Another MS Vista Screw-Up

A recent update for the Microsoft Vista operating system is causing headaches for users with USB devices.

by Michael Smith (Veshengro)

Microsoft last week re-released a software update intended to provide performance and reliability enhancements for Windows Vista-based and Windows Vista Service Pack 1-based systems. It was one of eight security bulletins and updates the company made available on April 8.

Users who installed the update, however, soon found their USB devices unresponsive, particularly mice and flash drives. Removing and re-installing the programs reportedly did not immediately solve the problem.

Microsoft confirmed the bug, but declined, let's call that “refused”, to provide further details.

"We are aware of concerns that a recent Microsoft update may be causing problems with USB devices," according to a Microsoft spokeswoman. "We are investigating the matter and at this time do not have any additional information to share."

Why am I not surprised? Especially since Microsoft has now had to admit that rather than a finished product Vista is very much a “work in progress”. Duh? So, it too over 5 years to develop and release and then still it is a “work in progress”. Sorry, folks, but that sure is NOT good enough. Time for a switch, dearest readers. Ubuntu on the desktop is becoming of ages. Let's go and get it.

© M Smith (Veshengro), April 2008