Glitch in Windows XP SP1 could slow systems
IDG News Service -
Microsoft Corp. has acknowledged and patched a glitch with its Windows XP Service Pack 1 (SP1) update that can cause system slowdowns, but it has yet to make widely available its still-developing fix.
Because of changes made in SP1 to Windows XP's memory management system, programs that affect large blocks of memory may take up to 10 times longer to load on a system running SP1 than on one without, Microsoft said. The company detailed the problem on its support Web site in a recently posted Knowledge Base article, "Programs Run Slower After You Install Windows XP SP-1."
The bug affects both the Professional and Home Edition versions of Windows XP. SP1, released in September, includes fixes for a number of security flaws and bugs discovered since Windows XP's release.
For now, the only official way to obtain Microsoft's fix is to contact the company's Product Support Services department. Although Microsoft charges customers for some support calls, customers requesting this patch won't be charged, according to a company spokeswoman.
Because the problem is rare, Microsoft has chosen not to offer the patch for download on its support site, the spokeswoman said.
Unless users are severely affected by the problem, Microsoft recommends waiting for a patch until the next Windows XP service pack is released.
Reprinted with permission from
Story copyright 2009 International Data Group. All rights reserved.
Viruses
Additional Resources



Learn the important issues you must consider before starting your next mobility initiative. Get your mobility white paper from IDC now, compliments of Sybase.
White Papers & Webcasts
Share our Strength
Download Now
Key Strategies for Managing Data Growth
What are you storage challenges?
Can Heuristic Technology Help Your Company Fight Viruses?
What is Heuristic Technology and how can it help safeguard your business against viruses? Learn more.
Extending Client Refresh - 11 Steps to Maximize Savings
Register Now!
Eradicate Spam & Gain 100% Asurance of Clean Mailboxes
Get this paper now!
Lower the Cost and Complexity of a Mobile Workforce through Automation
Download This Resource Now!
Mastering eDiscovery: The IT Manager's Guide to Preservation, Protection & Production
Get this paper now!
Managing Mobility: Improve Data Security, Compliance and Manageability
Download This Resource Now!
Not Just Words: Enforce Your Email and Web Acceptable Usage Policies
Get this paper now!
Consolidate Your Servers and Storage to Lower Costs with Oracle Database 11g
Register for this webcast!
