After update KB944338, ASP server fails

[Adam Alexander]

After installing the latest Windows Update, KB944338, my local
development server is no longer functioning.

I am running Personal Web Manager on Windows 2000. I am just a lowly
front-end web developer still doing all my server-side coding in
classic ASP/VBScript. (If it ain't broke...)

Anyway, I've never had a problem before, but after installing the
lastest vbscript.dll-related update, I now get this error whenever I
try to access any page on my local server:

Active Server Pages error 'ASP 0201'
Invalid Default Script Language
The default script language specified for this application is invalid.

And absolutely nothing I have tried has worked thus far. I tried
uninstalling the update, but while that removes the new vbscript.dll
from system32 and replaces it with the old one, it hasn't fixed the
problem. I know it's not related to the default script language
setting; that still is set to VBSCRIPT, just like it's always been.
Even if it wasn't, all my pages start with <% @LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" %>.
I also tried re-registering vbscript.dll, but it didn't help.

I am really not well-versed in IIS or DLLs or anything, so please be
gentle, but if anyone can help me here, I would be most appreciative.

I tried every route with Microsoft directly, but they keep telling me
that since I'm still using Windows 2000, they can't offer support or
advice without charging me lots and lots of money. Help!

Thank you!

 

[John John (MVP)]

I would try reinstalling the Scripting Engines:

Windows Script 5.6 for Windows XP and Windows 2000
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...43-7e4b-4622-86eb-95a22b832caa&DisplayLang=en

If no luck you might want to ask in one of the scripting groups, the
script experts may have seen these problems before and may have answers
for you.

As for the Microsoft employees telling you that there is no support
unless you pay you can remind them that support with problems related to
security updates is always free as long as the operating system is still
in a support phase (which Windows 2000 is).

Support

• Customers in the U.S. and Canada can receive technical support from
Microsoft Product Support Services at 1-866-PCSAFETY. There is no charge
for support calls that are associated with security updates.

• International customers can receive support from their local
Microsoft subsidiaries. There is no charge for support that is
associated with security updates. For more information about how to
contact Microsoft for support issues, visit the International Support
Web site.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/ms08-022.mspx

John

 

[Botch the Crab]

Thanks for the response, John.

I am, I must admit, extremely dubious about installing anything
further from Microsoft without perfect knowledge that it isn't going
to screw up my system further, especially one that would involve me
installing Windows Genuine Advangtage. I have a legitimate version of
Windows 2000, but I figure the last thing I need is Microsoft
"verification" software on my machine, especially knowing how often it
creates false positives.

As far as the support thing, I have called and emailed Microsoft over
and over, and over and over they keep telling me that it doesn't
matter if Windows Update caused the problem, the only free Window
Update related support they provide is in successfully installing the
update; after that, you're on your own. And they insist that Windows
2000 is out of warranty, and that they'd have to charge me hundreds
and hundreds of dollars to assist, even via email.

Linux is looking more and more appealing...

~ Adam

 

[John John (MVP)]

If you are worried about the WGA tool then do the download with another
machine, any Windows XP machine can do the download.

John