GeekNewz reports that the latest winxp sp2 build has been released out of redmond. As usual testers can go to windowsbeta to download. At the moment its only the express but they promise to release the full 342mb a bit later probably tomorrow.

Just after screenshots of build 2077 of Windows XP SP2 were seen on the web, a new build was announced to beta testers. Windows XP SP2 2082 , according to the email, "contains a significant number of fixes and improvements since the initial beta release and we ask that you take some time to evaluate our progress and provide us with feedback on this build.

Just released to beta testers this week, Windows Server 2003 SP1 Build 1159 includes the fixes for the following issues which are not in builds 1069/1137:

Read More

Thanks to Mertsch in our Forums FYI. A little birdy has whispered in our ear and has let us know that Microsoft are planning to release a new SP2 build to its beta testers very soon. We're currently waiting on a build that is "fit" (in simple terms) to go out to beta testers and Microsoft are taking every effort to ensure the release of this interim build is a smooth one unlike the Beta 1 where 1000's of testers were left waiting to download the release. This evening Microsoft held a online meeting for 'Lonestar' (Tablet PC 2004) testers where they demo'd a new build of XPSP2 which apparently included the Tablet PC bits. This build was Build 2600.xpsp.040213-1845(Service Pack 2, v.2081) which means it was compiled on the 13th February 2004. According to sources close to Microsoft we're likely to see a new build released to testers that will include the 'Lonestar' bits as early as next week. View Screenshots

WinBeta reports that Microsoft has just notified current beta testers about the availability of a new Service Pack 1 build for Windows Server 2003.According to the e-mail this build, 1159, include the fixes for the following issues which are not in builds 1069/1137:

Security Update for Windows XP (KB828028) Security Update for Microsoft Data Access Components (KB832483) Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 (KB832894)

HardOCP reports that Microsoft is offering a free update CD with the latest Patches and updates for the most Windows operating systems.
The Windows Security Update CD will be shipped to you free of charge. This CD includes Microsoft critical updates released through October 2003 and information to help you protect your PC. In addition, you will also receive free antivirus and firewall trial software. This CD is only available for Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows 98, and Windows 98 Second Edition (SE). Get more informations over here

GamePC have thrown up their look at Windows XP 64-bit Build 3790! Here's a snip.

As the release of the operating system has drawn closer, third-party manufacturers are starting to release compatible X86-64 driver sets - a vital element in getting XP 64-bit Edition accepted into the mainstream. While the number of available components with compatible drivers is still incredibly small, big players like nVidia and VIA are stepping up and releasing drivers.

KB831937: This Hotfix corrects specific application compatibility issues with DirectX 9.0 changes in the DirectShow DV Decoder and Multiplexer Changes made in DirectX 9.0 has the potential to affect two configurations:
1) Print to tape using a DVCPro device with a non-MS DV encoder may result in audio dropouts or complete loss of audio.
2) Decoding of a live or file-based DV stream with the PAL bit erroneously set in some frames may cause decoding to stutter or halt completely.

Thanks to Tim @ Majorgeeks.com for the Heads up! Microsoft has never released a service pack for Windows98 SE. But I made a Service Pack for Windows98 SE users. It contains all Windows98 SE updates from WindowsUpdate site and more.

BetaNews reports that the Windows 2000 and NT 4 source code is coming from Mainsoft.
The leaked code includes 30,915 files and was apparently removed from a Linux computer used by Mainsoft for development purposes. Dated July 25, 2000, the source code represents Windows 2000 Service Pack 1.
Analysis indicates files within the leaked archive are only a subset of the Windows source code, which was licensed to Mainsoft for use in the company's MainWin product. MainWin utilizes the source to create native Unix versions of Windows applications. Read on at the above shown link.

A critical update is available to remove unacceptable symbols from the Bookshelf Symbol 7 font that is included with Microsoft Office 2003. The Bookshelf Symbol 7 font is contained in the Bssym7.ttf file.

Microsoft has now officialy confirmed that portions of the source code from Windows NT and 2000 has been leaked to the internet. REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 12, 2004 -- On Thursday, Microsoft became aware that portions of the Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows NT 4.0 source code were illegally made available on the Internet. It?s illegal for third parties to post Microsoft source code, and we take such activity very seriously. We are currently investigating these postings and are working with the appropriate law-enforcement authorities.
Read more

Holy cow, that´s really bad news for Microsoft Neobond from Neowin informed me via email, the source code of Windows NT and Windows 2000 has leaked to the web.
It would appear that two packages are circulating on the internet, one being the source code to Windows 2000, and the other being the source code to Windows NT. At this time, it is hard to establish whether or not full code has leaked, and this will undoubtedly remain the situation until an attempt is made to compile them. Microsoft are currently unavailable for comment surrounding this leak .
And this leak could be a very big problem around the world.

Read More

This update addresses a problem where Microsoft Office Visio 2003® overwrites some registry settings for msxml2.dll and msxml3.dll. The problem may prevent applications that use these files from running properly.

Earlier today it went around that a leaked version of Office XP SP3 made it online and trust worthy GeekNewz has it up for everyone to enjoy. Go get your update.

"... SP3 is due out in April or May '04, yet build #10.6308.6403 has been touted by some to be the final build of SP3, however, since this cannot be confirmed consider this build to be beta."

Installing this Security Update will invalidate the usernames and passwords stored in Internet Explorer?s protected store. This will require users to re-enter their username and password when they first visit web sites that require authentication. February 9, 2004

Thanks to Creamhackered over at Neowin.net for the Info:

A day of screenshots today here at Neowin. First we had Office 2003 SP1 shots and now a new build of Longhorn. The build (4053) has no main changes from the PDC build (4051) and still sports the "Slate" visual style.

This update contains a change to the behavior of Windows Media Player?s ability to launch URLs in the local computer zone from other zones. You can help protect your computer by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer

Maximum Severity Rating: Critical A security vulnerability exists in the Microsoft ASN.1 Library that could allow code execution on an affected system. The vulnerability is caused by an unchecked buffer in the Microsoft ASN.1 Library, which could result in a buffer overflow.

An attacker who successfully exploited this buffer overflow vulnerability could execute code with system privileges on an affected system. The attacker could then take any action on the system, including installing programs, viewing data, changing data, deleting data, or creating new accounts with full privileges.

Our Bro's at the other bat cave WinOSCentral have snagged Windows 98 SE Service Pack 1.

Read More