9 replies to this topic

[Coyote]

I installed XP on a test VirtualPC to test and keep more current with spyware problems( I am Tom Coyote of TomCoyote.org and an MVP in windows security). During trying to update this copy it has taken a lot of time and effort with the new version of this and that, then I come across this last one that says I must activate this copy before I can get the latest updates. Now this distresses me more than just having to activate before I am ready, it tells me that there are going to be thousands or more of Windows installations that will never be updated and continue to pose threats on the internet beyond those computers as they will be used with spambots and other internal hacks that hackers use to control insecure PC's out in the wild.

Therefore my concern is that even valid Windows users will be affected by your strongarm policy occuring now on WindowsUpdates.

I like Microsoft products, used them since Win95A, so that is not why I am writing this, it is to let you know the feeling of many security experts out here on the internet.
Tom Coyote Wilson
http://TomCoyote.org

[LDTate]

Please let us know if you get a reply, Tom. I can't tell you how many victims we've had here at TC that when asked to get the M$ updates to finish the cleaning, never post back. I can understand when it comes to their programs like Office and such, but the OS is another issue. M$ is just making matters worse and playing right into the hands of the bad guys. I guess Bill doesn't have enough billions yet

[Coyote]

after activating, there are now 38 criticals showing, does that give a clue how large this problem will be if it isn't fixed?

[LDTate]

That's pretty serious!!

[Corrine]

How many dialup users will even be able to maintain a connection long enough to get a quarter of those critical updates?

<Pet Peeve: there appears to be the assumption of a broadband connection as illustrated with Windows One Care Live and Windows Defender's default setup to update at startup.>

[Coyote]

below is the list of those 38: Security Update for Windows XP (KB873339) Critical Update for Windows XP (KB886185) Security Update for Windows XP (KB885836) Security Update for Windows XP (KB888302) Security Update for Windows Messenger (KB887472) Security Update for Windows XP (KB891781) Security Update for Windows XP (KB888113) Update for Windows XP (KB887742) Security Update for Windows XP (KB885835) Security Update for Windows XP (KB885250) Security Update for Windows XP (KB890046) Security Update for Windows XP (KB896422) Security Update for Windows XP (KB896428) Security Update for Windows XP (KB901214) Security Update for Windows XP (KB890859) Security Update for Windows XP (KB896358) Security Update for Windows XP (KB893756) Security Update for Windows XP (KB899591) Security Update for Windows XP (KB899587) Security Update for Windows XP (KB896423) Update for Windows XP (KB894391) Security Update for Windows XP (KB902400) Security Update for Windows XP (KB899589) Security Update for Windows XP (KB901017) Security Update for Windows XP (KB905414) Security Update for Windows XP (KB905749) Security Update for Windows XP (KB900725) Security Update for Windows XP (KB896424) Update for Windows XP (KB910437) Security Update for Windows XP (KB904706) Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer for Windows XP (KB905915) Security Update for Windows XP (KB908519) Security Update for Windows XP (KB912919) Security Update for Windows XP (KB911927) Security Update for Windows Media Player 9 (KB911565) Security Update for Windows Media Player Plug-in (KB911564) Security Update for Windows XP (KB913446) Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - March 2006 (KB890830)

[Coyote]

According to Belarc, below is the complete list of security fixes on this test computer at this time: Installed Microsoft Hotfixes [Back to Top] Internet Explorer SP2 (SP2) Windows Media Player 9 SP0 KB911565 on 3/29/2006 (details...) Windows Media Player SP0 KB911564 on 3/29/2006 (details...) Windows XP SP3 KB873339 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB885250 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB885835 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB885836 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB886185 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB887472 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB887742 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB888113 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB888302 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB890046 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB890859 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB891781 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB893756 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB893803V2 on 3/28/2006 (details...) KB894391 on 3/29/2006 (details...) Windows XP SP3 (continued) KB896358 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB896422 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB896423 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB896424 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB896428 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB898461 on 3/28/2006 (details...) KB899587 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB899589 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB899591 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB900725 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB901017 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB901214 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB902400 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB904706 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB905414 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB905749 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB905915 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB908519 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB910437 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB911927 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB912919 on 3/29/2006 (details...) KB913446 on 3/29/2006 (details...)

[Coyote]

And the saga continues:

To Whom will actually take the time to read:
I would really like someone to read my original "problem" described in this email, I am not accustomed to being ignored in the text that I present in so careful a manner as to give the whole situation and why my reasoning for the text in the first place, this is not a support issue personally for me, but for the entire health of the Internet system in place in which we all use.

Tom Coyote Wilson
http://TomCoyote.org

May your day be blessed by those you love and those you love be blessed by
HIM ;-)
(Tom Coyote Wilson)

----- Original Message -----
From: "Microsoft Contact US" <*******ATmicrosoft.com>
To: <Coyote>
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2006 4:44 PM
Subject: RE:'RTCProd=011-515-316'


> Hello Tom,
>
> Thank you for contacting Microsoft Online Customer Service.
>
> I understand from your message that you are experiencing issues with validation. I realize the importance of your concern.
>
> I would like to inform that Microsoft offers no-charge support for technical issues regarding Windows Validation. As a Customer Service Representative, I suggest that you work with our Support Professionals to resolve this issue. In order to create a support case, I request you to provide the following information:
>
> - Phone number(optional):
> - Where is WGA Validation Failing (For example, the Windows Update Site, Microsoft Download Center, or the Windows Genuine Advantage Site):
> - Version of Windows (For example, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro, or Windows XP Media Center):
> - WGA Error Code (if any from the upper right corner of the Windows Genuine web page):
> - How the software was acquired (For example, it came with the computer, or was purchased separately from a store):
> - Manufacturer of the computer:
>
> Once I have this information, I will be able to create a no-charge case for you and forward it to the appropriate team of Support Professionals.
>
> Tom, we appreciate your patience and look forward to your reply with the above information.
>
> Thank you for using Microsoft products and services.
>
> Senthil
> Microsoft Online Customer Service Representative
>
> If you have any feedback about your Online Customer Service experience, please e-mail my manager, Biji Balan, at ********ATmicrosoft.com
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Coyote> Date: Tuesday, March 28, 2006 04:14 PM
> To: CS (********ATmicrosoft.com)
> Subject: updates and authentication
>
>
> ---
> CUSTOMER PROVIDED SYSTEM PROPERTIES
> Country/Region: United States
> ---
> SYSTEM PROPERTIES
> Ref URL: ******> O/S: windows nt 5.1
> O/S Lang: en-us
> Br: msie 6.0
> Br lang: en-us
> ---
> QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS
> Message: I installed XP on a test VirtualPC to test and keep more current with spyware problems( I am Tom Coyote of TomCoyote.org and an MVP in windows security). During trying to update this copy it has taken a lot of time and effort with the new version of this and that, then I come across this last one that says I must activate this copy before I can get the latest updates. Now this distresses me more than just having to activate before I am ready, it tells me that there are going to be thousands or more of Windows installations that will never be updated and continue to pose threats on the internet beyond those computers as they will be used with spambots and other internal hacks that hackers use to control insecure PC's out in the wild.
>
> Therefore my concern is that even valid Windows users will be affected by your strongarm policy occuring now on WindowsUpdates.
>
> I like Microsoft products, used them since Win95A, so that is not why I am writing this, it is to let you know the feeling of many security experts out here on the internet.
> Tom Coyote Wilson
> http://TomCoyote.org
>
>

[LDTate]

Now you've done it Make sure you use the bathroom and get in a comfortable chair before making that contact

[WOLFGAR]

Hiya Guys, Just wanted to say, im following this thread/post with great interest. Sadly I am not surprised with M$s' responce, they aparantly sent you a canned ans., one that they felt most closely matched your problem/statement, with out fully understanding, wanting to understand, or even care about what your REAL concern is. This is one of the reasons i have entered the feild my self... I hear from customers all the time that state that very same complaint. I figure someone has to be willing to listen, and then offer real help. I have always been personaly against canned speaches/forms for just this reason. Tomcoyote.com is about the only place i have ever found that uses them properly and advoids just this sort of thing... one would think that an indutry gian like M$ would be able to do what tomcoyto has achieved. This is just further proofe that you guys are absolutly GREAT and tops :-) WOLFGAR