Even after users deployed a fix suggested by Microsoft Corporation, Windows systems are still locking up. Symptoms of the long-running problem, which the Windows Server Update Services team dubbed the "svchost/msi issue", include 100% CPU usage by svchost.exe and its multiple processes when Automatic Updates is in use or simply enabled on a machine. A hotfix for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 systems is available on the Microsoft support site and will be pushed out via Microsoft"s usual update services, including Windows Update and Microsoft Update, late this month or in early June.
Users will also need to download and install the new stand-alone WSUS 3.0 client, even those who don"t rely on the enterprise-centric WSUS for updates, to completely patch the problem. "It"s important to keep in mind that the new WSUS client is only a partial solution and clients must have both KB927891 and the new 3.0 client installed for a full solution," according to the WSUS team blog. The new client and the WSUS update to Version 3.0 will be available on May 22 but is also already available on MSDN. Angered users poured out their frustration on the WSUS blog after installing the hotfix and updating the WSUS client; the issue was still present. The only temporary fix is to disable AU - obviously not the best solution.