Plan on using XP for a while yet, avoid update KB2934207

[Majestic]

On March 5, 2014 Microsoft released an High Priority Update titled "Windows XP End of Support Notification (KB2934207)" Basically it adds a log-on and a monthly nag screen reminder about Microsoft ending support for Windows XP in April. Since this update in bundled in with the High Priority Updates, most users will wind up having it installed without their knowledge or permission. Also there is no option to Hide the update from future downloads, but you can omit the download if you disable Automatic Updates and start manually checking for Windows XP updates and choose the Custom option for searching.

In the event you have inadvertently installed the update, it can be uninstalled or just delete the two items in Scheduled Tasks that cause it to appear at log-on and monthly.

[Saucey]

Noted!

[Medessec]

I'll definitely have to tell my roommate this, since he has a T43p he recently installed XP on.

Thanks a ton for the info, quite good to know we're looking after each other

[Cigarguy]

Thanks. I'm switching my 1 and last (T42) that is running XP to Windows 7.

[flipteo]

I have my XP updates set to "download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them".

I always end up installing everything anyway, but I like to know what the updates are first. Anyway, when I saw this 'XP end of support" update, I figured it was useless - but I didn't even consider at the time that it could actually be a nuisance. I almost installed it anyway. Glad I didn't. Thanks so much Majestic!

[Majestic]

You're welcome. I'm more than glad to help.

Here is a little more info......

I checked this morning and found that Microsoft now allows you to hide the "Windows XP End of Support Notification (KB2934207)" on the Windows Update website from future downloads.

On a side note though...... they now offer an update for those who use Microsoft Security Essentials. Basically this Important Update (KB2949787) will update Security Essentials to version 4.5.216. Although I don't see any apparent anti-virus detention improvements, it does cause Security Essentials system tray icon to change to a yellow exclamation mark thus warning of being "potentially unprotected" after April 18th due to no further updates being released. It also causes a nag system tray notification to pop up at log-on advising of the same warning. This update can not be uninstalled although you can uninstall Security Essentials and the re-install an earlier version from sites like FileHippo and just avoid KB2949787 in the future. Better yet, just find another AV product with a longer support life span.

[Norway Pad]

..they now offer an update for those who use Microsoft Security Essentials. Basically this Important Update (KB2949787) will update Security Essentials to version 4.5.216. Although I don't see any apparent anti-virus detention improvements, it does cause Security Essentials system tray icon to change to a yellow exclamation mark thus warning of being "potentially unprotected" after April 18th due to no further updates being released. It also causes a nag system tray notification to pop up at log-on advising of the same warning. This update can not be uninstalled although you can uninstall Security Essentials and the re-install an earlier version from sites like FileHippo and just avoid KB2949787 in the future.

Thank you for this one! This one appeared in my update last night, after I read this. So happy to avoid this hassle of reinstalling MSE. Some of my older collectibles will never move on from XP, so I am gathering the last updates these days and will create images in case they need to be reimaged in the future. MSE version 4.4.304 is the one running on these machines, and that is probably the version you want to go back to in case you do this update and end up with version 4.5.216. 4.4.304 can be found here: http://www.filehippo.com/download_secur ... entials_xp

For the unskilled user, who might not be aware of it, it's good that MS does such an extensive job of warning about XP's EOL. But I really think there should also be an option like "Remove all my XP EOL warnings and nags. I want to keep my XP install for some reason, and I know what I am doing"

[A31]

You should just upgrade. XP is now like 13 years old - time to move on and use something else whether it be a newer version of Windows or something else. Microsoft can't keep supporting and patching stuff forever.

Granted, the nag screen and MSE notifications may be irritating those who don't want to upgrade, but you'll notice there is a little check box on the nag screen and next to it the text: 'Don't notify me again'. Click it and be done with it. As for AV, apparently Avast is going to be supporting XP for a few more years yet. So if you MUST stay on XP, I recommend switching to Avast.

[Norway Pad]

You should just upgrade. XP is now like 13 years old - time to move on and use something else whether it be a newer version of Windows or something else. Microsoft can't keep supporting and patching stuff forever.

Not an option:

Some of my older collectibles will never move on from XP, so I am gathering the last updates these days and will create images in case they need to be reimaged in the future.

All machines from T42 and on is migrated to Win7 and even Win8, while the older ones, T30 and lower, won't be. My 770Z barely runs XP SP2..

[A31]

Not an option:

Why not? Rather than bluntly saying 'no', why not see if there is an option out there? Perhaps look a light version of Linux or something?

Though I suppose at the end of the day it only really matters if you are using XP as your primary OS on your primary machines. If you're using it on an old 'kick-about' machine that you do nothing with then I suppose it's fine to leave it.

EDIT: just re-read your post above. I see now...

And if you want that little nag screen to be gone forever, go into C:\WINDOWS\system32 and delete the file called 'xp_eos.exe'. That should do it (since the nag screen is just a little exe file).

[Norway Pad]

I guess that's the point. These are machines that I rarely use online. And if I do, I probably won't be doing online banking or PayPal payments with them, and not leave them sit vacant and online for a prolonged period of time. Also having a clean image that can be reapplied should something happen. With those precautions, I don't see a big security concern for my own part with running XP on these machines.

[A31]

I guess that's the point. These are machines that I rarely use online. And if I do, I probably won't be doing online banking or PayPal payments with them, and not leave them sit vacant and online for a prolonged period of time. Also having a clean image that can be reapplied should something happen. With those precautions, I don't see a big security concern for my own part with running XP on these machines.

Yeah the main concern are those who are still insisting on using XP on their primary machines. I thought you were one of those but I re-read your post and you said you weren't, so I agree with you now.

[Norway Pad]

Sorry for appearing as blunt. I didn't make it clear enough that this is old hardware that doesn't run anything beyond XP, so your advice was legit. But I have made plans for moving the 770Z onto a Linux distro, as I actually really like using it from time to time.

[Majestic]

I've moved on to something newer as well. Only problem is on my triple boot desktop I have several software applications licensed for XP only. While I use Win 7 on a daily basis there is always a chance I will need to use the XP apps. Eventually I will get the newer versions of the apps and have them licensed and installed on 7, but for now XP will have stay in the line up.