Microsoft says update lockup patch works

Some users of Windows XP have been experiencing PC lockups during automatic update scans for the last few months. In fact, this very site has an article about that and how to patch it. Some are not happy with the patch saying it does not fix the problem.

The issue if you are not aware is related to the “svchost/msi” flaw and only affects Windows XP, Vista users have been spared, this time. The issue pegs the CPU over to 100% during update scans and locks up the system making it unusable.

The problem is not the fact that the CPU is at 100% but rather another flaw within the update system, one of the side affects just so happens to be a processor that runs at 100% capacity.

Microsoft told Computer World that the fix works, despite appearances. It says the processor will still be at 100% usage but the system will no longer lock up when the patch is applied. For all the good it will do, it’s a double edged sword.

The computer is unusable during update scans and yet the update is on automatic updates which means you may or may not be able to apply the patch before your system gives up the ghost. On the other hand, you can apply it manually but that’s not exactly easy.

If you find that you can apply it automatically, great, if not you’ll have to go at it manually which I’m sure is little consolation to businesses with a lot of PCs with this potential problem.

A patch, from Microsoft, that works as advertised, they haven’t managed that YET.

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