Windows Update Dangerous Drivers

[Sysdll]

I just updated XP with windows update. I checked the hardware updates for video, sound and network adapter.

After the update and install the video was stuck on the lowest possible setting. I went into safe mode, ran Driver Sweeper, Driver Cleaner and CCleaner. Then I reinstalled the old drivers and the video was fine. Next I couldn’t use the Internet until I rolled back the Intel network adapter driver. Then I noticed poor tone from the speakers and found the tone controls grayed out and had to go through the same process I did with the video to get the 2002 Creative drivers working again.

I've learned my lesson and thought I'd pass it on.

[CharlotteTheHarlot]

Good idea. Folks should describe their quick fixes for things that get broken by a Service Pack update. It just might help someone out of a jam. I'll add a recent one:

D-Link USB wireless receiver not working after WinXP SP3, no internet! I noticed that two D-Link command line utilities (AIRGCFG.EXE and WZCSLDR2.EXE) loading during startup with dependency errors. The utilities loaded user settings like SSID at each reboot, but were failing to do so now. The 'missing' dependency was from WLANAPI.DLL which was physically present in System32 where it belongs. D-Link however used an older version of that file which was since replaced by SP3. So I searched the entire HDD and found the squashed version stored in $NtServicePackUninstall$. I then copied this older file (aka 'localized' it) to the two folders under Program Files containg those two D-Link utilities. Rebooted, no errors. Just had to re-enter the SSID manually ... done.

Lesson for developers, stop sticking files into System32 (and in Windows for that matter). It was a bad idea years ago and is even dumber now. Place a copy of system DLL's you depend upon into your private folder(s).

Lesson for D-Link, after you total up the cost of all the support calls you are now receiving (and the corresponding negative publicity), find out which managers are responsible and send them the bill (or, just smack them around a little ).

[Nexus_06]

I've long hated software that modifies/adds/removes stuff to /system32 , there is simply no reason for it... all authors doing that should be slapped.

On a similar note, GAMES that do not check DirectX version properly also annoy the **** out of me. =] I am sick of reinstalling latest directx after I install a new game... VERY annoying. They should at least let us choose to SKIP the installation of DirectX instead of forcing the version on the dvd/cd.