Two new security updates for Windows XP Service Pack 1 are now available. Security Update, February 14, 2002 (Internet Explorer 6) This is an updated version of Security Update, February 14, 2002. This update resolves the "Incorrect VBScript Handling in Internet Explorer can Allow Web Pages to Read Local Files" security vulnerability in Internet Explorer 6 and Windows XP or Windows 2000, and is discussed in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS02-009. Download now to prevent a malicious user from using an unauthorized Web site to read the contents of files on your local computer. Q329834: Security Update (Windows XP) This update resolves the "Unchecked Buffer in PPTP Implementation Could Enable Denial of Service" security vulnerability in Windows XP and Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1). Download now to prevent an attacker from disrupting service on a server that offers private networking and uses the PPTP protocol. The security vulnerability results in the Windows 2000 and Windows XP implementations because of an unchecked buffer in a section of code that processes the control data used to establish, maintain and tear down PPTP connections. By delivering specially malformed PPTP control data to an affected server, an attacker could corrupt kernel memory and cause the system to fail, disrupting any work in progress on the system.

This update contains fixes and enhancements to Outlook Express 6.0 SP1 as well as eliminates all previously addressed security vulnerabilities affecting Outlook Express 6.0 SP1. A knowledge base article with further information is not yet published. Version - 6 Release Date - 30 Oct 2002 Estimated Download Size/Time @28.8 - 1,980 kb / 10min

Well there you have it. Even top news sites like ourselves may overlook something sometimes. Microsoft released DirectX 8.2 officially as a minor update on September 27th. This download contains DirectX 8.1b plus some DirectPlay fixes related to performance and connectivity issues exhibited with some online multiplayer game titles. This release of DirectX is not recommended for general installation. You should only consider installing this release if you have an online gaming problem that has been identified as being fixed with DirectX 8.2. This version of DirectX can replace all previous released versions of DirectX.

Following on from CFS3 contains DirectX8.2..? Posted by snave! Seems that some sites have got hold of the final build of DirectPlay 8.2 Final that will update your DirectX 8.1b to DirectX 8.2. This update was meant for Peeps that got MS Combat Flight Simulator 3 or New World Order!

We have found that Microsoft's DirectX8.1 will create a massive lag. To solve this problem Microsoft has created especially for New World Order and MS Combat Flight Simulator 3 a DirectX 8.1 patch (DirectPlay 8.2). The DirectPlay 8.2 beta patch is set to expire on October 31, 2002 . However, the final release of the DirectPlay 8.2 patch will be available prior to this expiration date allowing plenty of time to upgrade the beta to the final release. DirectX 9 will also contain this patch.

Please note: This release is neither time-bombed nor is it a beta! This can be considered a minor release as only the DirectPlay-API has been updated.

This update addresses the "WM_TIMER Messages Not Delivered to Programs" issue in Windows 2000, and is discussed in Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) Article Q322913. Download now to resolve program errors caused by undelivered WM_TIMER Messages.

Got this in an e-mail from Microsoft " Thank you for your participation in the Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 (SP3) beta program. We are in the process of taking nominations for the Windows 2000 SP4 Beta Program. Because you actively tested the Windows 2000 SP3 beta we would like to invite you to beta test the next Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4).

Our goal for the Windows 2000 SP4 beta program is to have a well-targeted group of testers who can actively participate and provide feedback to our development team. Regular and consistent participation throughout the program is expected. Your feedback is critical to the success of SP4. ....
Click Read more for instructions.

What's New in Version 5.0? (Released October 24, 2002)

* Meet new friends with the MSN Member Directory
* Stay current with MSN Today
* Find all your contacts in a single address book
* Help us improve MSN Messenger
* Block spam
Click Read more for the dowload link.

An updated version of the Microsoft® Office XP Resource Kit core tool set is now available that provides new tools, updates, and a number of minor fixes.

Just got word that OSbetas.com have posted the unoffcial fix list for Windows XP SP2!

Thanks to ethanwa for posting this... Here it is. The unoffcial fix list for Windows XP SP2. I want to make sure that you understand that SP2 isn't even close to beta yet, so this by no means is the final list and new fixes are added almost daily. Check back often for updates to this.

ActiveWin.com has posted a list of Microsoft Service Packs, including information on release dates, size information and links to their respective websites. The list is broken down by product type. This is handy list for those who want a one stop depot for service pack information. Note: They've updated the list by adding VS and some others.

This just in from Winbeta.org.

Just out of the box is an OEM build of our favorite .Net OS, this time it is ADS (Advanced Server or Enterprise server, your choice) build # 3700. Only thing we've done is install it, no reports yet on changes. Although we did notice that RC1 release notes are still included. You'll have to wait a bit longer for another Release Candidate stepping.

Coming Soon to an irc channel near you

This software package will install the client portion of Remote Desktop on any of the following operating systems: Windows 95, Windows 98 and 98 Second Edition, Windows Me, Windows NT® 4.0, or Windows 2000. When run, this software allows older Windows platforms to remotely connect to a computer running Windows XP Professional with Remote Desktop enabled.

Update Yes I know it's a year old but as I've had a few emails asking for it! that's why I've posted it again.

This version is 10 builds ahead of the last known leak and so far has not been officially released by Microsoft. It is currently on their servers however and as the release date for MSN 8 and MSN messenger 5 are only a few days away this will most likely be the release build.

This version connects faster than the 4.7 builds currently supported by Microsoft as well as being able to send files out beyond a router without doing manual configuration of ports.

What's new in MSN 8 Build 8.00.0022.1400 Minor service improvements throughout

Just spotted this @ Activewin.com

We are now accepting nominations for the Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 Beta Program. The goal of this program is to have a well-targeted group of testers who will actively participate and provide useful feedback for our development team throughout the SP4 beta program. If you answer YES to any of the questions below:

Would you like to make your feedback visible in SP4?
Would you like to help Microsoft improve the final SP4 product?

Then contact your TAM to let him/her nominate you to be part of the Windows 2000 SP4 Beta Program.

Windows XP service luggage 1 (SP1) provides the latest security and reliability update ton the Windows XP family OF operating of system. Windows XP SP1 is designed ton ensure Windows XP platform compatibility with newly released software and hardware, and of includes update that resolve issues discovered by customers or by Microsoft's internal testing team. Ton determine of whether tons install Windows XP SP1, incoming goods recommend reviewing the Windows XP documentation.

Just spotted this @Activewin.com

Thanks go to Erik who has let us know that a new version of MSN/Windows Messenger (Build 4.7.0105) has been released. Yet again there are no details of what has changed since the last release.

Big thanks to Windowsxpstuff.net for sending in these Screenshots!

As of a few mins ago, #Betas on irc.Elite-IRC.net , Windows XP Media Center Edition leaked... This is the long awaited Codename "Freestyle"