Updates Fix XP SP3, Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 Data Loss

Despite representing fresh stages in the evolution of Microsoft's client and server operating systems, the three service packs released for Windows in the first half of 2008 are not without problems. In this regard, Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 SP1 are all affected by a malfunction and even data loss issues when the Microsoft Data Access Components are in use. Microsoft has released an update for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 (also labeled SP1 since it shares the same cod base as the client platform) designed to resolve the issue.

Microsoft explained that the problem is related to applications that connect from the three Windows operating systems to SQL Server 2005, SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server Desktop Engine. Due to an incorrect response generated to a query, application using the ActiveX Data Objects (ADO) interface can malfunction, or even produce a data loss.

"This problem occurs only if the application uses a client-side cursor. If the application uses a server-side cursor, the application is not affected. This problem occurs in the Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) components of the following Windows operating systems: Windows Vista SP1; Windows XP SP2 with hotfix 940569; Windows XP SP3 and Windows Server 2008," Microsoft revealed.

An update is available for download for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Server 2008, as well as for Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems. Users of 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows Vista SP1 that have experienced problems with SQL Server can also access patches. "Install this update to resolve an issue in which a malfunction or data loss occurs when using Microsoft Data Access Components (MDAC) components on computers that are running Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008," Microsoft added. Because XP SP3 is also affected, Microsoft is bound to address the issue, but an update for the third and latest service pack for Windows XP is not available as yet.