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Microsoft Lists SP2 Incompatibilities

Posted by michael on from the what-us-worry dept.

thejuggler writes "ZDNET has a story about how the new XP SP2 causes conflicts with over 50 applications and causes problems with others including some of Microsoft's own products. The 'glitch' as they are calling it seems to be that the Windows firewall system is turned on by default and blocks unsolicited connections to your computer. You have to unblock certain ports as your applications require to make the apps work again. They are calling this a glitch, but I thought we wanted everything blocked by default so we would have to choose what was unblocked?" The BBC has a story as well.

4 of 539 comments (clear)

  1. SP2 firewall. by Eeknay · · Score: 5, Informative

    You know what happens when SP2 blocks a connection via the firewall? It let's you know. It also let's you take the option of unblocking the program straight away. I had this problem with X-Wing Alliance and Unreal Tournament 2004. When no servers came up, I thought it was my connection, but a quick-alt tab reveals that Windows has a pop-up that actually informs you that it's blocked the game/application. So, don't be too quick to bash. Turning the firewall on by default is a good idea. I mean, why don't you go bash ZoneAlarm or a similar firewall app? It blocks all access by default, and "learns" as you use your computer more, and that's all the SP2 firewall is trying to do.

  2. Even more interesting by callipygian-showsyst · · Score: 5, Informative
    Even more interesting, (but rejected by /. moderators) is this LONG LIST of everything that Microsoft fixed.

    See if you can find your favoirite bug on this list!

    --
    Best Buy can have you arrested
  3. Re:QA anyone? by obeythefist · · Score: 5, Informative

    RTFA please.

    The same applications would all stop working if you installed any firewall, hardware or software, router or ZoneAlarm.

    This has nothing to do with QA testing - obviously if you enable a firewall, some apps are going to stop working.

    Why on earth is it microsofts QA departments fault that you can't FTP if your FTP port isn't open on your firewall?

    If you think that it really is MS's fault after actually reading the article - then yes, you should be shot. Twice. Darwin save us all.

    --
    I am government man, come from the government. The government has sent me. -- G.I.R.
  4. clueless parent poster by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    Parent poster embarasses himself and does not understand that "admin" != "root" on a macintosh.