Message Edited by Dr5mith on 03-01-200605:46 PM

February 17, 2008 (Computerworld) Updates that Microsoft Corp. began feeding Windows Vista users last week to prep PCs for next month's release of Service Pack 1 (SP1) have crippled some machines, according to messages posted to the company's support site.

Last Tuesday, Microsoft started sending Vista users two final prerequisite updates that are required before SP1 can be installed in March. The updates to the operating system's install components were delivered via Windows Updates, which automatically downloaded and installed them on the majority of Vista machines.

Users quickly started squawking.

In most cases, they reported that the final update hung while displaying the message "Configuring Updates Step 3 of 3 - 0% Complete," which was followed by a reboot of the PC. Which was followed by another reboot, and another. "[It] reboots ad infinitum," said Frank Melk on the Microsoft support newsgroup. A smaller number reported a different problem: After the update, their computer refused to boot normally.

Trying to boot into Safe Mode did no good, users said; the reboot loop cranked up then as well. "I am unsure as to what to do, because entering Safe Mode gives the same screen," Melk said. "Furthermore, I have no restore points saved, so going back to a known previous good config is no good either!"

Melk's mention of restore points referred to Windows Vista's System Restore, a tool that periodically takes a "snapshot" of the PC. Also called "restore points," they can be called up to return the machine to its condition at the time the snapshot was taken. Some users who posted messages to the same newsgroup said that they had managed to regain control of the computer by booting from their Vista install DVD, and selecting the "Restore from a previous restore point" option.

"The first two restore points available to me failed," noted another user, pegged as phazedoubt. "I had to go back 3 days before I found one that worked."

Others said they had been in touch with Microsoft support representatives -- the company offers free support to consumers on all update issues through a toll-free number (866-727-233 or e-mail -- and claimed that they had been told to boot from their Vista media and choose "Run Startup Repair."

"Apparently, so Microsoft says, my machine was restarted thinking it had downloaded an update, but really the update hadn't been downloaded," said user bicksbah on the support newsgroup. "So, upon reboot, it couldn't find the update and Vista kept trying to install it endlessly."

Messages left on the newsgroup indicate that Microsoft is aware of the problem. Someone identified as Darrell Gorter, who claimed to be with the company, asked users to send him log files "to determine a cause for the issue." Official company representatives, however, were not available Sunday for comment or confirmation.

Messages left on the same support newsgroup, in fact, show that the problem was first reported by users in December, when Microsoft offered a Vista SP1 release candidate to the general public, but required them to download and install the prerequisite updates manually, one after the other. The complaint volume picked up last month, when Microsoft opened a second, more finished, build to all comers.

Some users remained frantic because they did not have a Vista install or recovery disc; computer makers often forgo such niceties, instead putting the recovery files on the PC's hard drive. Others took Microsoft to the woodshed.

Although it's impossible to gauge the extent of the prerequisite reboot problem from the support forums, the traffic on the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) newsgroup is substantial: the thread to which Melk, Gorter and phazedoubt posted included nearly 80 messages by mid-day Sunday, and had been viewed more than 23,000 times.

Two weeks ago, Microsoft announced it had completed SP1, and was sending it to OEMs for installation on new computers, and to duplication to prep retail copies. At the same time, however, it said it would not make it available to most users until mid-March, and would not deliver it automatically via Windows Update until April.

DN1 Link

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It doesn't matter that the complainers spend as much time on the game as you do, and probably more. While they may disagree on the nature of the flaws, they are united in agreement that whatever those flaws may be, they are unforgivable.

Herewith then, a guide to the deranged, degraded inhabitants of the forums. You cannot defeat them, they provide precious little experience, but if they get their claws on you, they may turn you into one of their own.

Wants only one thing -- more power with less effort. Any downgrade in power is infuriating. Any upgrade is insufficient.

Sample Quote: "I can't believe they nerfed the pillar of lava spell! How am I supposed to kill twelve ogres at once now?"

Punishment: Forced to admit that no matter how powerful in the game, still works as a cashier at Kroger in real life.

Doesn't understand what a "game" is. Constantly makes arguments based on what would be "realistic," even if the game is set in a fantasy world run by wizards and pixies.

Sample Quote: "You can't tell me a Mondlagarian Tiger Warrior is stronger than a Swamp Troll. That just doesn't make sense!"

Punishment: Sent back to kindergarten for remedial make-believe classes.

Seems to believe that $15 a month buys you a seat on the board of directors. Doesn't realize that a hundred thousand other people are ponying up the same amount.

Sample Quote: "I've e-mailed the developers several times telling them that Fire Paladins should have the axe-throwing skill. They haven't changed it, but they're still taking my money!."

Punishment: Forced to work customer service for an online game company.

Sees the game as a titanic struggle between the evil expressive developers and the poor, downtrodden gamers. The evidence? Every rule and limitation in the game.

Sample Quote: "I don't see why I have to complete quests to get epic weapons! If I want my second-level Bumblefur Bard to wield the Deathsword of Arat'rak'k'k'k, that's my right! Quit telling me how to play!"

Punishment: Sent to Sudan to experience first-hand what oppression actually feels like.

Just comes on the forum to let everyone know he's quitting for good and to spend a dozen paragraphs explaining why. Then does it again three months later.

Sample Quote: "For real, this time."

Punishment: Forced to actually quit.

Only has one complaint, but posts about it 15 times a day. This is because nobody else cares.

Sample Quote: "THE LAVENDER STARBELT IS ACTUALLY PERIWINKLE!!!! WHY DON'T THEY FIX THIS??!!!?!"

Punishment: Lavender Starbelt changed to lilac.

Wants a bunch of cosmetic changes to a single type of character. Exhibits an eerie level of identification with said character.

Sample Quote: "The Pastry Elves' laugh should be less bubbly and more tinkly. Our giggle should remind you of gazing at the stars as a child, and our smile should make you think of the taste of honey on a cool spring morning."

Punishment: Character icon replaced with accurate photograph of self.

Main complaint about the game is that you can't kill everything. Secondary complaint is that the things you can kill don't suffer enough.

Sample Quote: "Why can't I make the baker watch me kill his wife and child, then force-feed their flesh to him until his stomach bursts? What is this, Barbie's Horse Adventure?"

Punishment: To be determined, pending DNA analysis of freezer contents.