Microsoft released the beta of Windows Vista Service Pack 2 to MSDN subscribers on Tuesday. In a few postings found on Microsoft Blogs they indicated that the service will not only update Vista, but will also work with 2008 Server.

I decided to take a peek at my MSDN account, and indeed it is available for download:

By tomorrow, anyone will be able to download and test the service pack by signing up at the Microsoft customer preview program (CPP).

In addition to fixing some bugs, a few additional features will be available:

-Windows Vista SP2 adds Windows Search 4.0 for faster and improved relevancy in searches.

-Windows Vista SP2 contains the Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack supporting the most recent specification for Bluetooth Technology

-Adds Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify Wi-Fi Configuration

-Windows Vista SP2 enables the exFAT file system to support UTC timestamps, which allows correct file synchronization across time zones

Notice how I put the last one in bold. This is an interesting improvement to this file system. exFAT is used for flash drives, and is only supported in Vista SP1. I wonder if they have any other features in mind.

I am downloading it right now, and I will tell you what I find.

Manual Removal of W32/AutoRun.DJV Worm.

Damage Level : High/Medium
Distribution Level: Unknown

Auto Removal Tool for W32/AutoRun.DJV Worm
Kaspersky
Worm Manual Removal Instructions
Recommend Removal from Safe Mode:
How to Start in Safe mode:
Restart your Computer, Press F8 Repeatedly, when your Screen turns on, Select Safe mode, press enter.

The Infected Files Can be Seen in these folders and names also Running in Tasks
End the Following Active Process Before Removal

If you have any of these files in running process from task manger, end the process before removal.
Note: if task manager is disabled, Download the following file, Click to Download - Enable Registry.reg 
Manually Remove From Registry
Click Start, Run,Type regedit,Click OK.
Note: If the registry editor fails to open the threat may have modified the registry to prevent access to the registry editor. Download and run this UnHookExec.inf, and then continue with the removal.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

Exit the Registry Editor,
Restart your Computer.

Recommended Removal Tools:
Kaspersky Antivirus or Internet Security (Shareware)
Spyware Doctor (Shareware)
AVG Antivirus (Freeware)
Killbox (Freeware)

Microsoft started rolling out the red carpet for its new Windows Live Wave 3 products and services. Today I started getting invitations from friends to join their Network. But I have been plagued with the following bug:

Not a good start…for me.

The new http://home.live.com features a lot of social feature which is heavily emphasized by most of the services in this release. Its very similar to Facebooks user page where you see a aggregated list of fellow friend activity in your social network. Some of the nice features include Status, Personal Messages, some of the typical things you will find on Facebook. The nice thing is that there is a deep level of integration across Windows Live, for instance, your Windows Live Messenger 9 status and Personal Message is federated across services. Windows Live Spaces plays a critical role by providing a more healthy way of expressing yourself than the junk that tends to build up on other Social Networks over time. Seeing a blog post from a friend is better than the web apps and invitations that have taken over Facebook and its a lot cleaner and more attractive the eye. If you are moving from Facebook or plan on using Live Home, you will find other features such as events with available options for ignoring request and invitations. So a lot of the fundamentals have been worked out.

Performance remains an issue and stability is a concern. Right now, I am trying to join a couple friends network and I cannot because of this ‘error retrieving the content message’. Today I got a invitation from a new friend on Facebook, I clicked confirm and I was friends. This fiasco on Live, I have been clicking Save for approximately 30 minutes. I closed it out earlier, clicked back in the invitation again I received in my inbox and its still the same thing.

Invitations

Update:

Well, while typing this message, it finally confirmed the invitation. I guess all it took was a rant – LOL!

Invitations once accepted can be categorized in existing categories on your Windows Live Messenger contact list or your can add a new Category.

Overall, I like it, I think its better in the respect that its much cleaner thank Facebook. It provides useful tools that users who want to socialize will appreciate. The centralized management between your Live Space, your network of friends, messages and events make it more streamlined and productive. The issue is, will it catch on? The application craze on Facebook is no doubt a success and a lot of people are addicted to it, its hard to see them coming off that binge for this. Personally, I don’t want to see Windows Live Home turn out the same way. So, I will say its a good start, initially I have experienced some bugs as I write this post, but things are coming together and I am seeing why its a great platform. The fact that a Windows Live ID can provide access to so much in a well coordinated way, whether its communicating with contacts, sharing photos or delivering a message will be hit with folks who want a suite of interconnected experiences Windows Live provides.

Stay tuned for a more formal review soon.

Need help finding the perfect laptop just for you or someone in the family for the holidays? We’ve got the perfect tool for you. We’ve launched Windows Laptop Scout to help you find the right PC. Windows Laptop Scout helps you search for a laptop starting with how you or someone in your family will use the laptop. You can choose from 4 selections to get results on laptops that will meet your needs (you can choose all that apply to your needs).

Once you click “Show laptops” – you’re given results based on your needs. I took Windows Laptop Scout for a spin myself. I chose “Work on the go” and “Music, movies, and more” and as you can see in the below screenshot, I got 18 out of 31 laptops that meet my needs (more laptops will continue to be added).

I was able to refine my search by adjusting the settings on the bottom such as Price, Screen Size, Speed, Storage and Weight. The results update automatically. Windows Laptop Scout is a tool I strongly recommend checking out if you are looking for a new laptop.

I’ve also got some deals I think you’ll be interested in especially as we officially head into the holidays.

Over on Windows.com we have a list of a few special deals folks can take advantage of…

• Sony: Buy any eligible VAIO CS or SR series notebook with a VAIO DPF-D80 digital photo frame and save $180. Click here for details.
• Dell: Save now when you buy the Dell XPS M1530 together with a Linksys by Cisco Router and Media Center Extender. Click here for details.
• Blockbuster: Buy a qualifying laptop from participating retailers and get 6 months of Blockbuster movies. Choose from more than a dozen models from 5 great companies. Click here to pick a qualifying laptop.
• Best Buy: Buy a Windows Mobile Smartphone and 2-year activation, and Geek Squad will set up your phone, including e-mail, right in the store. Click here for details.

Hopefully along with Windows Laptop Scout, you will find these offerings useful!

Oh and don’t forget the recent updates to Windows Live too! You can check out all the offerings of Windows Live at WindowsLive.com.

I think all the latest themes have been extraordinary lately. This theme is no exception. In fact I think this sleek theme has raised the bar in the creative graphics category. All one has to do is look at the desktop icons, the buttons, the windows and the start orb to see the amazing uniqueness of this theme. I love the orange and grey colors mixed in with a bit of white. The background is also unique and really sets the mood for the whole theme.

Are you still using Windows XP? If you are then visit our FAQ page to download our XP Theme Patcher. If you’re using Windows Vista, you don’t need the Theme Patcher.

Title: PATTERN
Author: Nittiyh
Download: Vista PATTERN Theme

Now this is a cute Vista theme. I love the soft colors and the background selection in this theme. There are many custom redesigns that make this very appealing for anybody who loves unique designs. Some of the cool elements are the cool caption buttons, scroll bar and back/forward buttons along with the soft grey color of the windows. I think overall this theme has a robotic look mixed with a cute teddy look and as a result it’s a winner.

Are you still using Windows XP? If you are then visit our FAQ page to download our XP Theme Patcher. If you’re using Windows Vista, you don’t need the Theme Patcher.

Title: On-yoan Meka
Author: Raindropmemory
Download: Vista On-yoan Meka Theme