Microsoft has taken the unusual step of patching release candidate testing software by issuing three critical patches for Windows XP Service Pack 2 RC1. Pre-release software is buggy by definition and users normally expect to have problems fixed either in future test versions or in the final code.
Testers visiting Windows Update found the updates last week, according to the BetaNews site. Two of the problems involved the Windows Firewall, a renamed and greatly updated version of Windows XP"s former Internet Connection Firewall that will debut with the service pack. The other problem involved dropped virtual private networking connections with Linksys gateway devices.