RE: Microsoft Hotfixes (Now no Dime Required!)

There are generally two kinds of Microsoft updates available.

Those you can download and install with no interaction with Microsoft support: Windows Update or Windows Update Catalog (don't forget to use Internet Explorer for those link-jumps you Firefox fan-boys!) or by rooting them out by searching for them in the Knowledge Base articles.

And those that you find called Hotfixes which can be found in Knowledge Base articles, but require you to call Microsoft Support and obtain an unlisted download link in order to access them. Example: Microsoft Ntds.dit file problems article 934797.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, it is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support (http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support)

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Buddy...You Don't Need No Dime!

Blogger Steve "Spat" Patrick tips us on how to get those hotfixes without having to bother calling and haggling with Microsoft:  Get a hotfix -- without having to call MS...

1. Go to this Microsoft website link: https://support.microsoft.com/contactus2/emailcontact.aspx?scid=sw;en;1410&WS=hotfix

2. Enter the Knowledge Base (KB) article number.

3. Pick you OS platform and language.

4. Provide your email address.

And you will get a link via email to download the elusive Hotfix you so deeply desire.

That is sweet mint tea on a hot summer day, my Sysadmin friends!

Cheers, Spat!

--Claus