Windows XP hack resurrects patches for retired OS

[vostok]

This hack fools Microsoft into thinking the system is running Windows Embedded POSReady 2009,
a variant of XP that's used by ATMs and cash registers. Those systems will keep getting security
updates until 2019.

First, create a text file with the following contents:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA\PosReady]

"Installed"=dword:00000001

Next: save the text file, then rename the file's extension from ".txt" to ".reg" using Windows Explorer. To apply the hack, double click on the .reg file to execute it; this will then import the data into the Windows registry. When that has been completed, running Windows Update should now reveal several new security updates

However, MS states: "The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers, and do not fully protect Windows XP customers," Microsoft said in a recent statement. "Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP."

 

[vostok]

UPDATE:
a typical response from a Microsoft spokesperson:

We recently became aware of a hack that purportedly aims to provide security updates to Windows XP customers. The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers. Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP. The best way for Windows XP customers to protect their systems is to upgrade to a more modern operating system, like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.

TYPICAL!

 

[heckler73]

While that is very interesting, I already upgraded my boxes to Win7.
I feel the old Pirate credo is worth repeating here,
If it's good enough to play, it's good enough to pay.
Why waste time dicking around with XP? Is it for the "I can do it!" reward?
I can understand that, if that's the case, but practically speaking, it makes no sense.

 

[Dr Kynes]

While that is very interesting, I already upgraded my boxes to Win7.
I feel the old Pirate credo is worth repeating here,
If it's good enough to play, it's good enough to pay.
Why waste time dicking around with XP? Is it for the "I can do it!" reward?
I can understand that, if that's the case, but practically speaking, it makes no sense.

some of us have the old XP Professional unlimited license, and dont have the drachmas to drop for a new OS that doesnt run on old hardware, and doesnt run our tried and true applications.

 

[heckler73]

some of us have the old XP Professional unlimited license, and dont have the drachmas to drop for a new OS that doesnt run on old hardware, and doesnt run our tried and true applications.

I can understand that, I suppose. I take for granted I get access to computer parts all over the place from people "upgrading" their boxes to be bleeding edge. You need to find more geeks who see the sun once in a while, perhaps.
OR whore yourself out to some computer illiterate people to fix their shit. At some point one of them will call you for an upgrade, and that's when you can score parts.

Have you considered making your life Hell and switching to Linux?

 

[Dr Kynes]

I can understand that, I suppose. I take for granted I get access to computer parts all over the place from people "upgrading" their boxes to be bleeding edge. You need to find more geeks who see the sun once in a while, perhaps.
OR whore yourself out to some computer illiterate people to fix their shit. At some point one of them will call you for an upgrade, and that's when you can score parts.

Have you considered making your life Hell and switching to Linux?

i dabble in ubuntu now and again, but it doesnt support a lot of the applications i use regularly

 

[Nutes and Nugs]

XP, Computers!
Who uses them?

 

[heckler73]

i dabble in ubuntu now and again, but it doesnt support a lot of the applications i use regularly

Be careful with those words. There may be Finns nearby, and if they hear that, they may try to castrate you like a reindeer.
And you know how they do that in Finland? I can tell you they don't do it this way...

 

[SnapsProvolone]

Would sure suck if a company sold you a car and when it needs fixing they simply say get a new car. GM seems to be trying to mimic this business model in some form lol.

 

[Nutes and Nugs]

Would sure suck if a company sold you a car and when it needs fixing they simply say get a new car. GM seems to be trying to mimic this business model in some form lol.

New cars with every recall.

 

[heckler73]

Don't you people ever change the brakes or tires on your cars?
Doesn't the engine need replacing when you burn it out ?
Or do you just slap an oil filter on to repair the cracks in the block?

An OS is not a car.

 

[TakeTheTicket]

Legitimate installers of Windows 7 (64 and 32 bit) have been available for free on the internet for a while now. The checksums match what Microsoft has posted on MSDN, meaning they are the same installers and haven't been tampered with. Building a basic computer that runs Windows 7 is very easy and cheap...

Here's Windows 7... FO' FREE

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/7126-The-Official-Windows-7-Repository

 

[Nutes and Nugs]

Legitimate installers of Windows 7 (64 and 32 bit) have been available for free on the internet for a while now. The checksums match what Microsoft has posted on MSDN, meaning they are the same installers and haven't been tampered with. Building a basic computer that runs Windows 7 is very easy and cheap...

Here's Windows 7... FO' FREE

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/7126-The-Official-Windows-7-Repository

That is a good site.
You gotta poke around but you will find what you are looking for.

The only problem i have with Ubuntu is YouTube playing choppy on some machines.
Upgraded ram and different video cards but still the same choppy video.
Not just YouTube.

 

[TakeTheTicket]

Legitimate installers of Windows 7 (64 and 32 bit) have been available for free on the internet for a while now. The checksums match what Microsoft has posted on MSDN, meaning they are the same installers and haven't been tampered with. Building a basic computer that runs Windows 7 is very easy and cheap...

Here's Windows 7... FO' FREE

http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/7126-The-Official-Windows-7-Repository

Here's a basic computer for less than $500 (I'm assuming you already have a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers/headphones from your last computer). You can build computers even cheaper than this depending on how much you're willing to sacrifice on performance and whether good brands/quality are important to you. Click each item to buy/view:

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 Processor (3M Cache, 3.50 GHz) - $117
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H81M-DS2V Intel H81 Micro ATX Motherboard - $50
RAM: G.SKILL 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 1600 - $40 (and still room to add more RAM later on the motherboard)
HardDrive: WD Blue 1 TB Desktop Hard Drive - $58
Disc Drive (2 Options):
1) BluRay/CD/DVD Burner: LG SATA 16x Blu-ray/CD/DVD Disc Rewriter - $60
2) CD/DVD Burner: ASUS SATA 24X DVD/CD Burner - $20
Case (2 Options):
1) Cooler Master HAF 912 - High Air Flow Mid Tower (No LEDs) - $60
2) Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower (Blue LEDs) - $55
Power Supply: EVGA 600W Active PFC - $60

Has integrated video, and integrated sound card. You can upgrade these later if you wish. Video card would be a personal choice based on what you plan to use it for (Gaming, multiple monitors, etc), but here's my soundcard recommendation:
Creative Sound Blaster Z - $83

 

[TakeTheTicket]

The price next to each part was the price at the time of posting. Computer part prices go up and down all the time, even on a day to day basis. The prices still seem to be about the same, this is just a notice.

With the DVD burner, the total is $400-405 before tax. With the BluRay burner, the total is $440-445 before tax. All items have free shipping.

The link I gave for the Power Supply charges for shipping, so here's the same power supply, at the same price, with FREE shipping: http://amzn.com/B00EON40CS

Adding more RAM is as simple as buying another stick of the same type (or with matching specs), and popping it in the slot while the computer is off.