The first official update for Windows 7 was released this week, and it focuses on fixing application compatibility issues. Friendly Computers has more information below…
Microsoft this week released the first update for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 on Windows Update. The update resolves problems when trying to install or run certain legacy games or applications. Users may find that the game, application, or firmware ends up installing incorrectly, causes system instability, or the primary functions do not work correctly. If you didn't see it on Windows Update, the update is also available for download from the Microsoft Download Center for: Windows 7 32-bit (1.77MB), Windows 7 64-bit (1.90MB), Windows Server 2008 R2 64-bit (1.90MB), and Windows Server 2008 R2 for Itanium (1.97MB).
Microsoft has released application compatibility updates for Windows 7 before, but those were solely for testers running builds 7000 (beta) and 7100 (RC). Microsoft plans to regularly release Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 application compatibility updates, so this is the first of many to come. This update builds on those that preceded it, adding fixes for the following applications:
- Alcohol 52%: Update enables Windows 7 compatible Alcohol 52% versions to work
- Altiris and Symantec Virtual Software up to version 6.1.499.x: Upgrade Block to avoid errors during Windows upgrade
- ZoomText version 9.18: Driver hard Block to prevent an error
- Dell Printer Driver (Models-V105, V305 and V505) : Upgrade Block to avoid setup failure
- Trend Micro Internet Security 2007: Upgrade Block to avoid error during Windows upgrade
- Trend Micro Internet Security 2008: Upgrade Block to avoid error during Windows upgrade
- Trend Micro Internet Security 2009: Upgrade Block to avoid error during Windows upgrade
- YiDongFeiXin version 2.2.x and version 3.5.x: Enables application to work
- PGP Desktop up to version 9.x: Soft Block to warn about possible issue after Windows upgrade
- Trend Micro VirusBuster 2008: Upgrade Block to avoid errors
- Windows Live Photo Gallery: Update Windows Live Photo Gallery to avoid file association issue with Windows Media Player OCX
Those running Windows 7 RTM or Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM will note that Microsoft has previously released updates for Internet Explorer 8, Silverlight, Windows Defender, as well as various new drivers, but that this is the first one directly targeted at the actual operating system. No security updates have been released for either of the operating systems despite the many patches sent out every month on Patch Tuesday. We bet there will be quite a list of updates for users that install the operating system on October 22, 2009.
