About Windows XP’s Retirement
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-04-27
“Another era will soon come to an end. Microsoft will stop providing updates and security patches for Windows XP as of April 8, 2014, so moving users to a newer Windows version has become a priority.
“The tech giant’s strategy is pretty simple: the Softies are using every single occasion, be it an interview, a public event, a press release, a blog post, or just a simple statement to remind users that sticking to Windows XP beyond that date would be risky. So risky that they could actually lose important data and personal details in case some hacker finds a flaw in this operating system.
“The soon-to-be 12-year-old operating system, however, is still amazingly popular, with many people claiming that this is Microsoft’s most successful Windows version to date. And figures released by third-party market researchers across the world do nothing more than to confirm this.”
[ INMO: It sure would be great if Microsoft sold XP Pro to some other company that would then maintain it for a fee.
I would gladly pay, rather than to follow the MS update path! Ed. ]
Anchor Link Configuration Capture Utility
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-13
Revision: 9.4 – Released: 2007-12-03 Windows: NT 4.0, 2000, XP, 2003
“This article describes the Microsoft Configuration Capture Utility (MPS_REPORTS). This article discusses the system requirements to run MPS_REPORTS, describes the specialty editions of MPS_Reports, tells where to obtain the utility, and lists some known issues.”
Anchor Link Debugging Tools for Windows
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-13
Windows: Vista, 2008, 7, 8
“Use Debugging Tools for Windows to debug drivers, applications, and services on Windows systems. Debugging Tools for Windows includes a core debugging engine and several tools that provide interfaces to the debugging engine. A Visual Studio extension provides a graphical user interface, as does Windows Debugger (WinDbg). Console Debugger (CDB), NT Symbolic Debugger (NTSD), and Kernel Debugger (KD) provide command line user interfaces.”
Anchor Link Disk2vhd
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 1.63 – Released: 2010-10-14 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 811 KB Portable
Both 32-bit and 64-bit supported
“Disk2vhd is a utility that creates VHD (Virtual Hard Disk – Microsoft’s Virtual Machine disk format) versions of physical disks for use in Microsoft Virtual PC or Microsoft Hyper-V virtual machines (VMs). The difference between Disk2vhd and other physical-to-virtual tools is that you can run Disk2vhd on a system that’s online. Disk2vhd uses Windows’ Volume Snapshot capability, introduced in Windows XP, to create consistent point-in-time snapshots of the volumes you want to include in a conversion. You can even have Disk2vhd create the VHDs on local volumes, even ones being converted (though performance is better when the VHD is on a disk different than ones being converted).
“The Disk2vhd user interface lists the volumes present on the system. It will create one VHD for each disk on which selected volumes reside. It preserves the partitioning information of the disk, but only copies the data contents for volumes on the disk that are selected. This enables you to capture just system volumes and exclude data volumes.”
Anchor Link Driver Verifier
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Revision: 7.2 – Released: 2011-06-10 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
“Driver Verifier is included in Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 to promote stability and reliability; you can use this tool to troubleshoot driver issues. Windows kernel-mode components can cause system corruption or system failures as a result of an improperly written driver, such as an earlier version of a Windows Driver Model (WDM) driver. This article describes how to use Driver Verifier to isolate and troubleshoot a driver in the system.”
Anchor Link EMET
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 3.0 – Released: 2013-02-12 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 6.0 MB Requires: .NET Framework 2.0
“The Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit (EMET) is a utility that helps prevent vulnerabilities in software from being successfully exploited. EMET achieves this by using security mitigation technologies. These technologies function as special protections and obstacles that an exploit author must defeat to exploit software vulnerabilities. These security mitigation technologies do not guarantee that vulnerabilities cannot be exploited. However, they work to make exploitation as difficult to perform as possible. In many instances, a fully-functional exploit that can bypass EMET may never be developed.”
Anchor Link Free Windows Software
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
“Microsoft has over 150 FREE Windows and Office Programs available for download — finding them all is extremely difficult . . . until now.”
Anchor Link Hotmail Officially Dead
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-05-04
“Microsoft killed Hotmail a few hours ago, as it completed the transition to Outlook.com, its new email platform that is expected to provide at least the same features as its predecessor and so much more.
“Even though Hotmail users have already expressed their frustration towards this email platform’s retirement several times before, Microsoft said that eventually, everybody is going to love the new Outlook.com.
“And still, users continue to be outraged with this decision and many warn that they might soon switch to Gmail or Yahoo Mail if Hotmail doesn’t come back.”
Anchor Link IntelliPoint
License: Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 15.0 – Released: 2011-09-19 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 7
“IntelliPoint software enables you to customize the unique features of your Microsoft mouse to fit your needs. With IntelliPoint mouse software, you can reassign mouse buttons—including the wheel button—to perform commands like Undo or Copy, or run a macro. Each application you use can have different button assignments. You can also modify mouse settings, such as pointer speed and precision, and scrolling speed and acceleration. You can configure the software for automatic updates and opt-in to participate in our customer experience improvement program. In this release:
• The Magnifier feature is integrated with the magnifier in the Windows 7 operating system
• The Windows 7 Flip feature can be assigned to a mouse button”
Anchor Link Query the MS Knowledge Base
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Revision: 11.0 – Released: 2012-06-20 Windows: All
“To quickly find an article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base, you can search by using keywords and query words. This article lists keywords and query words that you can use in your searches. You can also find keywords and query words by looking in the Keywords and Additional uery words sections that are found in some articles. Using the keywords and query words that are listed in one article may help find other articles that have similar content. However, some query words are only used for older content and may not help you find the most current information. Use a variety of search techniques to make sure that you receive the best search result.”
Anchor Link Hotfix Request
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Last MS Review: 2009-07-30
“To submit an online request to obtain a Microsoft hotfix for any language versions of the Microsoft product, select the language that you speak from the following list:
“Please note that you will need the Article number (ID) from the referring KB Article. If you don’t have it, please click back and write down the Microsoft KB Article number (ID) before proceeding.”
Anchor Link HTTP Reply Codes
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Revision: 2.1 – Released: 2006-05-02
“Below is a listing of the HTTP reply codes and their meanings. This can be helpful when troubleshooting Internet-based errors.”
Anchor Link Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 3.5 – Released: 2007-11-20 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008
File Size: 2.7 MB
“Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 contains many new features building incrementally upon .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.0, and includes .NET Framework 2.0 service pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.0 service pack 1. Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 contains many new features building incrementally upon .NET Framework 2.0 and 3.0, and includes .NET Framework 2.0 service pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.0 service pack 1.”
Anchor Link Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 3.5 SP1 – Published: 2008-11-18 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008
File Size: 2.8 MB
“Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 is a full cumulative update that contains many new features building incrementally upon .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, and includes cumulative servicing updates to the .NET Framework 2.0 and .NET Framework 3.0 subcomponents.”
Anchor Link Microsoft .NET Framework 4
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 4 Released: 2011-02-21 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 869 KB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“The Microsoft .NET Framework 4 web installer package downloads and installs the .NET Framework components required to run on the target machine architecture and OS. An Internet connection is required during the installation. .NET Framework 4 is required to run and develop applications to target the .NET Framework 4.”
Anchor Link Microsoft Download Manager
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 1.2.1.2044 – Released: 2011-11-10 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 1.3 MB Requires: Browsers IE 6-8 or Firefox 2 or 3
“The Microsoft Download Manager enables you to download files from the Internet in a more reliable and faster way than using a browser alone. Using the Download Manager makes it easier to download large files such as an application or multimedia files. The Download Manager has been specifically designed to manage file downloads from supporting Microsoft Web sites in a secure and reliable way. Once started, the Download Manager displays an easy-to-use interface that shows the status of downloads and enables you to resume downloads if they have failed. The Microsoft Download Manager currently supports downloads from http://.”
Anchor Link Microsoft Fix it Center Portable
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 3.5.0.41 – Released: 2012-04-03 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 340 KB
“Fix it Center finds and fixes many common PC and device problems automatically. It also helps prevent new problems by proactively checking for known issues and installing updates. This small download will download the entire program which you can then copy to a portable device if needed.
“Upon installation of the Fix it Center client, it automatically downloads the latest troubleshooters in our library to your PC. The troubleshooters can ‘find and fix’ issues immediately or ‘find and notify’ you of the issues it detected. The ‘find and notify’ puts you in control — you decide which issues you want the troubleshooters to resolve. No matter what you choose, we show you a report of what was performed on your PC and offer you options to learn or further investigate the issue or submit a support request at Fix it Center Online.
“You can use any computer with Internet connection to get started with Fix it Center. Simply download the Fix it Center client and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup. You can install Fix it Center client on as many PCs you like.”
Anchor Link Microsoft Message Analyzer
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-13
Beta – Released: 2012-09-15
“Microsoft Message Analyzer is a new tool for capturing, displaying, and analyzing protocol messaging traffic. It is the successor to Microsoft Network Monitor 3.x and is a key component in the Protocol Engineering Framework (PEF) that was created by Microsoft for the improvement of protocol design, development, documentation, testing, and support. With Message Analyzer, you can capture live data or retrieve archived message collections from saved files such as traces and logs. Message Analyzer also enables you to display data in a default tree grid view and in selectable graphical views that employ grids, charts, and timeline visualizer components that provide high-level data summaries and other statistics.”
The following was obtained from: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj649776.aspx
“For now Microsoft has made this tool public and they have a Connect site. You need to join the Message Analyzer Program to be able to download the tool.”
Anchor Link Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7
License: Free Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 1.0.40517.00 – Published: 2011-07-19 Windows: 7
File Size: 239.2 MB
“The Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 is a collection of games and applications that are made available to computers with multi-touch enabled displays running Windows 7. The Touch Pack includes:
♦ Microsoft Blackboard, an intricate game of physics in which you solve a puzzle by creating a fanciful machine on a blackboard.
♦ Microsoft Garden Pond, a tranquil game that takes place in serene Japanese water gardens.
♦ Microsoft Rebound, a game in which you use your fingertips to control Tesla spheres with an electrical field between them to catapult a metal game ball into your opponent’s goal.
♦ Microsoft Surface Globe, a program that you can use to explore the earth as a flat 2-D map or as an immersive 3-D experience.
♦ Microsoft Surface Collage, a program that you can use to explore and interact with your photos and arrange them as a desktop background.
♦ Microsoft Surface Lagoon, a screen saver and interactive water simulation, complete with a meditative rock arrangement and playful, shy fish.”
Anchor Link Microsoft Virtual PC
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Version: 6.1.7600.16393 – Released: 2011-02-10 Windows: XP SP3, 2008, Vista SP1, 7
File Size: 9.9 MB
“If you are running Windows Vista or Windows XP on your physical machine, you can still use Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 to run multiple operating systems at the same time on the same physical computer. Switch between virtual machines with the click of a button. Use virtual machines to run legacy applications, provide support, train users, and enhance quality assurance.
“Virtual PC lets you create separate virtual machines on your Windows desktop, each of which virtualizes the hardware of a complete physical computer. Use virtual machines to run operating systems such as MS-DOS, Windows, and OS/2. You can run multiple operating systems at once on a single physical computer and switch between them as easily as switching applications – instantly, with a mouse click. Virtual PC is perfect for any scenario in which you need to support multiple operating systems, whether you use it for tech support, legacy application support, training, or just for consolidating physical computers.
“Microsoft has added several new features to Windows Virtual PC to make it easy to use and to help you mn many older Windows XP applications in Windows 7.
• One click launch of Windows XP Mode applications
• USB support”
Anchor Link MSDN Library
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
“The MSDN Library is an essential resource for developers using Microsoft tools, products, and technologies. It contains a bounty of technical programming information, including sample code, documentation, technical articles, and reference guides.”
Anchor Link Network Monitor
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-02-13
Version: 3.4.2350 – Released: 2010-06-24 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008
File Size: 6.1 MB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“Network Monitor 3.4 is a protocol analyzer. It allows you to capture network traffic and view and analyze it. Microsoft is working on its successor, Microsoft Message Analyzer, and is making beta copies of that available from our Connect site. If you join that beta program you can try out Message Analyzer and provide feedback on it.”
Anchor Link Product Activation
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Revision: 2.0 – Last Review: 2010-08-23
“In an effort to reduce software piracy and ensure that Microsoft’s customers receive the product quality they expect, Product Activation technology is being included in several Microsoft products.
“Product Activation is a simple, straightforward process. In most cases, the only information required to activate is an Installation ID created by the software. No personally identifiable information is required.
“Product Activation takes less than one minute when completed over the Internet. If activation is completed in this way, the product will take care of most of the work and will require very little user participation.”
Anchor Link Product Activation Center
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-10
Revision: 22.0 – Released: 2013-02-08 Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, Office Suites
“This article describes how to contact a Microsoft Product Activation Center to activate installations of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Microsoft Office suites and programs.”
Anchor Link Product Support Lifecycle
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-04-21
Last MS Review: 2013-04-18
“Microsoft Support Lifecycle policy provides consistent and predictable guidelines for product support availability when a product releases and throughout that product’s life. By understanding the product support available, customers are better able to maximize the management of their IT investments and strategically plan for a successful IT future.”
Anchor Link Regsvr32 Messages
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2013-02-18
Revision: 11.0 – Revised: 2012-09-10 Windows: All
Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“You can use the Regsvr32 tool (Regsvr32.exe) to register and unregister object linking and embedding (OLE) controls such as dynamic-link library (DLL) or ActiveX Controls (OCX) files that are self-registerable. This may be necessary to troubleshoot some issues with Windows, Microsoft Internet Explorer, or other programs.
“Note On a 64-bit version of a Windows operating system, there are two versions of the Regsv32.exe file:
1. The 64-bit version is %systemroot%\System32\regsvr32.exe.
2. The 32-bit version is %systemroot%\SysWoW64\regsvr32.exe.
Anchor Link Research Center
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2010-08-17
“Here you’ll find tools, programs, and presentations created by Microsoft researchers. All software on this site is available for non-commercial use only. For more information about commercial licensing, contact the Microsoft Research Licensing Group.”
Anchor Link RunOnce Registry Keys
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-18
Revision: 2.3 – Released: 2007-01-19 Windows: 9x, Me, NT, 2000
Definition of the Run Keys in the Registry
“There are seven Run keys in the registry that cause programs to be run automatically:”
For a Windows XP version of this article, see:
( KB314866 ).
Anchor Link Security Bulletin Search
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-18
“Select the Product/Technology and Service Pack you are running to view the security bulletins that are available for your system.”
[ Scroll down the page to see a complete list of Security Bulletins; Ed. ]
Anchor Link Security Notification Service
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-08-18
“Help protect your computing environment by keeping up to date on Microsoft technical security notifications. Notifications are available in RSS, instant message, mobile device, or e-mail format, and are always available online at TechNet on the Security Bulletin Search Web page.”
Anchor Link Silverlight
License: Free Last Reviewed: 2013-03-13
Version: 5.1.20125 – Released: 2013-03-13 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 6.63 MB Requires: IE 6 or later or Firefox 1.5 or later
“Silverlight is a powerful development tool for creating engaging, interactive user experiences for Web and mobile applications. Silverlight is a free plug-in, powered by the .NET framework and compatible with multiple browsers, devices and operating systems, bringing a new level of interactivity wherever the Web works.”
Anchor Link TechNet
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2011-02-14
“Microsoft TechNet is a central information and community resource designed for IT professionals. The TechNet program includes technical briefings, special offers, the TechNet Web site, and an electronic newsletter, in addition to the CD subscription. Designed to meet the technical information needs of anyone who plans, evaluates, deploys, maintains, or supports Microsoft business products, the TechNet program will keep you informed about Microsoft strategies and industry trends. It will also provide you with the kind of ‘how-to’ information you need to be successful. TechNet serves as a forum to share information, ideas, and opinions with your peers in the IT community and with Microsoft.”
Anchor Link User State Migration Tool
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-10-27
Version: 3.0.1 – Published: 2007-04-20 Windows: 2000 SP4, XP, Vista
File Size: 6.4 – 8.0 MB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“Microsoft Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT) version 3.0.1 migrates user files and settings during deployments of Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista. USMT captures files and settings from the source computer and then migrates them to a new Windows installation.”
Anchor Link Vista SP2 and 2008 SP2
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2010-03-03
Released: 2009-06-30 Windows: 2008, Vista
File Size: 348 MB
“Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista is an update to Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. It provides customer and partner feedback-driven fixes into a single service pack, minimizing deployment and testing complexity. In addition to all previously released updates since SP1, SP2 supports new types of hardware, and adds support for several emerging standards.”
Anchor Link Webcasts
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2009-07-13
“The webcasts — streaming video presentations and tutorials — span a huge range of topics from entry level to quite advanced. If you want to set up a home network, configure a server, get a better handle on security, play with wireless, or even get in a bit of programming, it’s all there.
“The Webcasts are offered live at set times, but there is also an enormous archive of previous sessions that can be viewed at ones leisure.”
Anchor Link Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2010-04-09
Version: 2.0.5000.0 – Released: 2010-04-09 Windows: XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 8.3 MB Requires: .NET Framework 2.0 or higher
“Download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC is ready for Windows 7. It scans your hardware, devices, and installed programs for known compatibility issues, gives you guidance on how to resolve potential issues found, and recommends what to do before you upgrade.”
Anchor Link Windows 7 RTM
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2009-08-06
“This is it people. Windows 7 RTM is available for download from MSDN & TechNet sites! If you have a MSDN subscription you can get Windows 7 RTM in English. On October 1st, the remaining languages will be released, for more information read – Windows 7 RTM Available Today for MSDN and TechNet Subscribers. You can also get the Windows 7 SDK and the RTM version of the Windows API Code Pack for .NET Framework.
“Make sure you get them all today to start testing your applications, and to make sure your applications are ready for Windows 7 RTM! Now is the time to work on your applications to make sure they are Windows 7 compatible. On top of that, you can use new Windows 7 features such as the Sensor and Location Platform, Taskbar, Libraries, Multi-Touch, the new Graphics APIs, the Windows Ribbon, and many other important and exciting Windows 7 technologies to make your application shine on Windows 7.”
( http://windowsteamblog.com/blogs/developers/default.aspx )
Anchor Link Windows 7 Training Kit For Developers
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2009-08-07
Version: 1.0.1 – Released: 2009-08-06 Windows: 7
File Size: 66.7 MB
“The Windows 7 Training Kit for Developers includes presentations, hands-on labs, and demos. This content is based on Windows 7 RTM and it is designed to help you learn how to build applications that are compatible with and shine on Windows 7 by utilizing key Windows 7 features such as:
• Taskbar
• Libraries
• Multi Touch
• Sensors and Location
• Ribbon
• Trigger Start Services
• Instrumentation and ETW
• Application Compatability
“System Requirements:
√ Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7
√ Windows 7SDK
√ Visual Studio 2008
√ Windows Code Pack API for .NET Framework”
Anchor Link Windows 8 Release Preview
Free On-line Last Reviewed: 2012-06-01
Windows: 8
“Windows 8 Release Preview is a pre-release version of Windows 8 that focuses on people and apps and gives you powerful new ways to use social technologies to connect with the people who are important to you. It’s Windows reimagined.
“Windows 8 Release Preview is built on the rock-solid foundation of Windows 7 and has the security and reliability features you expect from Windows, but we’ve made it even better. It’s fast, and it’s made to work on a variety of for m factors’ especially the new generation of touch devices.
“Here’s your chance to be one of the first to try it out. We’ll be using information from preview users to make the final product even better. The features and functionality in the prerelease software may not appear in the final version. Some product features and functionality may require advanced or additional hardware, or installation of other software.
“System Requirements:
• 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
• Taking advantage of touch input requires a screen that supports multi-touch.”
Anchor Link Windows Feature Comparison
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2012-03-09
Version: 1.0 – Published: 2009-05-18 Windows: XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 124 KB
“This chart compares features of interest to IT professionals across three versions of the Windows client operating system: Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1, and Windows 7.”
Anchor Link Windows Help for Vista
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-03-09
Version: 1.0 – Published: 2007-03-07 Windows: Vista
File Size: 601 – 611 KB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“Windows Help (WinHlp32.exe) is a Help program that has been included with Microsoft Windows versions starting with the Microsoft Windows 3.1 operating system. However, the Windows Help program has not had a major update for many releases and no longer meets Microsoft’s standards. Therefore, starting with the release of Windows Vista, the Windows Help program will not ship as a feature of Windows. If you want to view 32-bit .hlp files, you must download and install the program (WinHlp32.exe) from the Microsoft Download Center.”
Anchor Link Windows Installer 4.5 Redistributable
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-03-09
Version: 4.5 – Published: 2008-06-02 Windows: 2003, XP, 2008, Vista
Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“The Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI) is the application installation and configuration service for Windows. These download packages will update the version of Windows Installer on your system to version 4.5.”
Anchor Link Windows Update Log File
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2009-08-30
Revision: 5.0 – Released: 2009-08-30 Applies To: Microsoft Windows Update
“This article describes how to read the Windowsupdate.log file. To view the log file, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type
%windir%\windowsupdate.log
and then click OK.
“By default, the Windows Update client records all transaction information to the Windows Update Log file. If you receive an error message on the Microsoft Windows Update Web site or from the Automatic Updates service, you can use the information that is included in the Windowsupdate.log log file to troubleshoot the issue.”
Anchor Link XML Notepad 2007
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-03-09
Version: 2.5 – Released: 2007-09-05 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 1.8 MB Requires: .NET Frameworks v2.0
“XML Notepad 2007 provides a simple intuitive user interface for browsing and editing XML documents. Handy features include:
» Tree View synchronized with Node Text View for quick editing of node names and values.
» Incremental search in both tree and text views, so as you type it navigates to matching nodes.
» Cut/copy/paste with full namespace support.
» Drag/drop support for easy manipulation of the tree.
» Infinite undo/redo for all edit operations.
» In-place popup multi-line editing of large text node values.
» Configurable fonts and colors via the options dialog.
» Full find/replace dialog with support for regex and XPath.
» Built-in XML Diff tool.
» . . . and much more.”
Anchor Link XP Service Pack 3
License: Free Last Reviewed: 2009-08-07
Build: 5512 – Released: 2008-05-06 Windows: XP
File Size: 316.4 MB
“Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) is now available for download and install via Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center. Windows XP SP3 includes all previously released updates for the operating system, in addition to a small number of new updates. Windows XP SP3 will not significantly change the Windows XP experience.
“Installation media and documentation on disc for Windows XP SP3 may sometimes refer to Windows XP SP2. Windows XP SP2 installation guide instructions apply to Windows XP SP3.”
[ Release Notes are here:
( http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936929 )
A list of the problems fixed in this SP is contained in this KB:
( http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946480/ )
And the ISO image file is available here; Ed. ]
( http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2fcde6ce-b5fb-4488-8c50-fe22559d164e&displaylang=en )
Anchor Link XPS – View and Generate
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2009-07-13
Windows: XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 2.8 MB Requires: .NET Framework 3.0
“Microsoft makes it easy to view and generate XPS documents. Select the best method for you from the following table.” . . .
Anchor Link XPS Essentials Pack
License: Free Last Reviewed: 2012-03-09
Version: 1.2 – Released: 2010-12-02 Windows: XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 1.9 – 9.7 MB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“With the XPS Essentials Pack you can quickly begin reading and generating XPS Documents. It contains XPS Viewer EP to read XPS Documents and the Microsoft XPS Document Writer to output files to the XPS Document format.
“Additionally, the XPS Essentials Pack download includes providers to enable the iPreview and iFilter capabilities found in many Windows applications. Windows shell handlers are also included to enable thumbnail views and file properties for XPS Documents.”
Anchor Link Zune Client Software
License: Free Last Reviewed: 2012-10-27
Version: 4.8.2345.0 – Released: 2011-08-19 Windows: XP, Vista, 7
File Size: 270.5 MB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
“Zune software is a digital media jukebox that puts your favorite music, videos, and pictures at your fingertips. Use Zune software to find great music on Zune Music & Video Marketplace and to sync everything in your digital media library to your Zune and Windows Phone devices. By installing this software, you will also be installing up to seven additional components which are needed for the update.”