Will WindozeUpdate still function for XP after April?

[XP Guy]

Sorry to barge in here and ask a question that must have been asked and
answered many times, but a cursory look at the last 100 posts doesn't
seem to contain my question. Which is -

Has Micro$oft said anything about keeping it's update/server operating
for some period of time beyond this April, so as to allow existing and
new installs of XP to access the complete library of patches and updates
after the official EOL date?

For a previous data point, Win-98 went EOL in June or July 2006, but
MacroShaft kept the WindowsUpdate service running and serving the
library of updates and patches for Win-98 for at least 2 more years.
Has there been any word what will happen with XP?

And even more - will new installs of XP still be activated by Milkro$oft
- and for how much longer?

Will MS force one final WGA update upon XP land next patch tuesday?

 

[casey.o]

Sorry to barge in here and ask a question that must have been asked and
answered many times, but a cursory look at the last 100 posts doesn't
seem to contain my question. Which is -

Has Micro$oft said anything about keeping it's update/server operating
for some period of time beyond this April, so as to allow existing and
new installs of XP to access the complete library of patches and updates
after the official EOL date?

For a previous data point, Win-98 went EOL in June or July 2006, but
MacroShaft kept the WindowsUpdate service running and serving the
library of updates and patches for Win-98 for at least 2 more years.
Has there been any word what will happen with XP?

And even more - will new installs of XP still be activated by Milkro$oft
- and for how much longer?

Will MS force one final WGA update upon XP land next patch tuesday?

The way I see it, on April 8, 2014, every computer using XP will stop
working. They wont even boot up, and if they are running at exactly
midnight when the time changes to April 8, the computers will simply
shut down for good. Attempting to boot them will only bring a message
on the screen that will say "BUY WINDOWS 8 NOW", and will provide a list
of retail stores that sell it. (With Walmart at the top of the list).

Of course, this whole thing might just be a delayed (one week late)
April Fool joke played by MS on everyone. Who knows, maybe Gates really
does have a sense of humor....

But just in case XP does continue to work, I'm sure someone will (or
has) downloaded every update from the MS site, and will make them
available to download (probably for a fee). But who is this person?
[IDENTIFY YOURSELF PLEASE]


In the meantime, my Win98 computer still works fine.....
I'm using it right now!

 

[Good Guy]

Sorry to barge in here and ask a question that must have been asked and
answered many times, but a cursory look at the last 100 posts doesn't
seem to contain my question. Which is -

Has Micro$oft said anything about keeping it's update/server operating
for some period of time beyond this April, so as to allow existing and
new installs of XP to access the complete library of patches and updates
after the official EOL date?

For a previous data point, Win-98 went EOL in June or July 2006, but
MacroShaft kept the WindowsUpdate service running and serving the
library of updates and patches for Win-98 for at least 2 more years.
Has there been any word what will happen with XP?

And even more - will new installs of XP still be activated by Milkro$oft
- and for how much longer?

Will MS force one final WGA update upon XP land next patch tuesday?

As far as I know, nothing so extraordinary will happen on or after 8th
April. All that will happen is that Microsoft will stop wasting time
developing any more patches for Windows XP and Office 2003 because these
two products aren't producing any more revenues for it.

All old patches issued thus far will remain on the web for at least 1
year after 8th April 2014 because they can't pull the plug overnight to
remove all of them. It takes time to remove them.

What people should do is that on or just after 5th April 2014 (but
before 8th April) people should reformat the HD, install Windows XP with
SP3 and install all the patches automatically. Then take a fresh image
of the HD and store it in a safe place for future use. this way you have
all the patches released by MS and so you are protected up to certain
level.

 

[JJ]

Sorry to barge in here and ask a question that must have been asked and
answered many times, but a cursory look at the last 100 posts doesn't
seem to contain my question. Which is -

Has Micro$oft said anything about keeping it's update/server operating
for some period of time beyond this April, so as to allow existing and
new installs of XP to access the complete library of patches and updates
after the official EOL date?

For a previous data point, Win-98 went EOL in June or July 2006, but
MacroShaft kept the WindowsUpdate service running and serving the
library of updates and patches for Win-98 for at least 2 more years.
Has there been any word what will happen with XP?

And even more - will new installs of XP still be activated by Milkro$oft
- and for how much longer?

Will MS force one final WGA update upon XP land next patch tuesday?

This has been answered either in this or other Windows XP newsgroups.

When the support ends, there will be no more **NEW** update. i.e.: if a new
bug is found, Microsoft won't patch it. That's all. Everything else won't
change.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

The way I see it, on April 8, 2014, every computer using XP will stop
working. They wont even boot up, and if they are running at exactly
midnight when the time changes to April 8, the computers will simply
shut down for good.

I'm not sure whether you man that as a joke or you really believe it.
Just in case it's the latter, let me assure you that it's completely
false.

 

[XP Guy]

Has Micro$oft said anything about keeping it's update/server
operating for some period of time beyond this April

So far, my fundamental questions have not been answered.

1) Has Milkro$oft published anything regarding how long they will be
keeping their update server on-line to provide the library of XP patches
and updates for anyone caring to download them?

2) Has Milkro$oft published anything regarding how long they will be
keeping their validation server running to perform on-line validation of
new installations of XP?

 

[Paul]

So far, my fundamental questions have not been answered.

1) Has Milkro$oft published anything regarding how long they will be
keeping their update server on-line to provide the library of XP patches
and updates for anyone caring to download them?

2) Has Milkro$oft published anything regarding how long they will be
keeping their validation server running to perform on-line validation of
new installations of XP?

There's no reason to think it will go away tomorrow. One of the
obligations on this page, lasts until the year 2020.

http://www.technibble.com/windows-xp-support-ends-in-april-2014-what-technicians-need-to-know/

Microsoft don't want to state a date in as many words, in order
to avoid being sued for breach of contract. The only dates they
commit to, are the dates listed on the lifecycle web page. And
that covers security updates. If they name a date for the longevity
of any other services, then change their mind later, there would be
backlash. (And the only backlash that counts, is the backlash from
business users, as people signing big checks have a larger say.)

Paul

 

[Charlie+]

So far, my fundamental questions have not been answered.

1) Has Milkro$oft published anything regarding how long they will be
keeping their update server on-line to provide the library of XP patches
and updates for anyone caring to download them?

2) Has Milkro$oft published anything regarding how long they will be
keeping their validation server running to perform on-line validation of
new installations of XP?

No and No
and dont expect MS to answer these questions either, why should they tie
their own hands in any way by guessing into the future? Support is
ending thats all anyone knows.

 

[J. P. Gilliver (John)]

In message <[email protected]>,

But just in case XP does continue to work, I'm sure someone will (or
has) downloaded every update from the MS site, and will make them
available to download (probably for a fee). But who is this person?
[IDENTIFY YOURSELF PLEASE]

[]
Look into wsusoffline. This is a utility someone has created (and is
still doing so - last time but one I ran it, it offered to update
itself) that collects all the downloads _from the Microsoft servers_,
including not bothering with the ones that have been superseded by other
ones. It does this (you can select any or all) for XP, 7, server2003,
and possibly other OSs, and also for various flavours of Office. It
will, optionally, make you an ISO (file you can put onto a DVD).

My wsusoffline folder is currently 2.65 GB; I've only got it set to
collect for XP and Office 2003, at the moment. That _looks_ like it'll
remain below a single-layer DVD by the time XP ends. I'm not sure what
it does if you select enough options that it won't fit on a DL DVD:
maybe you have to use a USB stick.

Note that it takes several hours to run, especially the first time (and
I expect the servers will become overloaded soon, though they're still
pretty quick at the moment).

How long will the servers remain turned on? Well, I've seen definite
statements that the _activation_ one will, and I _think_ I've seen
similar for the update ones, for some time after support ends. (Since
they're keeping the MSE one going for at least another year, even
putting new updates on it, I'd be surprised if either of the others gets
turned off before then.)

 

[J. P. Gilliver (John)]

Well, if you're aka 98 Guy, you could just choose to stick with 98.
I don't think anybody is forcing anybody to do anything, unless you feel the
need to have all the "updates". And afaik, after that date you won't be
able to get them from the MS servers. I think that's the point of the
notice, n'est pas?.

Not quite: what they're stopping is any new enhancements or bugfixes: if
anyone finds any new bug, including security hole, it won't be fixed
after that date. Current consensus is that you'll still be able to get
already-created updates for some while at least.2

 

[casey.o]

Well, if you're aka 98 Guy, you could just choose to stick with 98.
I don't think anybody is forcing anybody to do anything, unless you feel the
need to have all the "updates". And afaik, after that date you won't be
able to get them from the MS servers. I think that's the point of the
notice, n'est pas?.

No, I'm not that guy, but I've seen plenty of his posts in the 98
newsgroups over the years. But in all honesty, I LOVE WIN98. I think
it's the best OS made. But I'm being forced to upgrade at least for
internet use, becuase there are no web browsers that work properly
anymore in W98. That's the only reason. W98 does everything else I
need, and I can darn near run it with my eyes closed. I've never liked
XP all that well, but I have little choice now but to get used to using
it. There are not many alternatives. I did give linux a bit of a try,
and want no part of that messy thing. I have no interest in Viata, Win7
ot 8 either. I'm elderly, I like things simple. Almost all new
software is much too bloated with useless shit.

I WILL continue to use W98 for all my other needs, it's just that damn
browser issue. I only wish comeone would make a broswer that's
compatible with the latest bloated websites, and would run in W98.
New is NOT always better. In fact I think most things having to do with
computers were much better back in the late 90s. Using a computer was
simpler, and the websites back then were easier to use and didn't use
all those goddamn scripts that are the biggest downfall of the web these
days. Not to mention the excessive use of videos these days. I dont
need a 20 minute video showing some dude changing the starter in his
car, during which time he spends half that time showing how to open the
hood and which tools to take out of his toolbox. A one page step by
step text and photo site is 100 times easier to use, to help me change
my starter.

 

[casey.o]

I'm not sure whether you man that as a joke or you really believe it.
Just in case it's the latter, let me assure you that it's completely
false.

I dont really believe this, but I do believe the other story I heard.
On April 8, Bill Gates is going to go to every home and business in
America, and format the hard drive of anyone using XP. ...

 

[XP Guy]

No and No

Fine. A straightforward, concise, honest answer.

and dont expect MS to answer these questions either, why should
they tie their own hands in any way by guessing into the future?

And a sycophantic answer from a Macro$haft appologist, covering for them
and explaining away their cowardly behavior in not deciding to carve a
date in stone regarding two very important aspects of the life cycle of
one of their products.

Really - there is no reason to defend Micro$haft in that manner.

You can at least admit that they are acting like cowards by not having
the balls to declare some sort of date for the ending of those 2
services.

There is precedent for the update server to no longer supply or be
functional for one or two of their products, as WindowsUpdate went dark
for win-98 I think 2 years after win98 EOL. I don't know what happened
for Win-2k in that regard - I presume that WindowsUpdate service no
longer functions for win2k - correct? But in any case, it came as a
surprise when the update service failed for win-98.

But there is ->NO<- precedent for Meekro$oft turning off its validation
server or failing to validate product keys, and I think it's cowardly
for such an organization to not announce publicly what their police is
or will be for such an important function, and anyone involved in IT
would be correct in expecting to see such a policy in writing.

 

[casey.o]

There is precedent for the update server to no longer supply or be
functional for one or two of their products, as WindowsUpdate went dark
for win-98 I think 2 years after win98 EOL. I don't know what happened
for Win-2k in that regard - I presume that WindowsUpdate service no
longer functions for win2k - correct? But in any case, it came as a
surprise when the update service failed for win-98.

But there is ->NO<- precedent for Meekro$oft turning off its validation
server or failing to validate product keys, and I think it's cowardly
for such an organization to not announce publicly what their police is
or will be for such an important function, and anyone involved in IT
would be correct in expecting to see such a policy in writing.

What I dont understand why MS has to remove the updates from their
server at all. It's one thing to stop creating upgrades for XP, or
Win98 or others, but what's the big deal about keeping all the current
stuff on their site? With the low price of Hard drives these days, it
surely dont cost them much. They should have all the updates for EVERY
one of their older OSs.

It's amazing that MS cant keep 20 or 50gigs of outdated support and
downloads on their site, yet there are sites like Facebook that store
many terabytes (or larger) of mostly useless shit on their sites. And
Facebook is far more dangerous than MS will ever be. The last time I
checked, I think I have close to 100 entries in my HOSTS file to block
them, since they have infiltrated almost every website on earth, and can
track any or every user they want without those blocks. Firefox even
has an extension now, called Facebookblocker, to block them,

Compared to Facebook, Microsoft looks like an angel. I've never worried
about downloading anything from MS, but I do everything possible to stay
as far away from FB as I can, including not using their privacy invading
worthless site. FB was designed for idiots who will do anything to get
a minute of "Fame", by having their photo posted online. Few people are
even aware how dangerous FB really is. MS wants our money, and does
things to force us to upgrade to their (not always favorable) newer OSs,
but they are clean and safe compared to FB, and some other sites....

 

[casey.o]

I am reminded of the Dylan song phrase, "the times, they-are-a-changin".

And not necessarily for the better. I'm with you on a lot of your points,
and have similar sentiments. But I hope you will someday come to like XP a
bit better, as I finally did. I'm not sure which things about XP stilll are
so off putting for you, though, and maybe there are some workarounds for
that. One thing I did was replace the Windows File Search with Agent
Ransack, for example.

I like thing simple too. "Less is More" is often my maxim.

The main thing I DONT like about XP is all the useless clutter. I set
it to Classic mode, yet when I click on any drive letter in My Computer,
I get all this crap on the left like Tasks, Folders, whatever. I dont
have that computer turned on right now, but to me stuff like that is
very distracting. I like a plain list of files and nothing more, (like
I get in W98). There are other similar things, but I cant think of them
now. I've tried all day to make those drive letters open as a simple
list of files adn folders and have no idea how. W98 was simple, which
is how I like things. W2K was not too bad, but XP has far too much
bloated crap. It's not easy to get rid of much of it either.

It's just like the software I use, most of it goes back to the late 90s
and early 00s. For example, Paint Shop Pro. I like version 3.x best.
That's really old. The new vers load real slow because they install all
sorts of extra stuff, and are too complicated to use. And I'm quite
good at graphic editing, given a SIMPLE program.

 

[casey.o]

I've briefly looked at Adobe Photoshop, running on someone else's computer,
and it's way overkill for what I need. If you want to talk about bloated,
some of the Adobe apps like that one really take the cake. But like you, I
generally like the older editions of many software packages - older, before
they added all the extra crapola.

I have Photoshop 5. The only reason I have that is because I bought it
at a garage sale for a buck or two. That goes back to 1998 or so. To
me, that thing is too bloated. I rarely use it. I like Paint Shop pro
better. I'd hate to see all the crap added to Photoshop now. The way I
figure it, the only reason they add all that stuff, is because there is
nothing else to upgrade, and they want to keep selling the product.

It seems the young generation wants every bell and whistle, in
everything. They buy a new cellphone everytime there's a new version.
But I've seen a lot of them not know how to use most of the features.

This reminds me of some years ago, I was in the construction business.
Some guy wanted to build a bedroom in his unfinished attic. He went out
and bought an air compressor and several air powered nail guns and other
tools. Then he went to work, only to find that the compressor would run
out of air about every ten nails, so he returned the compressor and
bought a real big one. But it was too heavy to carry to the attic. So
he put it in his garage, ran about 150 feet of air hose to the attic,
but the compressor kept blowing breakers in the garage, and every 10
minutes he had to go downstairs to the garage to reset the breaker. So,
he rewired the garage. By now, he's 3 months behind on the attic
bedroom, he spent thousands of dollars on the tools and garage wiring,
and he finally goes to use all this stuff, and shoots a air-nail in his
hand.

I knew the guy, I had seen this all going on, and many times I told him
to just use a plain hammer. Nope, he needed all these gadgets. The
funny part is that I was in business doing construction and still used a
hammer, but this guy buys al this stuff just to build a small room.

So, abiout this time, the preson who was supposed to move into that
bedroom comes home from college, and no bedroom. That's when he called
me to come build the bedroom for him. He hands me all these air tools,
and I find them a pain in the ass to use. The big nailer either drove
the nails right thru a 2x4, or they did not go in far enough. That
means running down to the garage 20 or more times to adjust the air
pressure. A full day was wasted with that.

I finally grabbed my hammer and began building it by hand, but all he
had were those air nails. I told him to go buy some regular nails, but
he refused. He said he spent too much on the job already and cant
afford to buy more nails. Plus, he said he INSISTS that I use the air
tools. That's when I got real fed up wit hthe whoel thing, and also
knew I was not gonna get paid either, so I told him I was too busy to
help him with that job for at least a month, and to find someone else.
I later heard he hired some illegals (from mexico), to do the job and
they really made a mess of it, but did build something that looked like
a bedroom none the less.

 

[Charlie+]

Fine. A straightforward, concise, honest answer.


And a sycophantic answer from a Macro$haft appologist, covering for them
and explaining away their cowardly behavior in not deciding to carve a
date in stone regarding two very important aspects of the life cycle of
one of their products.

Really - there is no reason to defend Micro$haft in that manner.

snipped rest of rant
I told you what to expect and in my opinion why - thats it - go and
attack MS and vent your spleen there where it might do some good but I
doubt it - they are a particularly hard nosed commercial organisation!
All they want is money and there is probably a fat drag on the balance
sheet from XP by now. XP I expect to be using until all my hardware and
backup harware is in the bin through failure!

 

[JJ]

There is precedent for the update server to no longer supply or be
functional for one or two of their products, as WindowsUpdate went dark
for win-98 I think 2 years after win98 EOL. I don't know what happened
for Win-2k in that regard - I presume that WindowsUpdate service no
longer functions for win2k - correct? But in any case, it came as a
surprise when the update service failed for win-98.

I've read a new post somewhere in Windows XP newsgroup a few months ago. One
Windows 2000 user said that the auto update server is still working.

Even if the Windows XP auto update server has stopped working, you can still
do a manual update. Microsoft already provide a DVD ISO that contains
security updates up until March 11th 2014.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/913086

Newer updates if any, won't be that many and troublesome for manual
downloads.

 

[J. P. Gilliver (John)]

In message <[email protected]>,

I dont really believe this, but I do believe the other story I heard.
On April 8, Bill Gates is going to go to every home and business in
America, and format the hard drive of anyone using XP. ...

OK by me - I'm not in America ... (-:

 

[casey.o]

In message <[email protected]>,
(e-mail address removed) writes:
[]

I dont really believe this, but I do believe the other story I heard.
On April 8, Bill Gates is going to go to every home and business in
America, and format the hard drive of anyone using XP. ...

OK by me - I'm not in America ... (-:

He'll do America on April 8, Europe on April 9, and so on..... He'll
get you too......