In August Microsoft released a ‘Cumulative update rollup for Windows Vista’, which despite it’s name, was a hotfix (KB936003). Hotfixes are a sort of ‘beta’ in the patch world, intended to solve a problem, but not fully tested for quality. Apparently Microsoft has now had sufficient time to test this hotfix, and has now released it as an actual ‘Update’. Keep reading →

• TiVo Desktop 2.5 Is Here
  If you’ve got a TiVo, you can now run the TiVo Desktop software on your Vista system. It also now allows you to transfer Divx and Xvid videos to your TiVo, and works with iTunes.
  (tags: TiVo Software Compatibility )
• Vista, wireless kept off core Olympic IT roster
  Ouch, another blow to Vista. Previously announced as being the ‘OS of the 2008 Games’, it will now take a back seat to XP, as the organizers worry about Vista’s stability.
  (tags: PR )

Keep reading →

Ed Bott points out an error you might get if you previously installed the beta versions of the two recently released updates. Keep reading →

Someone over at AeroXperience noticed that those subscribed to the Windows Server 2008 beta on Microsoft Connect now have access to some updates for Vista. These updates don’t seem to address compatibility issues between Server 2008 and Vista, so why those users were granted access is unclear, but by the amount of detail given, these updates to appear valid. Keep reading →

Consider the following scenario. On a Windows Vista-based computer, you try to turn on an optional feature. Or, you try to install a Windows update, a hotfix, or a language pack. However, the process is interrupted because of a power failure or because the computer stops responding. After the interruption, you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• You cannot turn on an optional feature, install a Windows update, install a hotfix, or install a language pack.
• If you click to select the Turn Windows Features on or off check box in the Programs and Features item in Control Panel, the Software Explorer list is empty.
• The Windows Vista Language Pack Setup tool (LPKSetup.exe) indicates that no additional language packs can be installed until you restart the computer.
• When you run the Windows Optional Component Setup tool (OCSetup.exe), you receive the following error code:
  

  65535 (Unexpected)

• The System File Checker tool reports that there is a repair pending. This tool also reports that a restart is required.
• The computer does not start.

The information in this article applies to the following configuration(s):

• S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernyobl
• Catalyst Display Driver 7.3 Hotfix for Windows XP
• Radeonâ„¢ X1950 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X1900 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X1800 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X1650 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X1600 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X1550 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X1300 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X1050 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X850 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X800 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X700 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X600 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X550 series
• Radeonâ„¢ X300 series
• Radeonâ„¢ 9800 series
• Radeonâ„¢ 9700 series
• Radeonâ„¢ 9650 series
• Radeonâ„¢ 9600 series
• Radeonâ„¢ 9550 series
• Radeonâ„¢ 9500 series
• Windows XP Professional
• Windows XP Home Edition
• Windows XP Media Center Edition
• Windows Vista 32bit
• Windows Vista 64bit

Symptoms:
After installing the Catalyst 7.3 hotfix for Windows XP, users may experience full screen flashing after changing resolutions in STALKER: Shadow of Chernoybl.

When you try to install a hotfix on a Windows Vista-based computer in a domain, you may receive the following error message:

Windows Update Standalone Installer
Installer encountered an error: 0×8007177f
This machine is disabled for file encryption.

The latest hubub is all about slow copy and delete in Vista. Apparently their is a fix, but you have to ask for it. Keep reading →