Latest Windows XP registry hack that allows users to gain access to security updates has caught the attention of Microsoft and the company has warned people against using the registry hack as it wouldn’t fully protect them and there could be significant functionality issues.
Microsoft has said in a statement to ZDNet that the updates that users will receive through this hack are designed for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 and they will not fully protect Windows XP users.
“The security updates that could be installed are intended for Windows Embedded and Windows Server 2003 customers and do not fully protect Windows XP customers”, said Microsoft.
“Windows XP customers also run a significant risk of functionality issues with their machines if they install these updates, as they are not tested against Windows XP.”
The hack that allows Windows XP users to receive updates for a foreseeable future came to light just yesterday and it involves a small modification to the Windows registry whereby the servers will be made to believe that the system requesting the update is a POSReady 2009 system and not the end of life Windows XP.
Microsoft has again stressed that the best way to stay secure is to upgrade to a modern operating system like Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 and we would like to add that in case you are comfortable with Linux you may find a stable desktop oriented distro as an alternative to Windows XP or a Chromebook if you are OK with one.
