March 11, 2007

Nick Braak's Daylight Saving Time Cheat Sheet

I have the latest version of Windows XP and so I figured that all just fine with my computer. I was wrong.

Nick Braak, long time IT guru, had sent me (and others) a DST cheat sheet which showed that I was not 100% protected.

Microsoft Outlook requires a separate tool to update itself. See Nick's cheat sheet below.

Thanks Nick.

Exec summary: The DST fix for Windows is a hot item. Microsoft only provides an automatic fix for XP SP2, everyone else needs third party tool. And ALL Outlook users who use a calendar need to run a MS program which changes the appointments.

Nick's quick guide to what needs fixing:

Windows XP with SP2: you're covered
Windows Vista: you're covered
Windows server products: see the Microsoft list:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/dst_topissues

Windows XP with SP1: you need a fix
Windows 2000: you need a fix
Windows NT: you need a fix
Windows 98: you need a fix
Windows 95: you are beyond hope

Microsoft does have a manual fix. It's very complex. Forget it. Download a free tool instead. http://www.intelliadmin.com/Downloads.htm Scroll down to the free tools section. Takes a minute and you're set.

For ALL version of Microsoft Outlook: the calendar must be updated with the Microsoft Time Zone tool. Takes a couple of minutes to run. Get
here

Sun Java for ALL version of windows: go to www.java.com and verify your installation with the free tool. If an update is needed it'll be downloaded.

Palm /Treo: everyone needs an update
here
Apple: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=305056

Everything else with a calendar (time and billing, crm, voicemail, database apps etc.): check the website of the provider. Or pray.

Good luck and remember to "boldly spring forward."

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