N/A - KB891861

Today we are announcing the availability of the Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4). The Update Rollup will make it easier for customers to improve security of Windows 2000 systems, keep them up to date, and to build new deployment images.

The Update Rollup contains all security updates produced for Windows 2000 between the time SP4 was released and April 30, 2005, the time when the contents of the Update Rollup were locked down for final testing by Microsoft and by external beta & customer sites. The Update Rollup also contains a number of updates that increase system security, reliability, reduce support costs, and support the current generation of PC hardware.

We encourage Windows 2000 SP4 customers to install this update. For more information about this release, see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 891861.

What is the scope of the advisory?
To announce the availability of and to clarify the purpose of the Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4).

How will Microsoft list Update Rollup 1 for Windows SP4 on the Windows Update Web site?
The Update Rollup 1 for Windows SP4 is a high-priority update on the Windows Update Web site. On the Windows Update site it will be listed in the “Critical and Service Packs” category. Windows Update will be transitioning Windows 2000 customers to a new version of Windows Update during the next few months, at which time, the Update Rollup 1 will be listed in the “High Priority Updates” Category.

Should I install Update Rollup 1 even if I have kept my Windows 2000 SP4 systems up to date?
Yes. Update Rollup 1 contains additional important fixes in files that have not previously been part of individual security updates, as described in the Knowledge Base Article. In addition, the Update Rollup 1 contains additional enhancements that increase system security, reliability, reduce support costs, and support the current generation of PC hardware. In some cases, the individual binary files released in previous individual security updates may have been updated via individual hotfixes to address minor compatibility issues introduced in those prior security updates that affected individual customers. The latest versions of those files are included in the Update Rollup.

Therefore, even if a system is fully up to date with prior security releases, Windows Update will still detect and apply the Update Rollup. Customers who use managed security update deployment solutions should evaluate the need to deploy Update Rollup 1 within their infrastructure


Will Update Rollup 1 for Windows 2000 SP4 be distributed over Automatic Updates?
Initially the Update Rollup will not be distributed over Automatic Updates. This is due to the upcoming transition for Windows 2000 customers to a new version of Windows Update. Once the transition is complete, which is expected in early July 2005, Automatic Updates will be enabled for the Update Rollup.