By Roland Moore-Colyer 27 May 2014. Microsoft has warned Windows XP users against using a hack that tricks the company’s servers into applying security patches to the now-unsupported operating system.
The workaround first appeared on a forum website called Sebijk, which revealed how making a small change in XP's registry will fool Microsoft’s upgrade servers into thinking they are applying security patches to newer versions of Windows.
However, Microsoft has stressed that XP users exploiting the hack may encounter various problems and would not be fully protected.
In a statement to V3 Microsoft said: “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.”
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Microsoft cautions against Windows XP update trick
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It's a very important issue, especially when we take into consideration how many users still have WinXP onboard.
A Big Kudo and many thanks Jasper!
A Big Kudo and many thanks Jasper!
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Yes, thank you Jasper! Honestly, I can't believe that any decent IT department would even conceive of hacking their own system (sort of) for the sake of saving a few $$ or buying more time,
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I don't think that they would Jeff, I think it is rather the lone technical 'consultant' oferring a servcie to an uninformed person or the 'self taught' expert who is looking to save a buck or too that might well be 'conned' into using this.
An IT Department person going down this route would basically be kissing their job & reputation good bye.
An IT Department person going down this route would basically be kissing their job & reputation good bye.
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