perthie wrote:
> sure enough.
>
> The executable creates the registry key and sets the associated value on
> the machine upon which it is run, to block or unblock (depending on the
> command-line option used) the delivery of Windows XP SP2 to that system,
> through Automatic Updates or Windows Update. The key used is
> *HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate*.
> When the */B* command line option is used, the key value name
> ‘DoNotAllowXPSP2’ is created and its value sets to *‘1’*. This value
> blocks delivery of Windows XP SP2 to the machine through AU or WU.
> in april 2005, automatic updates will simply ignore that key.
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=8BCE6BBA-EA5D-4425-89C1-C1CB1CCD463C&displaylang=en
> <http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=8BCE6BBA-EA5D-4425-89C1-C1CB1CCD463C&displaylang=en>
>
Interestingly, the Microsoft information page on the tool's use doesn't
say they WON'T be forcing it on those who don't use AU, and in fact it
includes ominous hints that they WILL. Furthermore, in both this page
and the previously cited articles I see references to the tool being
provided to block installtion of SP2 through WU as well, which is a
voluntary tool. Considering that running the tool is voluntary, you'd
think there wouldn't be any need to block it. Now, granted, it could be
that the manner in which they've blocked it for AU also affects WU
automatically, but there is one more thing to consider:
"Please note that the mechanism to temporarily disable delivery of
Windows XP SP2 will be available for a period of 120 days (4 months)
from August 16. At the end of this period, Windows XP SP2 will be
delivered to all Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 1 systems."
All Windows XP systems. Will be delivered. I think they're trying to
say that it will be automagically installed whether you like it or not,
but they're trying to do so in a way that doesn't alarm their customer
base. The language is even more ominous in the non-Windows articles,
even where such articles are published by clearly pro-Windows sites. I
think the major issue here is that it doesn't occur to most Windows
users to be alarmed by this, just as it didn't occur to them to be
alarmed by changes to the standard Windows EULAs that essentially grant
Microsoft the "right" to snoop in your system remotely and change
operational settings at their collective whim. It seems similar to the
common misconception -- a conspiracy theory of sorts, really -- that the
government is out to help us. Microsoft must be out to make us buy a
superior product.
Poppycock, I say.
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