Microsoft: Want a hot fix? E-mail us

Computerworld - Microsoft customers can now request a hot fix by e-mail, avoiding the hassle of reaching the company's support staff on the phone.

In a blog post, Steve Patrick, who works in a Microsoft group within support services, provided a link to an online form where customers can enter their e-mail address and the desired hot fix by referencing its associated Knowledge Base article number. Microsoft's support will e-mail a download link for the hot fix within eight business hours, the form notes.

Hot fixes are patches that Microsoft writes for specific, documented problems but doesn't release to everyone via one of its update services, such as Microsoft Update. Typically, Microsoft support recommends that only users who have experienced the problem install a hot fix. Most of the time, Microsoft does not make these fixes available for downloading from its Web site; instead, it demands that users call in and explain their situation to support before it releases the patch.

A Windows Vista bug that locks up a PC when it's brought out of hibernation is a good example. In the May 7 Knowledge Base article, Microsoft said, "It is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hot fix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next service pack that contains this hot fix. To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services to obtain the hot fix."

"Man -- this makes life SOOOO much easier for a lot of folks," said Patrick, who credited the change to "the Big Brainers" at Microsoft.

The hot fix request form is available online.