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Available from Microsoft today, for Windows XP, 2003 and Vista.

Check them out if you have encountered any of the problems described.

For Windows XP

KB931678

Install this update to resolve an issue where an access violation may occur when a pop-up window in Internet Explorer 7 is closed on a system running Windows XP with Service Pack 2. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

Windows DreamScene, which transforms your desktop from a static wallpaper image into a full-motion video is now available.

The release, in conjunction with Stardock, offers a number of cool, new animated DreamScene desktops, including “Aurora”. Additionally, you can use your own videos as DreamScene desktops or visit Stardock’s Dream.WinCustomize.com website to download Stardock’s DeskScapes (an add-on to DreamScene) as well as a collection of fabulous content created by Stardock and members of the Ultimate community.

Install the Windows Server virtualization (WSv) role in Windows Server 2008 RC (Release Candidate) 0.

If you want to give WSv(aka. Viridian) a whirl, you must have specific hardware capabilities. Your processor must be 64-bit, have XD/NX (eXecute Disable/No Execute) turned on, and support Intel VT or AMD-V. Further, the BIOS must support these features. It is recommended that even if your hardware does have these capabilities, you upgrade to the latest version of the BIOS.

Click for more on HowTo: Install the WSv Role in Windows Server 2008 RC0 »

Right on cue, Microsoft has made available the (long-awaited) Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista to a private group of beta testers.

The update is noted for a number of positive changes, some of which include a much snappier logon experience, a new option in the Disk Defragmenter “allowing you to choose which volumes you would like to defragment,” improvements in responsiveness when resuming from Hibernation / Sleep modes, enhanced BitLocker function(Enterprise and Ultimate version only), better wireless network and dual monitor support.

Click for more on Vista SP1 Beta release available today »

Make the gadget work in non-English Vista systems and “remember” user settings.

One of the new features in Windows Vista is the Sidebar and Gadgets, which provide a handy and speedy way to retrieve various information without additional efforts. The integrated weather gadget, does look great when it works, however, might become less appealing, even unusable by some [serious] bugs.

Click for more on HowTo: Fix The Built-in Weather Gadget in Vista »

Windows Vista by default employs User Account Control (UAC) for better security, but it also brings some obstacle when you try to modify(replace or delete) a system file. This can be achieved by taking ownership of the file and then grant yourself full control over the file.

Without turning off UAC, we need to get an elevated command prompt first:

Click for more on HowTo: Modify Protected System Files in Vista »

Microsoft adds free Internet content and remote access to recorded TV shows, music and other Media Center features.

If you already have a Media Center PC, it’s your lucky day, as Microsoft adds two features to the platform: Internet TV and Media Center’s own version of SlingBox called WebGuide.

Click for more on Media Center Users Get Free ITV and Slingbox Functionality »

A release candidate is typically almost identical to the final release. Windows Server 2008, currently in Beta 3 and feature complete, is scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 2008.

Michael Neil, general manager of virtualization for Microsoft, disclosed the plans while demonstrating the software’s virtualization capabilities at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco. A release candidate is typically almost identical to the final release. Windows Server 2008, currently in Beta 3 and feature complete, is scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 2008.

Click for more on Microsoft To Ship Release Candidate of Windows Server 2008 Next Week »

Microsoft explained the [misleading] “back-door” of Windows Update service.

It was widely reported last week that Microsoft had automatically updated systems that had Automatic Updates set to “Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them”. Nate Clinton, a Windows Update Program Manager at Microsoft posted a response on his blog shortly after the widespread [misconceived] reporting had gone out.

Click for more on The Windows Update Stealth Affair Cleared »

The new drivers enable HD video post-processing on 8500 and 8600 series cards.

NVIDIA yesterday released new ForceWare 163.69 WHQL certified drivers for Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. The new drivers only support NVIDIA GeForce 6, 7 and 8 series graphics cards.

Click for more on NVIDIA Releases New WHQL Certified Vista Drivers »