Today our sister team (the Embedded Windows group) announced the availability of their Windows XP Embedded SP2 "Feature Preview 2008".  If you've been wanting to try out Windows Media Player 11, Internet Explorer 7, .NET 3.0 Framework, Remote Desktop Protocol 6.0, or User-Mode Driver Framework (UMDF) on Windows XP Embedded, here is your chance!  Check out their blog site for more details on how to participate.

- Shayna

For any of you that also work with the Windows XP Embedded product, please take a look at the XPe team blog announcing the end of SP1 support in April: http://blogs.msdn.com/embedded/archive/2007/02/21/support-for-xpe-sp1-ends-in-april.aspx. 

- Shayna

Internet Explorer 8 and Silverlight 3.0 are now available for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on the ECE for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009.   This update is also available directly from the Microsoft Download center, however end-customers should refer to their OEM servicing agreement prior to obtaining these updates from any source other than directly from their OEM to ensure uninterrupted support.

More Details:

IE8-

Windows® Internet Explorer® 8 (IE8) for Windows® Embedded POSReady 2009 offers partners new opportunities for innovation and extending the reach of online services to increase exposure and provide value to users. Features like Accelerators, Web Slices, and Visual Search enable constant connection with customers -regardless of where they browse. These service-integration features can be implemented without changing core code belonging to the service itself.

Silverlight 3.0-

Microsoft® Silverlight™ 3 for Windows® Embedded POSReady 2009 is a major update and delivers many new features and capabilities, enabling new scenarios for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 devices. New features include support for hardware graphics acceleration, HD support, IIS Smooth Streaming, richer and more immersive graphic experiences, Out of Browser support and much more.

For full details on these features for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 see the ECE site:

https://ece.partners.extranet.microsoft.com/ece/Embedded/Products/ProductSupplements/MicrosoftTechnologies/InternetExplorer/InternetExplorerOEMUpdates/DistOEM-IE8frWinEmbPOSRdy09.htm

https://ece.partners.extranet.microsoft.com/ece/Embedded/Products/ProductSupplements/MicrosoftTechnologies/Microsoft+Silverlight/Microsoft+Silverlight+OEM+Updates/DistOEM-Silverlight3WindowsEmbPOSReady2009.htm

If you have questions on accessing the ECE, please email MS Mobile & Embedded Communications Feedback & Support, ECE@microsoft.com.

-Terry

* Updated 11/5/09 

Installing the .Net 1.1 SP1 Security Update, KB953297, on Windows Embedded for Point of Service

The MS09-061, Vulnerabilities in the Microsoft .NET Common Language Runtime Could Allow Remote Code Execution update may fail to install on a Windows Embedded Point Of Service Minimum configuration.  Extracting the package, and then running the .msp manually will successfully install this update.

Installing the GDI+ Security Update, KB958869, on Windows Embedded for Point of Service and certain installations of Windows Embedded POSReady 2009

Due to an issue with settings to minimize the footprint of Windows Embedded Point Of Service, the MS09-062, Vulnerabilities in GDI+ Could Allow Remote Code Execution update is not getting installed. This has been an ongoing problem with the GDI+ updates and we are working with WinSE to correct this issue for future updates. Please follow these instructions to install this important update. If you have already installed the SP3 update for Windows Embedded Point Of Service, you should use the files from the SP3QFE directory when instructed to move the QFE folder.

1. Start a command prompt, this can be done by Clicking on Run from the Start menu, typing ‘cmd’ and pressing Enter.
2. Extract the files from the package by changing directories to the directory where you have copied the update and typing the following at the command prompt:
   WindowsXP-KB958869-x86-ENU.exe /x:<dir name>
   The remainder of these steps can be done from within Windows Explorer or from the Command Prompt as shown by the examples.
3. Move the SP2QFE\ASMS folder (or the SP3QFE\ASMS folder if you have installed the SP3 update for WEPOS) to the root of your extracted folder.
   move <dir name>\SP2QFE\ASMS . (Note: space and period are required)
4. Execute the update.
   <dir name>\update\update.exe
5. You will be guided through installation wizard to install the package. After installation is complete, the system will reboot.
6. You can now delete the temporary folder:
   rmdir /s <dir name>

Example: (from a command prompt)
WindowsXP-KB958869-x86-ENU.exe /x:c:\temp\KB958869
cd /d c:\temp\KB958869
move SP2QFE\ASMS . (Note: space and period are required) 
cd update
update.exe

Note: This issue may also be evident in Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 systems that are installed to a USB Storage device (not to a standard hard drive). The same workaround can be applied.

-Gina

The Windows XP Support Tools, previously available on the ECE for OEM customers for Windows XP Embedded, are now available for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 and Windows Embedded Point of Service as well.

These Support Tools are intended for use by Microsoft support personnel and experienced users to assist in diagnosing and resolving problems with their embedded systems. They include things like netdom.exe, filever.exe, extract.exe, tracelog.exe etc.

OEMs can download this .img file from the ECE site. If you have questions on accessing the ECE, please email MS Mobile & Embedded Communications Feedback & Support, ECE@microsoft.com.

Thanks,

- Lynda

The December 2009 Security Updates - Product Download is now available for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) on the ECE for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 and Windows Embedded for Point of Service.   These updates are also individually available directly from the Microsoft Download center as well as Windows Update, however end-customers should refer to their OEM servicing agreement prior to obtaining these updates from any source other than directly from their OEM to ensure uninterrupted support.

The December Security updates include:

• 973904  Vulnerabilities in WordPad and Office Text Converters Could Allow Remote Code Execution
• 976098  Install this update to resolve issues caused by revised daylight saving time and time zone laws in several countries
• 976092  Install this update to resolve a possible data loss issue involving controllers that support ADMA
• 973688  Install this update to prevent applications from sending too many HTTP requests while a well-known Document Type Definition (DTD) is included
• 969084  The Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 client update enables you to use the new Remote Desktop Services features
• 973917  Install this update to help strengthen authentication credentials in specific scenarios
• 951748  Vulnerability in DNS Could Allow Spoofing
• 972270  Vulnerability in the Embedded OpenType Font Engine Could Allow Remote Code Execution
• 976138  An issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it
• 973686  Install this update to prevent applications from sending too many HTTP requests while a well-known Document Type Definition (DTD) is included
• 976470  Install this update to resolve an issue in which the "Date and Time" window of Control Panel will incorrectly display an error message
• 973685  Install this update to prevent applications from sending too many HTTP requests while a well-known Document Type Definition (DTD) is included
• 974392 Vulnerability in Local Security Subsystem Authority Service Could Allow Denial of Service
• 970430  Install this update to help strengthen authentication credentials in specific scenarios
• 973687  Install this update to prevent applications from sending too many HTTP requests while a well-known Document Type Definition (DTD) is included
• 976325  Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer
• 974318  Vulnerability on Internet Authentication Service Could Allow Remote Code Execution
• 972187  Vulnerabilities in Windows Media Components Could Allow Remote Code Execution
• 971737  Install this update to help strengthen authentication credentials in specific scenarios
• 971726  Vulnerabilities in Active Directory Federation Services Could Allow Remote Code Execution
• 955759  An issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it

If you have questions on accessing the ECE, please email MS Mobile & Embedded Communications Feedback & Support, ECE@microsoft.com.

- Lynda

Technorati Tags: POS

I'd like to send good wishes from the whole team to all POSReady and WEPOS customers, partners and MVPs for a wonderful holiday season, and a successful 2010! We thank you for your support in 2009. Your willingness to give feedback, as well as your continued participation in community forums and newsgroups, chat sessions, face-to-face or virtual meetings are greatly appreciated by our team. We hope we can continue to partner with you to bring you prosperity in the new year.

FYI-The Redmond offices of Microsoft will be closed tomorrow and Friday (PST) for the Christmas weekend, so responses to mail and forum posts may be delayed.

- Lynda

Just wanted to let folks who access WEPOS and POSReady 2009 updates and information from the Mobile and Embedded Communications Extranet, better known as the ECE, that we have a scheduled maintenance coming up and the site may be temporarily unavailable during the timeframe.

Currently we are on track for the maintenance to begin Friday, January 8, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) and it supposed to last until Monday, January 11, 2010 at 8:00 a.m PST. If there are any changes to this date they will be featured on the ECE homepage.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thanks,

- Patrick

You can help shape the next generation of Windows Embedded Business’s POSReady product.  The POSReady team would like your feedback about how we improve and build the next version of POSReady that exceeds our customer’s needs.  Click here to get started:

<http://support.microsoft.com/common/survey.aspx?scid=sw;en;1688&sd=msft&altStyle=narrow&renderOption=OverrideDefault

Microsoft is committed to protecting your privacy. This survey does not request or collect any personal information.

You should be able to complete this survey within 15-20 minutes or less.

We appreciate your willingness to participate and value your feedback. This process will help us meet and refine your expectations and improve our services.

If you have any questions, please contact the POSReady team at posready@microsoft.com

Previously the ECE team announced upcoming maintenance to the ECE site.

This date has now changed- it will now occur on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 5:00p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST) and will last until Monday, February 8, 2010 at 8:00 a.m (PST).

The ECE site will not be accessible during this timeframe and the ECE team apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

- Lynda

Internet Explorer 8 MUI is now available on the ECE site for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009.

Internet Explorer 8 MUI is a set of language-specific resource files that may be added to the English version of Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 with Internet Explorer 8 installed. Internet Explorer 8 MUI allows users to view the user interface (UI) in a different supported language. This also allows OEMs to roll out the same image worldwide, using a single install job.

The Internet Explorer 8 MUI pack includes support for the following languages:

• Arabic
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Hong Kong)
• Czech
• Danish
• Dutch
• Finnish
• French
• German
• Greek
• Hebrew
• Hungarian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Norwegian
• Polish
• Portuguese (Portugal)
• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Russian
• Spanish
• Swedish
• Turkish
• Bulgarian
• Croatian
• Estonian
• Latvian
• Lithuanian
• Romanian
• Slovenian
• Slovakian
• Thai

If you have questions on accessing the ECE, please email MS Mobile & Embedded Communications Feedback & Support, ECE@microsoft.com.

Thanks,

- Lynda

Technorati Tags: POSReady

Microsoft .NET 4.0 Framework is now available on the ECE site for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009.

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 for POSReady 2009. The Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 redistributable package installs the .NET Framework runtime and associated files that are required to run and develop applications to target the .NET Framework 4.0. The .NET Framework 4.0 works side by side with older Framework versions. Applications that are based on earlier versions of the Framework will continue to run on the version targeted by default.

This update should not be used with any other operating system.

If you have questions on accessing the ECE, please email MS Mobile & Embedded Communications Feedback & Support, ECE@microsoft.com.

Thanks,

- Lynda

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 for Windows® Embedded Point of Service 1.1 Service Pack 3 is now available on the ECE. This update should not be used with any other operating system.

On March 25, 2010 Microsoft announced a revised policy around support for .Net framework 3.5 SP1. With that change the support for .Net Framework 3.0 and 3.5 ends on April 12, 2011 - customers are strongly recommended to migrate to .Net Framework 3.5 SP1 before that date.

To maintain support for embedded customers after the end-of-life for existing components, the Windows Embedded support policy has been changed to allow .Net Framework 3.5 SP1 support for Windows XP Embedded SP3 and Windows Embedded for Point of Service 1.1 SP3.

Additional Information:

The .NET Framework is Microsoft's comprehensive and consistent programming model for building applications that have visually stunning user experiences, seamless and secure communication, and the ability to model a range of business processes.

.NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 is a full cumulative update that contains many new features building incrementally upon .NET Framework 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, and includes cumulative servicing updates to the .NET Framework 2.0 and .NET Framework 3.0 subcomponents.

- Lynda

Microsoft® Silverlight™ 4 for Windows® Embedded POSReady 2009 is now available for download on the ECE. 

Silverlight is a powerful development platform for creating engaging, interactive user experiences for Web, desktop, and mobile applications when online or offline. Silverlight is a free plug-in, powered by the .NET framework and compatible with multiple browsers, devices and operating systems, bringing a new level of interactivity wherever the Web works.

- Lynda

The November 2010 Optional Update for POSReady 2009 is now available for download on the ECE. 

This update includes utilities for use with Windows® Embedded POSReady 2009:

• ARP.exe - Address Resolution Protocol for TCP/IP

• NETSTAT.exe - Displays Device TCP/IP information

• W32TM.exe - Windows Time service tool for configuration and diagnostics

• SYSTEMINFO.exe - Displays Device System Information

- Lynda

Technorati Tags: POSReady 2009

A new feature, File Based Write Filter Provider, is now available on the ECE site.

This new feature provides access to the File Based Write Filter API through the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) layer. The goal is to expose the full functionality of the Write Filter to all .NET languages as well as to the Windows Scripting Host. Furthermore, the File Based Write Filter Provider enables remote management of the File Based Write Filter.

The new feature can be found on the ECE site for WEPOS 1.1 SP3 and for POSReady 2009 for OEM customers. Volume License customers of POSReady 2009 can get the update from the Download Center.

- Lynda

*Updated 4/10/12* - added info about Volume License customers 

The July 2011 Optional Updates are now available on the ECE site for Windows Embedded Point of Service 1.1 SP3, Windows® Embedded POSReady 2009 and Windows Embedded POSReady 7.

The list below applies to WEPOS 1.1 SP3 and Windows Embedded POSReady 2009

KB2540135 - This update fixes the following issue

• This update fixes an issue where the File Based Write Filter (FBWF) Provider might crash while getting FbwfCacheDetail instances, after seven or more files have been added to or changed in the FBWF overlay, resulting in the FbwfCacheDetail instances containing corrupted file names in the FileName property.

The list below applies to Windows Embedded POSReady 7

KB2539566 – This update fixes the following issues

• The Enhanced Write Filter Provider will crash if all EWF volumes have their Overlays disabled and the user tries to subscribe to a EwfOverlayStoreConfiguration event query. Until the new EWF Provider instance is created, all other commands will fail. Expected return code in this case would be 0x80070057 = ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER. If a crash has occurred, the return code is 0x80041004 = WBEM_E_PROVIDER_FAILURE.

• The event notification threshold values in EWF are inverted.

KB2570814 - This update fixes the following issues:

• FBWFAPI by design does not allow multiple commands to be executed at the same time and it returns a clear error. The fix introduces locks in the File Based Write Filter (FBWF) Provider’s FBWFAPI calls, and all parallel requests will get served without errors returned.
• The cache detail (changed or added files in the FBWF cache) file can be flushed from the cache in the timespan between FbwfCacheDetail instantiation and property data gathering, which results in property data gathering returning an unexpected error.
• The event notification threshold values in FBWF are inverted.

KB2573437- This update fixes the following issue:

• The runtime to be incorrectly configured as “SERVICE_DEMAND_START”. Specifically, when the “Enhanced Write Filter with HORM” package is added to an image with one or more protected volumes that are configured with default settings for “DisableDefragSvc”, the runtime should be configured to disable Auto Defragmentation service (DefragSvc), by setting the “DefragSvc” service to “SERVICE_DISABLED”.

KBB2573449 - This update fixes the following issues:

• Extends EWF support for storage devices that use TRIM. Without this update, TRIM commands sent by the Filesystem will bypass EWF and violate write filtering guarantees provided by EWF.

If you have questions on accessing the ECE, please email MS Mobile & Embedded Communications Feedback & Support, ECE@microsoft.com. ECE is used only by WEPOS and POSReady OEM customers.

POSReady 2009 and POSReady7 Voluem License custoemrs can get updates from Microsoft Download Center:

• Update for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 (KB2540135)
• Update for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 (KB2539566)
• Update for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 (KB2570814)
• Update for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 (KB2573437)
• Update for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 (KB2573449)

Thanks,

- Lynda

*Updated 4/10/12* - added info abut Volume License customers.

The September 2011 Optional Updates are now available on the ECE site for Microsoft® Embedded POSReady 2009 and Windows Embedded POSReady 7. Fixes include:

The list below applies to Windows Embedded POSReady 2009:

KB2487305 – This update fixes the following issue

• Registry Filter may not start successfully due to timing issues affecting the availability of its ramdisk volume on an Embedded system

The list below applies to Windows Embedded POSReady 7:

KB2607560 – This update fixes the following issue

• Only 4 installed languages are selectable through Control Panel instead of 5

In addition, there are some new features available for POSReady 7, namely the Enhanced Write Filter Management Tool and the  File-based Write Filter Management Tool:

Enhanced Write Filter Management Tool

• This out–of-band feature provides an application to monitor and configure the “Enhanced Write Filter (EWF)”. By default the application will start on system start and will register a notification area icon. The settings, however, allow suppressing the automatic starting. The tool can be started with a command line parameter to open either the overview dialog or (for users with administrative privileges) the configuration dialog. If the tool is started with a command line parameter, the tool will exit as soon as the respective dialog is closed.
• If the tool has registered a tray icon, hovering over the icon will show a tooltip containing the protected volumes. If a command is pending for a volume, it will be shown as well. Left-clicking on the icon or selecting “Status…” from its context menu opens the overview dialog with more detailed information about the file based write filter configuration. Users with administrative privileges or credentials can open the configuration dialog by selecting “Configure…” from the icons context menu.

File-based Write Filter Management Tool

• This out–of-band feature provides an application to monitor and configure the “File-based Write Filter (FBWF)”. By default the application will start on system start and will register a notification area icon. The settings, however, allow suppressing the automatic starting. The tool can be started with a command line parameter to open either the overview dialog or (for users with administrative privileges) the configuration dialog. If the tool is started with a command line parameter, the tool will exit as soon as the respective dialog is closed.
• If the tool has registered a tray icon, hovering over the icon will show a tooltip containing the protected volumes. If a command is pending for a volume, it will be shown as well. Left-clicking on the icon or selecting “Status…” from its context menu opens the overview dialog with more detailed information about the file based write filter configuration. Users with administrative privileges or credentials can open the configuration dialog by selecting “Configure…” from the icons context menu.

If you have questions on accessing the ECE, please email MS Mobile & Embedded Communications Feedback & Support, ECE@microsoft.com. ECE is for POSReady 2009 and POSReady7 OEM customers only.

POSReady Volume License customers can get these updates from the Microsoft Download Center:

• Update for Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 (KB2487305)
• Update for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 (KB2607560)
• Enhanced Write Filter Management Tool for Windows
  Embedded POSReady 7
• File Based Write Filter Management Tool for Windows
  Embedded POSReady 7

- Lynda

OEMs can now get Internet Explorer 9 from the ECE site for POSReady 7 for both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures.

Internet Explorer 9 features the following:

• Performance improvements
• New Tab page
• Notification Bar
• One Box
• Pinned Sites
• Tab enhancements
• Web-focused browsing
• Windows 7 integration
• ActiveX Filtering
• Add-on Performance Advisor
• Compatibility View
• Cross-site scripting filter
• Domain highlighting
• Download Manager
• InPrivate Browsing
• SmartScreen Filter
• Tab isolation and recovery
• Tracking Protection

If you have questions on accessing the ECE, please email MS Mobile & Embedded Communications Feedback & Support, ECE@microsoft.com.

- Lynda