Last month Microsoft made a release candidate of Win XP Service pack 3 available for download. So I downloaded the 336 Mb patch and installed it successfully. This patch actually contains security updates and hotfixes issued by Microsoft Corp. up to April 2nd, 2006 excluding Internet Explorer 7 (Thanks MS for it:-)).

Seriously no updates or changes in Windows interface but just a bundle of hot fixes which doesn’t make it special. I like to stay updated always which made me to install it even though it’s a release candidate, but within few days of installing my internet explorer began crashing all the time. On opening Internet Explorer it crashes within a fraction of second from loading a site and pops a message saying “Internet explorer has encountered an error and needs to close”.

After searching Microsoft Technet forums for resolution, I came to know that this is all due the Urlmon.dll thing which was discussed under KB946627. After discussing with a team member working for SP3, I came up with a resolution for this problem.

Resolution:
Warning: This procedure involves editing of registry which would result in serious damage and corruption of date if followed improperly so my kind advice is not to try unless you have clear cut knowledge of what you are doing.

Step 1: Go to Run and type ‘notepad’ without quotes.

Step 2: After the Notepad is invoked, copy and paste the codes given below:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main\FeatureControl\FEATURE_PROTECT_DECOMPRESSION_FILTER_FROM_ABORT_KB942367]
“*”=dword:00000001

Step 3: Save the notepad as somefile.reg (note the extension .reg)

Step 4: Double click the saved notepad file to add the information to the Registry.

Step 5: A dialog box pops saying “Do you want to add the information to the Registry?” Click Ok and there you go.

Step 6: Restart the Computer, now I believe Internet Explorer would not crash again.

Note:If the problem still persists please feel free to post your comments or queries.

Microsoft announced the availability of free digital subscription to their premium magazine MSDN and Dr.Dobb’s. The usual subscription for MSDN would be $60 and Dr.Dobbs comes around $30 is now offered for free. A $90 value.

At least now we would be able to read the digital edition free of cost from our desk. Thanks to Microsoft for their regular notifications. Lets have an overview about the magazine inside’s

MSDN:
MSDN annual subscription basically costs $60 for the digital edition. MSDN Magazine is the publication to read for up-to-the-minute, comprehensive coverage of Microsoft development technologies especially .Net, ASP and other web developments. It also contains solutions to real-world problems including valuable learning content on Microsoft development technologies.
To View a sample of this magazine click here.

Dr.Dobbs:
With a 30 years experience, this magazine has evolved to be a worth one especially for software development. Also this magazine contains essential tools for professional software developers and architects with up to date technology information. Before this annual subscription for this magazine seem to be $30 but now its digital edition is free.

To view a sample of this magazine click here.

All you need to get the free subscription is simply a Microsoft passport account. After all it’s free!

Links: Register Here | Microsoft.

Microsoft India along with Café Coffee day came forward to gift vouchers worth rupees 100. All you have to do is simply fill out this form and complete a slogan,  the best 1000 would get vouchers worth 100 rupees.

 Don’t be lazy to fill out; I guess your slogan won’t be that bad to throw out of 1000 best slogans. Give it a try and win a gift voucher to sip up your favorite

Links:   Get the voucher | Microsoft India.

After the DirectX 9.0c there are no further versions expected to be released for Windows Xp based OS because Microsoft is concentrating on DirectX 10 which is only compatible with Windows Vista. The question that pops in your mind is will I be able to install DirectX 10 in my XP based operating system?

To resolve your confusion, Cody Brocious of Falling Leaf systems has started a project called Alky which was mainly based on enabling the compatibility of playing Direct X 10 based games in your current operating platform. They have extracted a set of library files from the DirectX 10 and thus make it available for download and usable in Windows XP and other operating systems.

Not everyone can afford Windows Vista and will be upgrading just to compromise for gaming. So the main catch about this project is they developed a set of libraries that will allow the use of DirectX 10 games on platforms other than Windows Vista, which when used in Vista increases the hardware compatibility.

The libraries act as a proxy to all Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) accessed by an application. This enables us to redirect API requests to existing platform functionality or custom implementations as needed. The libraries also allow us to integrate application-specific logic enabling users to explicitly define application behavior

– Falling Leaf Systems

Will Microsoft encourage their development? Absolutely not because, if we have the compatibility of installing directX 10 on Windows Xp then it will affect the market of Vista. Note: Please download the patch at your own risk.

Links: Download DirectX 10 | Falling Leaf Systems.

As a fan of Microsoft, I want to let the public know about getting a Free Office 2007 Evaluation CD which Microsoft is currently giving out. Yes, don’t worry about the shipping charges which are inclusive of free. All you need is a Microsoft Passport account, with which you can login this page and request a free evaluation CD.

I have already ordered and got one last week, Office 2007 is one exceptional piece of current Microsoft products which requires high recognition that really is built with good features. If you feel shy about asking a free CD then you can still download the trial version there. You will also be provided with a fully functional 60-day key for trying Microsoft office. Once you like it, you can order a new key and enjoy the benefit of full version. 

Links: Request FREE Office CD | Microsoft Office 2007

Developer knowledge Drive is a Microsoft resource program along with Monster.com for your development in IT career. This program aims in delivering resources like Newsletter, downloads and Gifts too. Being a regular reader of MSDN flash newsletter, it has valued information which is worthwhile to read and sort of.

For every student and IT professionals who are focusing their career towards Information Technology field should opt-in to this drive program. Registration for this program is 100% free and you can join by clicking here.  The extra bit about the program is that Microsoft wants to promote it by giving referral points which you can easily redeem for gifts like cool Xbox 360, USB Music Players, Microsoft Leather Key Chains and Microsoft T-shirts. There are many reasons to join this program one of them is that it makes you stay abreast of the latest information and technical know-how thing. You will also be notified about latest events and other programs as a privileged member.

Still waiting for the free program to join?

Links:  Microsoft DKD | Join here.

What’s this beta program actually? Microsoft’s Test center or lab work with external users to enhance their Microsoft products by asking suggestion, bug reports etc enabling the earlier download of their products and betas.

I am an active participant of Microsoft Connect and previously participated in Windows Embedded program now they have invited me to take part in the Windows live betas program which gives us the opportunity of experiencing the live products earlier before the public actually download it.

As a participant of their exclusive group of Managed Beta Testers, my key role is to provide accurate feedback to their teams. Currently they allow me to download pre-release versions of Windows Live messenger, Windows live mail, Windows live writer. Currently I am working out with Windows live messenger to submit my feedback to MS Team. [update: Submitted a vulnerable Bug]

Also I am invited to try the Microsoft Pop-fly which seems to be a great new experience. Let me try out and write a short review about it later. Microsoft gives very special privilege for its beta testers, sometimes in thanks giving it also sends free CDs, T-shirts and other stuffs.

As far now I got all trial version CD’s from Microsoft which include Windows Vista, Office 2007 etc. Indians should be aware about this Microsoft India Community website called Mera Windows and Mera Office. They have many stuffs and resources to share, especially free gifts like CDs directly from Microsoft India.

Microsoft again took another step to compete Google’s Page Creator, with its new Popfly which is still in alpha stage. According to Ms, Popfly is the fun, easy way to build and share mashups, gadgets, Web pages, and applications.

Ok let’s pop in what this pop fly contains…..

Popfly is classified into two parts as a online webpage and mash up creator tool and an online community for hosting, sharing, rating etc. At present it gives a storage limit of 25mb per user (Microsoft is always limited and lacking in storage space).

You want to know more then watch the 15 min screen cast or visit their official site. For buddies who are waiting eagerly for tryout just request an invite.

*Microsoft and Popfly is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.