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from the broken-fixes-make-PCs-into-bricks dept.
Like a needy ex-partner that just won't let go, Microsoft's legacy OSes continue to cling to the Windows behemoth's ankles. Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 have once again been bashed with the borkage bat.
Users are reporting that the fix to fix the fix that broke the desktop wallpaper in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 has left systems unbootable after an apparent boot file deletion.
The fix-fixing fix (KB4539602) was unleashed at the end of last week, and some administrators have kicked off a deployment.
It has not gone well.
One Redditor remarked that 18 2008 R2 servers had fallen victim, while another reported 30 Windows 7 computers were refusing to boot after an install.
If you don't already have the 23 September 2019 (or later) SHA-2 update installed, you will probably be having a rather ungood day.
(Score: 2, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Monday February 17 2020, @05:31PM (2 children)
Regardless of % usage, it's disturbing when you consider that Windows XP is *still* considered a "threat" to Microsoft even in 2020 (take pause and put windows 7 and server 2008/R2 on the side for a moment and let that sink in). The existence and any availability of XP (POS or otherwise) competes with newer Windows 10 rolling release *subscriptions.* Microsoft still is actively issuing DCMA takedowns when they find versions of XP surface on the interwebz, but they don't seem to care about anything Windows 2000 and older. Since the hardware manufacturers are also in bed with Satan Nadella, they too want you to buy a new computer bundled with shitty Windows freaking 10.
Moreover any continued availability even of older Office 2000 and 2003 also still competes with newer Office product sales, and Microsoft would be absolutely devastated if people were to EVER find out how much better proper drop-down menus are where you can easily find what you're looking for quickly. They don't want people to know that it's possible to indefinitely own the right to run stable software past its life cycle, without having reoccurring subscription fees or else the software literally ceases to function.
I think I recall seeing some interview (sorry, too lazy to find source) of someone within Microsoft (was it Developers Ballmer?) who admitted that XP was "too good" -- seriously, too good? What ever happened to making a product that actually IS good? I'm sure they also consider Windows 7 'too good.' After the whole developers/QA layoffs circa 2015, it's very clear Microsoft 'don't give fuck' about anything that truly matters when it comes to an operating system. The tinfoil in me says stuff like Vista and Windows 8.0 were intentionally premeditated crippled sabotage, and not just piss poor negligence, although it certainly is reckless to say the least. This is far worse than the toxic 'move fast and break shit' mentality. Fuck Microsoft, fuck Poettering (and his git commit cronies) and his systemd svchost.exe bullshit.
So yeah, uhhh everything's under control, situation normal. I just had a slight conniptions malfunction, but uh everything is perfectly alright now, we're fine, we're all fine here now. Thank you, how are you?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday February 17 2020, @08:00PM
> Office 2000 and 2003
Don't those versions phone home when you register them (supply the turn-on code)?
Still using Office 97 when I need Word & Excel compatibility (also, they run really fast on newer hardware...). Pretty sure this was the last version that didn't talk to any kind of MS license server(??)
Of course this older software doesn't seem to print very well through Win7, I often have to re-open in Libre Office to print (for the rare paper copy).
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday February 19 2020, @03:08PM
What's your operating number?
But seriously, the only thing I would advise you is to watch the ad hominems. Your comment is 99.9% accurate, but labeling people (like "Satan Nadella" and "Developers Ballmer") may provide you with some release but it undermines the trust of your readers. Unless you're trying to intentionally preach to the choir. Better still are those rare moments when you can convince someone else to join your position from the opposite side.
OK. Nevermind. You're all clear kid. Just blow this thing and go home....