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Microsoft Telling Users To Uninstall Bad Patch

msm1267 writes "Microsoft announced last night that it has stopped pushing a security update originally released on Patch Tuesday because the fix is causing some PCs to blue-screen. Microsoft recommends users uninstall the patch, which is also causing compatibility issues with some endpoint security software. MS13-036 was part of this week's Patch Tuesday update. It addressed three vulnerabilities in the Windows Kernel-Mode Driver, which if exploited could allow an attacker to elevate their privileges on a compromised machine. Users began reporting issues earlier this week with some systems failing to recover from restarts, or applications failing to load, after the patch was installed."

154 comments

  1. Points at Microsoft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    Hideki!

    1. Re:Points at Microsoft by Chris+Mattern · · Score: 1, Funny

      Hideki!

      Chi!

    2. Re:Points at Microsoft by flimflammer · · Score: 0

      Well that's a new one.

    3. Re:Points at Microsoft by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      There's so few people that will understand the significance...
      So funny though ;-)

  2. Here's how to uninstall it.. by americamatrix · · Score: 5, Informative

    Just incase your having the problem, here is the easiest way to uninstall the update.

    Open an elevated Command Prompt and type "wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:2823324 /quiet /norestart" without the quotes.

    You should be good to go now :)


    -americamatrix

    1. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      I thought it was:

      • 0) unlock secure boot
      • 1) reboot to FreeDOS
      • 2) format C: /q
      • 3) install another OS

      Windows 8 itself is the "patch" no?

    2. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      How is that easier than navigating through four dozen menus and dialogs of advanced options? I really don't understand you command-line people.

    3. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I typed "wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:2823324 /quiet /norestart" without the quotes.

      And windows said 'The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.' - without the single quotes.

      Geesh, I should just stay with Linux - it's so much easier!

    4. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      You missed the whoosh step.

    5. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Toreo+asesino · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Kudos for providing some actual useful info for an MS product on Slashdot. Unfortunately it's a rarity around these parts.

      --
      throw new NoSignatureException();
    6. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      That's definitely not the easiest, that's what you do when you're too fucking stupid to fix the problem by uninstalling the patch.

    7. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Are you sure it's not a driver problem? Most Windows bluescreens are driver problems.

    8. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Have you tried turning it off and then on again?

    9. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

      The command in americamatrix’s post is intended for use after you’ve install the windows update(s), but before you’ve rebooted your system to fully apply them. It may also work after rebooting if the update doesn’t prevent a successful reboot, but does cause other problems (e.g. causing Kapersky to lose its license). It’s basically the same thing as using the Programs Control Panel “View Install Updates” feature to uninstall it.

      Also, I’d recommend leaving off the “/quiet” flag so that you get some comforting feedback that it has actually worked. So: “wusa /uninstall /kb:2823324 /norestart” (no need for “.exe” either, of course).

      If you’ve already rebooted your system and now cannot get into it because of the update (symptoms may include a false indication of file system corruption on a hard drive [Event ID 55], STOP: c000021a {Fatal System Error} status 0xC000003a, or “Windows failed to start Status: 0xc000000e”), there are other ways to remove it, involving either using System Restore or Boot to Command Prompt and issuing a command.

      Full details at: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2839011

      Note that this update is apparently only applied to systems running Windows 7 pre-SP1 or SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 pre-SP1 or SP1, or Windows Server 2008 non-R2 SP2 (any edition of any of these). If you’re running Windows XP, Vista, or 8, presumably this won’t be an issue as the update would never even have been offered via Windows Update.

    10. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's probably a hardware fault.

    11. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by GigaBurglar · · Score: 2

      It's actually easier to take a leaf out of the book of the majority and forgo updating at all; indefinitely.

    12. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by GigaBurglar · · Score: 1

      cleer ur cashey

    13. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Molochi · · Score: 2

      Remember, you need to restart the machine three times.

      --
      "The Adobe Updater must update itself before it can check for updates. Would you like to update the Adobe Updater now?"
    14. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by synapse7 · · Score: 1

      Then sifting through the list(is it even sortable) of installed updates for the proper kb to be removed.

    15. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I must be dumb.

      How do you uninstall the patch at a bluescreen?

    16. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by hairyfeet · · Score: 2

      What is useful? Another posted his CLI doesn't work, and for another neither he nor MSFT said WHAT HARDWARE CAUSES THE FAULT which frankly without THAT knowledge is worth fuck and all because I've applied the patch to a couple dozen bog standard desktops and laptops and? I got nothing. Its gotta either be a funky driver or a piece of funky hardware that is causing this because if its anything bog standard I usually run into it but so far AMD, Intel and Nvidia graphics, Realtek and Sigmatel sound, AMD and Intel chipsets (don't have any Nvidia chipsets on hand ATM) and I haven't seen squat, just been another patch Tues round here.

      Oh I did have to reboot my old nettop a couple of times but considering the fact the hard drive already has some bad sectors and the entire system is older than dirt and I'm just waiting on the hardware to finally die because i REALLY don't want to deal with one of my own machines on top of all the other machines I got to deal with? I honestly can't say it was the patch, might have just tried to write to a failing sector. Its an old XP box and XP never was great at dealing with failing sectors...meh its working fine now, left it on for 3 days and its still going when I came in so who cares.

      So if anybody knows what actual hardware or software actually causes the thing it would be nice to know, then I'd at least know if any of these systems are at risk, because right now they seem to be running fine and the 2 that got picked up I haven't heard squat from the owners so I'm guessing they are running fine as well.

      --
      ACs don't waste your time replying, your posts are never seen by me.
    17. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Thornburg · · Score: 1

      Note that this update is apparently only applied to systems running Windows 7 pre-SP1 or SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2 pre-SP1 or SP1, or Windows Server 2008 non-R2 SP2 (any edition of any of these). If you’re running Windows XP, Vista, or 8, presumably this won’t be an issue as the update would never even have been offered via Windows Update.

      If that's the case, then why does the linked bulletin list every version of Windows under the sun (including RT and Server 2012!) as affected?

    18. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As a certified MCSE, I would like to know where to click.

      Terminals are for *nix fanbois.

    19. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What happens when the Russians remove this patch?

    20. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      >

      Geesh, I should just stay with Linux - it's so much easier!

      Did you try rebooting?

    21. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by toph2223 · · Score: 1

      Nice work man.. Really appreciate that :D

    22. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by HybridST · · Score: 1

      I use an eight-pound sledge myself. YMMV.

      --
      Ever notice that Cobra Commander sounds an awful lot like Star scream?
    23. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by TheRealMindChild · · Score: 2

      Well, they may not be able to single out exact hardware, just some examples which fail. This patch was to win32k.sys which, among other things, provides the hardware abstraction layer to the NT/Win32 API. It could have made assumptions that turned out not true on corner-case hardware, could have been a problem with actual buggy hardware that didn't follow published specs (not uncommon), or any number of crazy things.

      --

      "When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make life take the lemons back!" -- Cave Johnson
    24. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by AnotherAnonymousUser · · Score: 1

      Most helpful comment on Slashdot ever!

    25. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Please include screenshots.

      And, blur out your private LAN IP address so the hackers don't get you!

    26. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're referring to the typical freetard M$ hater. Which is all we have on this site.

    27. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Tharkkun · · Score: 1

      What is useful? Another posted his CLI doesn't work, and for another neither he nor MSFT said WHAT HARDWARE CAUSES THE FAULT which frankly without THAT knowledge is worth fuck and all because I've applied the patch to a couple dozen bog standard desktops and laptops and? I got nothing. Its gotta either be a funky driver or a piece of funky hardware that is causing this because if its anything bog standard I usually run into it but so far AMD, Intel and Nvidia graphics, Realtek and Sigmatel sound, AMD and Intel chipsets (don't have any Nvidia chipsets on hand ATM) and I haven't seen squat, just been another patch Tues round here.

      Oh I did have to reboot my old nettop a couple of times but considering the fact the hard drive already has some bad sectors and the entire system is older than dirt and I'm just waiting on the hardware to finally die because i REALLY don't want to deal with one of my own machines on top of all the other machines I got to deal with? I honestly can't say it was the patch, might have just tried to write to a failing sector. Its an old XP box and XP never was great at dealing with failing sectors...meh its working fine now, left it on for 3 days and its still going when I came in so who cares.

      So if anybody knows what actual hardware or software actually causes the thing it would be nice to know, then I'd at least know if any of these systems are at risk, because right now they seem to be running fine and the 2 that got picked up I haven't heard squat from the owners so I'm guessing they are running fine as well.

      The article says it's conflicting with certain endpoint security software. That would be antivirus or encryption and I know from using McAfee EPE modifying a kernel driver can cause your machine to blue screen. So it makes perfect sense. Then again if you have an Endpoint Encryption suite running and you aren't testing your Windows updates prior to pushing them you should be asking yourself if you're qualified to do your job.

    28. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Sponge+Bath · · Score: 1

      Why would you want to uninstall this Blue Screen of Defense security patch? Nothing is more secure than a non-functioning system.

    29. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Just incase your having the problem, here is the easiest way to uninstall the update.

      Open an elevated Command Prompt and type "wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:2823324 /quiet /norestart" without the quotes.

      You should be good to go now :)

      -americamatrix

      Here's the MS article on how to remove the patch: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2839011

    30. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Well, Microsoft chose to saturate Slashdot discussions with marketing people. What did you expect?

      FWIW, as a former employee -- posting in any social media anything related to your job or the company is a fireable offense if you do so without regularly disclosing that you work for Microsoft.

      There is *precisely* 0% chance there's any Microsoft marketing people in discussions here, commenting on anything related to Microsoft, without disclosing that. People are regularly fired for it.

    31. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      And killing people is a capital offense, yet the government has people whose job it is to kill. I bet MS has professional trolls who are exempt from your rule.

    32. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by rot26 · · Score: 1

      How could anyone be fired for doing something that 0% of them do?

      --



      To ensure perfect aim, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target
    33. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by hawkinspeter · · Score: 1

      That's why they outsource it to a different company. They're not employed directly by Microsoft, so they don't have to disclose anything.

      --
      You're a temporary arrangement of matter sliding towards oblivion in a cold, uncaring universe
    34. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by DigiShaman · · Score: 2

      According to MS KB2829011, the security updates breaks Kaspersky anti-virus in that the license is not valid. Kaspersky also has an endpoint product as well. I have a feeling that MS is purposefully hiding the fact that using Kaspersky is what's itching the bug in ntfs.sys.

      --
      Life is not for the lazy.
    35. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Windows 8 is pretty good actually. They improved Windows 7 a lot, you just can't always notice those changes right away. Once you get a start menu replacement program, it's basically just windows 7 with the nicer stuff.

    36. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Are you sure it's plugged in...?

    37. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Trax3001BBS · · Score: 1

      It's actually easier to take a leaf out of the book of the majority and forgo updating at all;

      That's what I've done in the past, disabling auto updating, I'd go and get the ones
      that were really needed. Never using IE skip those and firewall the one installed.
      It's also what I advised others to do, Usenet.

      Before an update could take down your system, it's been so long since an update
      caused any problems; that just recently I've started downloading them, figuring
      they'd finally got their act together.

      As fate may have it I passed on the one mentioned here.

      Indefinitely.

      Yes indeed.

    38. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by GaratNW · · Score: 1

      When they said uninstall a bad patch, I just thought that was a euphemism for Windows 8.

    39. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You are incredibly edgy.

    40. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by DontBlameCanada · · Score: 1

      O Hai there paid M$ shill.

    41. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by dcollins117 · · Score: 1

      They are fired preemptively, before they are even hired.

    42. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by sapgau · · Score: 1

      It's all good except for Windows XP users, T_T

    43. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Ol+Olsoc · · Score: 1

      There is *precisely* 0% chance there's any Microsoft marketing people in discussions here, commenting on anything related to Microsoft, without disclosing that. People are regularly fired for it.

      How can people be regularly fired for something there is a 0 percent chance of them doing?

      --
      The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
    44. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by hairyfeet · · Score: 1

      Well that makes sense, I don't have any customers using that software, they are all using Comodo AV which hasn't had a problem with this. I uninstalled anyway, just in case, but none of the systems showed any kind of issues so I figured it was a corner case thing.

      --
      ACs don't waste your time replying, your posts are never seen by me.
    45. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sorry, it got on my 8 machine via automatic updates. Very easy to remove. Just point and click and its gone. But why did not Microsoft release a back off update?

    46. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Black+LED · · Score: 1

      That's what I do. I have auto update disabled and only manually update to the latest patches after they've been out for a while.

    47. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by DigiShaman · · Score: 1

      Same here. I just performed server maintenance this week on about 12 units. They're a mix of Server 2008 and 2008 R2. We use Trend Micro WFB and VIPRE Business. No problems yet *knock on wood*.

      --
      Life is not for the lazy.
    48. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by NemoinSpace · · Score: 1

      People are regularly fired for it.

      You mean Microsoft regularly fires people for NOT doing it?

    49. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      wmic qfe list brief /format:htable > "%USERPROFILE%\hotfix.html"

      command creates html hotfix list in user directory

    50. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by hairyfeet · · Score: 1

      This is why I never understood how anybody could bitch about MSFT patches. I mean do you have ANY idea how many times I updated my laptop or desktop when I was running Linux and had an update break something? More than I could possibly count, wireless and sound the worse though, I don't think I ever had sound AND wireless come through completely unscathed once, one or the other would ALWAYS get broken. And this was bog standard hardware too, nothing exotic.

      Considering the amount of hardware that Windows runs on and software that runs on it? Love 'em or hate 'em everybody should give them credit for this because its fricking amazing how little breakage occurs with their updates. And when there IS breakage like in TFA it is nearly always some weird corner case, like in this case a funky kernel hooking driver (which how many times has MSFT asked companies not to use weird kernel hooks for precisely this reason?) which went nuts most likely because it expects the kernel to be X size or behave in X manner which it doesn't now. which if they would have just used the APIs frankly they wouldn't have had to care, but hey what can ya do.

      --
      ACs don't waste your time replying, your posts are never seen by me.
    51. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by GigaBurglar · · Score: 1

      It's like walking the plank.. abandon ship!

    52. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Douglas+Goodall · · Score: 1

      I got through step 2, but when it came to step 3 the computer wouldn't boot. I need to access my data on the computer, what do I do now?

    53. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by TheRealDevTrash · · Score: 1

      What it is, is LUPUS.

      --
      I used to be /dev/trash but Slashdot no longer allows slashes for usernames.
    54. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "If you’re running Windows XP, Vista,,,presumably this won’t be an issue as the update would never even have been offered via Windows Update."
      Wrong!
      My machine Vista Ultimate x64 is DEAD... black screen, flashing cursor upper left screen, and never even attempts to load Windows. I can only boot the machine from an installation disk and even the Recovery Tools are useless.
      Microsoft should post a universal Boot File, and Fix that can be burned to a CD on a good machine or use with a Flash Drive for machines with BIOS that support Boot from other device. The fix should remove the offending update, repair the file system kernel-mode driver, ntfs.sys.
      Why the hell should I have to spend hours trying to figure out how to undo their screw-up's? Frustrations does not come near a description of how PO'd people are and have every right to be.

    55. Re:Here's how to uninstall it.. by RockDoctor · · Score: 1

      Just incase your having the problem, here is the easiest way to uninstall the update. Open an elevated Command Prompt and type "apt-get install Linux" without the quotes.

      FTFY

      --
      Birds are not dinosaur descendants;birds are dinosaurs, for all useful meanings of "birds", "are" and "dinosaurs"
  3. One driver eh? by BitZtream · · Score: 0, Redundant

    It addressed three vulnerabilities in the Windows Kernel-Mode Driver

    The? When did their become ONE 'driver' for all of windows?

    Not that its the editor or submitters fault, its that way in the actual KB article.

    Apparently MS has hired the slashdot guys to edit/approve new knowledge base entires.

    --
    Persistent Volume manager for Kubernetes - https://github.com/dwimsey/openshift-pvmanager
    1. Re:One driver eh? by BitZtream · · Score: 2, Insightful

      FAIL ... yes, I know, if you're going to edit troll it helps if you can post a properly written post yourself ... I failed :(

      --
      Persistent Volume manager for Kubernetes - https://github.com/dwimsey/openshift-pvmanager
    2. Re:One driver eh? by __aaqvdr516 · · Score: 2

      The original knowledge base article which is linked to the fix contains the kernel mode drivers. It makes sense in the context of the linked articles, so the fault with the confusion lies with threatpost.com for not providing all the relevant information.

      This link is the knowledge base article in question:
      https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2829996

      The kernel mode drivers are: ntfs.sys and win32k.sys.

      I guess that's what happens when you use a summary of a bugfix to write an article.

    3. Re:One driver eh? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      One Driver to rule them all, One Driver to find them,
      One Driver to bring them all and in the darkness bind them

  4. Reminds me of another patch . . . by smooth+wombat · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Microsoft put out years ago which killed ones network connection.

    The solution? Go back to Microsoft's site to get the updated patch.

    Erm, yeah. Great idea. You kill my network connection then want me to go back to your site to fix the issue.

    So much for the vaunted "best and brightest" following standard project processes such as TESTING.

    --
    We will bankrupt ourselves in the vain search for absolute security. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower
    1. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Hello. My name is Anonymous Coward. You killed my network connection. Prepare to die.

    2. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      It turned out it killed the network connection /except for the Administrator account/ so downloading the fix was very feasible.

    3. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by Endo13 · · Score: 3, Funny

      STOP SAYING THAT!

      --
      There is no -1 Disagree mod. Slashdot.org/faq defines mod options. USE IT.
    4. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by lord_rob+the+only+on · · Score: 1

      If you have problems with your network, contact your company's IT team by email.
      (ok stupid joke I know, couldn't resist :)

    5. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Very?

      You must not manage many boxes.

    6. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by green1 · · Score: 1

      If only my company would figure out that this is a joke! They frequently send us emails to notify us that the network is down and not to call support because they are aware of it... Great idea guys, but if I could get to my email I wouldn't be calling support!

    7. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by interval1066 · · Score: 2

      I doan thin that word means wat you thin it means.

      --
      Python: 'And then suddenly you have a language which says "we're all stuck with whatever the whiniest coder wants".'
    8. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It was for NT4. You couldn't remote-apply patches.

    9. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by Endo13 · · Score: 1

      Inconceivable!

      --
      There is no -1 Disagree mod. Slashdot.org/faq defines mod options. USE IT.
    10. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You keep using that name. I don't think you are who you think you are.

    11. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you guys are referring to the XP patch that killed networks, how were we supposed to know that it didn't kill the Admin account? This is the first I heard that, and I got bit by it ten years ago. I'd just installed XP from a boxed set, everything worked fine, the next morning I have no internet. My ISP said they could see my modem but not my computer so it must be a LAN card. I was set to replace the card, but reinstalled XP because the stupid STUPID OS disabled my disk burning software, informed me of that fact on every boot, but wouldn't let me uninstall the damned program.

      I reinstalled Windows and I was back on the internet. Reapplied the patches and I was hosed again. Set it to never autoupdate.

      And installed Linux dual-boot. If Windows didn't suck so bad, nobody would use Linux.

    12. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by TheLink · · Score: 1

      I think many ISPs do the reverse - they don't invest in proper network monitoring and let their customers and call centre do the network monitoring for them ;).

      --
    13. Re:Reminds me of another patch . . . by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      how were we supposed to know that it didn't kill the Admin account?

      Unlike today, even as recently as 10 years ago, there was usually *1* guy in the neighborhood that knew how to do basic troubleshooting.
      i have to give you some credit for not replacing the LAN card, (even though we both know it was soldered in)

  5. Why I never auto-install updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I set Windows Update to notify and download updates, but never to auto-install them. I also usually hold updates a few days before installing. Use the same policy with my Linux boxes and have never run into problems.

    1. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by O('_')O_Bush · · Score: 3, Insightful

      That is a good strategy, but, unfortunately, many of us using business computers (issued laptops, etc) don't have that kind of control over the update policy.

      --
      while(1) attack(People.Sandy);
    2. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Endo13 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      And if your business is worth a shit, their own strategy is even more careful and rigorous than what the GP posted.

      --
      There is no -1 Disagree mod. Slashdot.org/faq defines mod options. USE IT.
    3. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You mean they are still using Windows XP?

    4. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If you're using 'business computers', got affected by this and feel more than a little peeved, lighten up. You now, at last, have a legitimate reason to bash your sysadmin. Of course legitimately bashing sysadmins is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (for he will smash you right into the concrete with his full plate armoured cherry keyboard), so be sure to make the most out of it.
      --
      Just to avoid any liability issues:
      THIS ADVICE IS PROVIDED BY 'ANONYMOUS COWARD' ''AS IS'' AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED YADA YADA YADA, ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL 'ANONYMOUS COWARD' BE LIABLE FOR ANY ... THING AT ALL (YOU KNOW THE DRILL) HOWEVER CAUSED, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF YEAH, WHATEVER.

    5. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by The+Rizz · · Score: 1

      I do the same. Unfortunately, Windows will attempt to install them by default whenever you shut down the computer - you have to choose a special "shut down without installing" option while there are any critical updates waiting for install.

    6. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by ultranova · · Score: 1

      But then again, is a problem with an issued computer your problem? Surely you have your own computer and only use the business computer for business matters? Who knows what spyware it might have, after all.

      --

      Forget magic. Any technology distinguishable from divine power is insufficiently advanced.

    7. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Frontier+Owner · · Score: 1

      That is a good strategy, but, unfortunately, many of us using business computers (issued laptops, etc) don't have that kind of control over the update policy.

      or better yet, windows update is disabled. We only get updated when out IT department deems it necessary.

    8. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Brucelet · · Score: 1

      Exactly! Wait for the first adopters, or "gamma testers", to demonstrate that something is actually safe to use.

    9. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Then you should use one of the other settings that doesn't do that. It's not hard but don't let me interrupt your FUD.

    10. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How many times your systems have been infiltrated during this time? For some vulnerabilities, the window of protection is less than 45 minutes.

    11. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by datavirtue · · Score: 1

      Yeah, Windows 8 will straight sneak up and fuck you. On my laptop I've started it up to find that updates where applying-- half a fucking hour until I could use my laptop. What if If I was popping it open top start a [presentation? This has happened several times now without notification of any kind.

      --
      I object to power without constructive purpose. --Spock
    12. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Fortunately I work for Microsoft so such a thing can never happen he.... >>> CARRIER LOST

    13. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Dunbal · · Score: 1

      Not many actually. Windows 7 is pretty good. All these vulnerabilities they are patching only work when the attacker has local access to your machine. And everyone will tell you that if someone has local access, that machine is compromised, period, no matter what OS you are running.

      --
      Seven puppies were harmed during the making of this post.
    14. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      This isn't just a business issue with lack of end-user control. My university (very large, over 40,000 students) requires automatic updates be enabled and a bit of software be installed to.check that setting in order to connect to the campus network. Sure, you can choose to not have Windows automatically install updates, but then you've chosen to not use your computer on the campus network.

    15. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by dehole · · Score: 1

      Microsoft knows better than you whats good for you, apparently.

    16. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by TheLink · · Score: 1

      Doesn't even have to be more careful or rigorous. Set the autoupdates to be on Monday then there'd be 6 days for others to notice the problem and for the update to be pulled. Can't remember the last time where Microsoft pulled a BSOD level Windows update more than 6 days after it was released.

      Of course it doesn't work if everyone starts doing that ;).

      The other problem with the "Download updates and let me choose when to install them" option is many versions of Windows have a nasty habit of changing the shutdown menu to default to "shutdown and install updates" or something like that. It's not good to have Windows apply updates when the machine is shutting down due to a low battery situation...

      --
    17. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Endo13 · · Score: 2

      Or, ya know, have your IT team install it on a test box for a few days to see if anything breaks. That's how most businesses would do it. Well, the ones that care enough to set policies on downloading windows updates anyway.

      --
      There is no -1 Disagree mod. Slashdot.org/faq defines mod options. USE IT.
    18. Re:Why I never auto-install updates by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Many small businesses don't have much of an IT team.

  6. Re:something is causing windows to bluescreen by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    1999 just called...

  7. So, based on the linked garb, this only... by gatesstillborg · · Score: 1

    ...affects Vista, 7, /Server? Shoot, perhaps we're already seeing the impact of failing to support XP! :)

  8. Windows versions affected by felipou · · Score: 3, Interesting

    All versions of Windows since Windows XP are affected! How much code from Windows XP is still used in Windows 8??

    1. Re:Windows versions affected by gewalker · · Score: 5, Insightful

      I don't know that answer, but I would hope that the answer was "quite a lot of it". Old cold is not bad code, it is the code that has generally stood the test of time. Not that it is defect free, but that the defect rates are generally lower than the newly written code. Even such basic steps as recompiling for 64-bit, causes new breakage (old code was defective, but the problem was masked). This appears likely to be one of those old problems that became unmasked with the latest patch.

    2. Re:Windows versions affected by Dins · · Score: 5, Funny

      How much code from Windows XP is still used in Windows 8??

      You know how chimpanzees share something like 98% of their DNA with humans? It's like that...

    3. Re:Windows versions affected by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      It's a kernel mode driver change/error. It would be like God doing a bad update on hydrogen.

    4. Re:Windows versions affected by Minwee · · Score: 2

      You know how chimpanzees share something like 98% of their DNA with humans? It's like that...

      Has anyone told Prenda Law about this? Those chimpanzees may have to pay a bundle to avoid being sued for all that unauthorized sharing.

    5. Re:Windows versions affected by GigaBurglar · · Score: 1

      And 50% with a banana - you are what you eat as 'they' say..

    6. Re:Windows versions affected by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Hey, maybe that's where our form of matter came from!

    7. Re:Windows versions affected by mikazo · · Score: 1

      You'd be surprised to find that some old code from 16-bit Windows is still kicking around in Windows 8... things just get ported to the next OS so that they work. Code is only re-written or developed from scratch if it's for new features or the old code was so broken or impossible to port that it had to be re-written.

      --
      I was only 28,931 registrations away from having a 6-digit UID
    8. Re:Windows versions affected by Ravaldy · · Score: 1

      I would think that whatever didn't need changing would use the same code. You wouldn't recode the calculator if it worked.

    9. Re:Windows versions affected by Curate · · Score: 1

      There's no 16-bit code in the 64-bit versions of Windows. 16-bit code requires the NTVDM (virtual DOS machine) to run, and NTVDM is not present in 64-bit Windows. Now 32-bit Windows still has NTVDM, and a handful of old 16-bit command line programs (command.com, edit.com, etc.) are thrown in as well, but none of these are essential to Windows. These are old DOS commands that have been dropped in Windows.

    10. Re:Windows versions affected by mikazo · · Score: 1

      I meant as I wrote it, "old code from 16-bit Windows" that is compiled into 64-bit binaries (obviously with some modification to make it work). Some of the code has been around since the 16-bit days and just molded to make it keep working in 32-bit and 64-bit Windows.

      --
      I was only 28,931 registrations away from having a 6-digit UID
    11. Re:Windows versions affected by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Run a Diff on the Source, and find out...

    12. Re:Windows versions affected by marvinglenn · · Score: 1

      And Windoze 95 is an ancestory of yours.

      --
      The whores get mad when the sluts give it away for free.
    13. Re:Windows versions affected by StormReaver · · Score: 1

      You know how chimpanzees share something like 98% of their DNA with humans?

      I'm always having to tell the chimpanzees to keep their DNA to themselves, thank you very much.

    14. Re:Windows versions affected by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That would be one heck of a Windows 8 commercial.

  9. Re:something is causing windows to bluescreen by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
  10. Good Thing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Nothing critical runs on Windows. Not the NYSE, the NASDAQ, Tokyo, London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, TMX, or NSA. And the backend systems are major banks aren't keeping track of assets and currency with Windows, either... are they!? Is that what happened to the EU?!

    Damn it, Microsoft. At least you haven't, "meddled with the primal forces of natures."

    Wait... are they using Windows at CERN?

    1. Re:Good Thing by idunham · · Score: 0
  11. Re:something is causing windows to bluescreen by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

    Quick! While you have them on the line, tell them about 9/11, the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, 2011 Thoku earthquake / tsunami and Fukushima Daiichi disaster! Oh, and see if you can have them drop a note in the mail to 1999 me that says "12-03-30: 46-23-38-04-02/M23", he'll know what to do with it.

  12. Bad Patch? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Is that the code name for Windows 8?
    *ba-dum-dump-ching!"

    Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week with material as fresh as the buffet! Please remember to tip your waiters & waitresses!

  13. Running NTFS.SYS version 6.1.7601.18106 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Just fine here, oddly enough, no problems on reboots etc./et al here @ all, whatsoever, on Windows 7 64-bit...

    * Upon manually installing my updates for this past "Patch Tuesday" here, 1 was "rejected" as "does not apply to your operating system version" (something very along those lines was the specific err message/abend)!

    (Thus, fact is, I'd wager possibly that THAT was the very one that didn't install here (luckily enough I guess)).

    I.E.-> No failure to reboot properly etc. here @ all, whatsoever, with THAT particular NTFS.SYS file version in place...

    APK

    P.S.=> The article from Microsoft states these facts as to proper version numbers for Windows 7 64-bit near as I am able to tell from reading there cursorily @ this point @ least:

    FROM -> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2823324?wa=wsignin1.0

    Ntfs.sys
    6.1.7601.18106
    1,655,656
    02-Mar-2013
    06:04
    x64

    & the NTFS.SYS filesystem driver version reported here by rightclicking on the NTFS.SYS file (under %Windir%\system32\drivers) says the exact same... & just judging by that date, I never got the "updated" (downdated really) version to install, per what I noted above about 1 hotfix NOT installing here!

    ... apk

    1. Re:Running NTFS.SYS version 6.1.7601.18106 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I hope you've blacklisted microsoft.com in your HOSTS file, too! Otherwise you might still inadvertently get the update!

    2. Re:Running NTFS.SYS version 6.1.7601.18106 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      1 was "rejected" as "does not apply to your operating system version" (something very along those lines was the specific err message/abend)!

      Calling an informational message "abend" does not give me confidence in your technical knowledge.

  14. hmmm looky there what was lurking in my updates... by Greg01851 · · Score: 1

    Good thing I saw this article, THEN looked at my pending updates... I had just set up my new computer with Win7 64bit yesterday... and of course had tons of updates to do... Wonder why it stayed in the list even after I refreshed if there's such an issue with it?

  15. Windows - Destroying hardware and helping sales! by oxidus60659 · · Score: 1

    Windows update has fried at least two pieces of my hardware in the last year. First it torched my videocard immediately after restarting for a windows update. Next, the PCI express slot wouldn't register on my motherboard, good thing I had another one!

  16. i got blue screens for other reasons by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    slightly off topic but -

    i got a blue error screen related to my video card a few times with Windows XP. I know, i should upgrade. lol I think i saw a blue screen related to a USB device hard drive or some other driver, but I couldn't tell. the error message didn't list the device that caused the error. at least Windows XP is more stable than Windows 95 or Windows 3.1.

    i'm glad that Microsoft was able to acknowledge the issue with the new patch quickly. hopefully they will release a new patch that doesn't generate the blue screen error soon.

    I used Linux a few times like Suse. I never saw any errors related to device drivers with Suse. if any errors did occur, Suse ran without issue.

    guess i'll switch from Windows XP to Linux for sure. Only real reason I still use Windows XP is some MMORPGs don't run too good on Linux with WINE.

  17. Re:something is causing windows to bluescreen by flimflammer · · Score: 1

    No, fuck that. I don't want the future to change and all humans growing like spider legs or something.

  18. GFD microsoft! by AndyKron · · Score: 1

    So they push out updates all the time to the point where I'm ready to throw my computer out the window, and now we get BSOD? God fucking damnit Microsoft!

    1. Re:GFD microsoft! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      So they push out updates all the time to the point where I'm ready to throw my computer out the window

      IIRC Patch Tuesday is a result of customer feedback to manage an update schedule. How many less than 12 times a year do you want?

    2. Re:GFD microsoft! by Sponge+Bath · · Score: 1

      It certainly seems to happen more often than one a week. The wife of a guy I work with leaves her Window laptop in sleep mode at night and it will wake up on its own at 3AM to update, flooding the bedroom with light from the screen. I suppose that feature is this one http://support.microsoft.com/kb/979878. Fun with Windows.

    3. Re:GFD microsoft! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The wife of a guy I work with leaves her Window laptop in sleep mode at night and it will wake up on its own at 3AM to update, flooding the bedroom with light from the screen.

      Hey, leave my wife alone you cheating bastard. I will kill you for this.

  19. Some "FYI" for you trolling noob... apk by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It's IMPOSSIBLE for me to block out MS updates sites in hosts... how/why:

    Per my subject-line: Microsoft bypasses hosts:

    http://slashdot.org/story/06/04/16/1351217/microsoft-bypasses-hosts-file

    Albeit (& iirc), for purposes of Windows Update functionality to be accurate, to THEIR servers only @ certain IP addresses (iirc)... e.g.:

    ---

    DomainScreenList:

          windowsupdate.microsoft.com
          windowsupdate.com
          microsoftupdate.com
          download.microsoft.com
          update.microsoft.com

    HostsScreenList:

          microsoft.com
          www.microsoft.com
          support.microsoft.com
          wustats.microsoft.com
          microsoftupdate.microsoft.com
          office.microsoft.com
          msdn.microsoft.com
          go.microsoft.com
          msn.com
          www.msn.com
          msdn.com
          www.msdn.com

    ---

    Thus?

    Well - YOU FAIL, as always, troll... lol!

    APK

    P.S.=> "No small wonder" you attempt to 'troll me' by your ac posts though - you ALWAYS "blow it", and you know it, on the technicals involved, every single time!

    Additionally: Yes, I know it's YOU, Jeremiah Cornelius that's doing it (since you slipped up & posted your 100's of trolls by AC regarding myself, here -> http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3581857&cid=43276741 BUT, that time you submitted it as your registered 'luser' name, Jeremiah Cornelius, giving away you're nothing but a TROLLING scum on /.)...

    ... apk

    1. Re:Some "FYI" for you trolling noob... apk by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're correct. It was Jeremiah Cornelius. Everyone's downmodding him as a troll in all of his posts now for spamming us continually last month, and so now he's complaining about it here http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3636015&cid=43426361 that's ironic.

      That idiot Jeremiah Cornelius spammed this forums in every news article accepted noting you in it, as his trolling 1st post spam posts, and yes, he did give away he was doing it all through March 2013 when he submitted it under his registered username here http://slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3581857&cid=43276741 instead of by his usual anonymous coward posts by the 100's last month.

      He's getting what he deserves and is complaining? How ironic. Seems troll Jeremiah Cornelius can "dish it out" but he can't take it in return!

  20. Re:Windows - Destroying hardware and helping sales by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You are a beautiful unique snowflake.

  21. Bad patch by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I wouldn't call it a patch, but apparently its the 8th patch in a sequence. They call the patch 'Windows 8'. Uninstall, and your computer will no longer crash from the bad bad software anymore.

  22. Re:Windows - Destroying hardware and helping sales by Tharkkun · · Score: 2

    Windows update has fried at least two pieces of my hardware in the last year. First it torched my videocard immediately after restarting for a windows update. Next, the PCI express slot wouldn't register on my motherboard, good thing I had another one!

    That's very similar to my laptop which tries to kill me during the Winter months. I try very hard to sneak up on it by wearing socks on a soft carpet but it always seems to hear me coming and zaps me the moment I touch it.

  23. KB by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    The patch was called Windows 8

  24. I suspected as much by Control-Z · · Score: 1

    A lightly-used XP machine blue-screened on me this week for the first time, and wouldn't boot without blue-screening. I put it through memory and hard drive checks which it passed just fine. I suspected it might have been a MS patch. Somehow it finally rebooted after 4 or 5 tries, but I haven't rebooted it since. Now I know what patch did it, I can uninstall it. Sheesh.

  25. Re:Windows - Destroying hardware and helping sales by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I updated my windows boxen one evening. The following morning, I forgot my laptop at home. I returned 40 minutes after leaving and found my wife taking it in all 3 holes.

    Fucking Micro$oft. Wrecking homes.

  26. I'm doing a 180. MS is the best company ever! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    MS has professional trolls

    Microsoft actually paying people to do goatse redirects and Rick Rolls? I HAVE to get a job there!

  27. Have you no shame troll? You FAILED... apk by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Applying a downmod to where I show you're stupid here http://tech.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3642669&cid=43434011 in your pitiful failed attempt @ "schooling me" (where you NOW have to "eat your words", ac troll, lol).

    Doing bogus downmods isn't "helping your case" @ all, in *trying* to "hide" your screwup so effetely via bogus unjustifiable downmods you applied to it...

    * YOU? You fail... & on 2 accounts (regarding both HOSTS files & Windows Update, AND, what "abend" means...).

    APK

    P.S.=> See my subject-line above, & "rinse, lather, & repeat"... apk

  28. Not only did you look stupid on hosts6 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    With Windows Update but also on the term abend here http://tech.slashdot.org/comments.pl?sid=3642669&cid=43434011 and yet you tried downmodding that correction of your stupidity too? Please. Go away troll. Give us a break.

  29. Re:Windows - Destroying hardware and helping sales by Quirkz · · Score: 1

    Once at the office I touched my laptop and the static shock was strong enough it made the computer reboot. That one was a little scary.

  30. This must be the reason for the delay ... by Skapare · · Score: 1

    ... of North Korea's nuclear missile launch.

    --
    now we need to go OSS in diesel cars
  31. greed by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    i don't believe this was an error. Most of those i know experiencing this would just change their PC thinking it is done for. And get a win8 PC...

    Ho yes, at least they compensate you with $20 in cash for the time wasted on that right... right?

    I think Balmer now showed enough screwing skill to leave microsoft and go work in the banking or oil industry.

  32. Is it me by chris.evans · · Score: 0

    Or is Microsoft always patching for this vulnerability ? You think they would fix it already ...

  33. Windows is not ready by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I think this just shows windows is not ready for the desktop.
    I'd like to give it a try but with the cost of ownership, it really ought to be easier to use, more secure, and more stable, than free operating systems.
    And it just ain't, yet.

  34. Could be worse. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    They could take the apple approach.
    Blue screen? Clearly you're turning it on wrong.

  35. Repair released for the patch by JRHelgeson · · Score: 1

    There is a bootable disk that MS has released to help users recover from this nightmare.

    Link: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=38435

    Repair Disk for KB2823324 and KB2782476 (KB2840165)
    To help customers who are experiencing difficulties restarting their systems after installation of security update 2823324, Microsoft is making available a bootable media ISO image through the Microsoft Download Center (DLC). Clicking Download means you agree to the MICROSOFT SOFTWARE LICENSE TERMS.

    --
    Good security is based upon reality and common sense. Common sense is a function of having common knowledge.