Microsoft Hotfixes

JonnyT

JonnyT

JonnyT

Associate
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
2,149
Location
Cambridge
I've noticed in a few threads recently that people have been complaining about having to contact Microsoft to get a hotfix & thought I'd clear up a couple of points...

1: Contacting Microsoft to obtain a hotfix is FREE and does not impact upon your two free support requests,

2: You can contact Microsoft in a couple of ways to get them

- Over the phone - 0870 60 10 100

- Via the Internet - here or here
 
Because they are not designed to be released into the field.
They are there to specifically fix a specific problem.
Microsoft don't want people coming back and saying "We downloaded such and such and now my Windows won't boot" - they get enough negative press from bias sites like the Register as it is.

When you call for a Hotfix they will check to make sure you are getting the exact fault that the fix is designed to sort out.
If you are they will e-mail you the fix, instruct you on how to use it and then remain in contact to make sure it does indeed fix the problem for you.
 
stoofa said:
Because they are not designed to be released into the field.
They are there to specifically fix a specific problem.
Microsoft don't want people coming back and saying "We downloaded such and such and now my Windows won't boot" - they get enough negative press from bias sites like the Register as it is.

When you call for a Hotfix they will check to make sure you are getting the exact fault that the fix is designed to sort out.
If you are they will e-mail you the fix, instruct you on how to use it and then remain in contact to make sure it does indeed fix the problem for you.
Click to expand...

That's just plain silly, as long as Microsoft make it clear that it is pre-release then where's the problem?

It's like saying "If you climb up an electric pylon you may get a shock" - if someone then goes and does it, and gets a shock, they knew the risk in the first place.
 
I echo what Stoofa said, these are specific fixes to specific problems, thus they want to control their release to stop the OMGZ Must Patch0r Every Thingz In S1ght !!111one brigage from breaking their machines.

Microsoft's attitude with the hotfixes it holds back is pretty sensible - we only dish it out if you experience the problem described in the KB article. Why apply the hotfix if you don't have the issue? You don't ask for medicine unless you're ill do you? Applying a hotfix just for the sake of it could well go & break something else & then they'd need a hotfix for the hotfix causing more frustration and problems. (admittedly M$ don't always get it right - see the 916089->927891 debacle!)

I agree the process may not make sense on every occasion - it took me ages to get the HD Audio hotfix out of them (KB888111) but doing it this way rather than everyone - especially end-users - being able to go & apply hotfixes willy-nilly is preferable. Plus as Stoofa says Microsoft provide value-add for the hotfixes by monitoring their success or otherwise thorugh direct contact with the clients who requested them.

At the end of the day if you really want to get hold of the hotfixes you will (from 3rd party sites liek in another current thread) but there's no guarantee of their quality - hell they could even be trojans/malware masquerading as hotfixes!
 
Last edited:
JonnyT said:
I've noticed in a few threads recently that people have been complaining about having to contact Microsoft to get a hotfix & thought I'd clear up a couple of points...

1: Contacting Microsoft to obtain a hotfix is FREE and does not impact upon your two free support requests,

2: You can contact Microsoft in a couple of ways to get them

- Over the phone - 0870 60 10 100

- Via the Internet - here or here
Click to expand...

What about us OEM owners? As we have not paid for MS support, are we still able to get these hotfixes from MS?
 
DAS said:
What about us OEM owners? As we have not paid for MS support, are we still able to get these hotfixes from MS?
Click to expand...

Yes.
It's a bit of a misconception that these are only available for Retail owners.
However you do have to be ready to explain when you phone up MS or else you find yourself being told that they don't offer any support on OEM and to go back to the manufacturer.

Call up MS and when asked for the product code give them your OEM number.
The front-line person will immediately start to tell you that as it is an OEM product they cannot offer you any support.
At this point immediately jump in and say it is in reference to a Knowledgebase Article and it says you need to call to get a hotfix.
Give them the KB number and you will get past front-line support even if you're only an OEM user.
 
Ice Tea said:
Whats the point of the internet and Internet Support if you have to Telephone them ?
Click to expand...

You don't, the links above give you a hotfix request form. As with most ways of contacting companies though, you can get the most instant support on a phoneline.

I agree that it's a sensible idea from Microsoft's point of view - the hotfixes aren't absolutely thoroughly tested, but neither are they "prerelease". Making them available online would cause massive confusion from some users - people would either be afraid of using them even to fix a problem or insist upon installing them all and causing all sorts of problems in the process. They are typically rarely needed (I've never found myself needing one) and Microsoft are happy to provide them to anyone who needs them. It seems like the best idea in my opinion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom