News

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.

Featured

  • World Map Image

    Microsoft Taps Nebius in $17B AI Infrastructure Deal To Alleviate Cloud Strain

    Microsoft has signed a five-year, $17.4 billion agreement with Amsterdam-based Nebius Group to expand its AI computing capabilities through third-party GPU infrastructure.

  • Microsoft Brings Copilot AI Into Viva Engage

    Microsoft 365 Copilot in Viva Engage is now generally available, extending Copilot's AI-powered assistant capabilities deeper into the Viva platform.

  • MIT Finds Only 1 in 20 AI Investments Translate into ROI

    Despite pouring billions into generative AI technologies, 95 percent of businesses have yet to see any measurable return on investment.

  • Report: Cost, Sustainability Drive DaaS Adoption Beyond Remote Work

    Gartner's 2025 Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service reveals that while secure remote access remains a key driver of DaaS adoption, a growing number of deployments now focus on broader efficiency goals.