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XP SP2-compliant Version of MBSA Available for Download

An updated version of the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer that brings support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 is now available for download from Microsoft's site.

The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) is a free tool offering a GUI or command-line interface for scanning networks to identify common security misconfigurations in Microsoft products. Version 1.2 is not compatible with SP2, which Microsoft is currently rolling out.

"Users of Windows XP Service Pack 2 will need to update their MBSA to version 1.2.1 for compatibility and deeper integration with SP2 security improvements," Microsoft said in a statement.

The Windows Firewall component of SP2 with its deny-by-default settings breaks many applications. MBSA is just one of several of Microsoft's own applications that have required updates to deliver SP2 compatibility.

MBSA 1.2.1 is available at www.microsoft.com/technet/security/tools/mbsahome.mspx.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

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