available. You'll find out just how 'rock-solid' it is then. Linux machines are not being used like Windows machines are, so drawing comparisons like that is not very informative.
Nice bit of Linux propoganda tho. Bucking for a +5 Insightful?
Anyone know how badly this breaks terminal services? Damned MS, they never could make a service pack that didn't break terminal servers in some way or other.
Running SP4 as I type now...
I remember a lot of nay-sayers said XP SP1 wouldn't work on a pirated install. (We didn't realize that our sysadmin used pirated copies of XP, but...) SP1 worked fine on XP Pro Pirated Edition.
>I think they're at SP6 for that one....
SP6a actually, SP6 had some problems.
Microsoft officially stops selling NT4 licenses
and providing support on the 30th of July, which is next monday.
I will still be running it for some time to come.
NT4 includes version 2 of IE. IE2 is so old it dosn't support http1.1 and can't access virtual hosted sites cutting it off from a lot of the web.
With mozilla it is practical to run NT4 without installing a later version of IE. Installing IE4+ and ending up with bits of IE jammed into the system DLL's significantly slows down NT. Without IE it is pleasent to use on a 200MHZ machine given plenty of RAM.
I want a new version of NT4 with updated drivers and USB support which I would happily roll out instead of 2k. Microsoft plans to maximise revenue direct otherwise.
QNX, anyone? Only way to bring IT down is buggy HW! (10yr uptimes aren't unheard of on QNX)
For those of you who don't realize it, this post seems to reference this troll, which has been appearing all over the place.
You have a very good point. It can be difficult to understand what is going on using things like group policy. I fully agree that writing a script that simply logs into the machine and runs the executable is much more.....understandable. However, once you do learn and understand group policy, it becomes very easy to administer and use it to your benefit.
That said, yes, I know very well what is going on when I use group policy. ( I do it on a daily basis) Troubleshooting failed group policy can be major a pain in the ass, but, like anything, once you've done it a few times, you get better at it. Typically I wouldn't monitor traffic flow, although that would give you a good idea if it was actually downloading the software. There are some tools to troubleshoot GP, gpresult being the first one I use. It's not perfect, but I do trust it.
Also, a windows sysadmin could also just write a script to install the pack, you just wouldn't use ssh to log in to the machine, you would use something like sysinternal's psexec. So, to sum up...yes, I know what it does and I trust it, but that doesn't mean you couldn't do it similar to your method on windows box.
Geek used to be a four letter word. Now it's a six-figure one.
People will pass up steak once a week, for crap every day.
Actually, it's not the fact that it's pirated that a service pack wont install. The service pack installer checks your CD key against known pirated keys.
The most well known XP Pro Corporate key (which had shown up on newsgroups months before XP was released) is banned. I've tried to install XP SP1 with it, and it just error's out. There are a few places on the net however, where you can find tutorials on how to change the XP CD key.
I would expect this new service pack does the same thing.
Snarf This.
... is somewhat troubling. I am unable to cleanly reboot the box (it just lays there like a lame date), and I had to remove two instances of a file called mobsync.exe in order for my system to regain stability. With this file running, I was unable to run any instances of the explorer (including control panel) and the entire system became unstable. Luckily, I was able to bring up the Task Manager to kill it, and used Find to find/delete the files. The file protection box will pop up, of course, but you can decline to have the files reinstalled.
Just my experience so far...
"You're getting brutal, Sark. Brutal and needlessly sadistic."
"Thank you, Master Control"
-Sark and the MCP
Never update or make a change on Friday or before a holiday. This is a best practice.
As for SP4, I'll wait a few weeks before I upgrade my wife's laptop (on the off chance Microsoft will have to pull it or update it).
Yeah it is; that's odd though, because I've tried it on at least 6 different machines, and it refused to install on all of them until I changed the key. Did you just use the Windows Update to install SP1? Perhaps that works, because I downloaded the entire SP1 and installed it offline.
Snarf This.
I wouldn't know. I would say no because the key and ISO showed up in newsgroups at least 2 to 3 months before XP was released (There's even a picture of someone holding the rip in front of Microsoft's X days until XP launches sign). I myself had it one month before...Not that I kept it or anything ;P
I'm sure Microsoft got wind of the key long before anyone actually used it and I would guess whoever may have gotten the key was issued new a new one.
Snarf This.