Microsoft has reminded users who have baulked at installing Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) that all blocking mechanisms expire 12 April.
Windows XP and XP SP1 systems will automatically download and update to SP2 from that date, the giant vendor said.
"The intent of this alert is to provide you with a reminder about the upcoming deadline around the date on which Automatic Update (AU) and Windows Update (WU) will deliver Windows XP SP2 regardless of the presence of the blocking mechanism," said Microsoft.
Prior to Windows XP SP2, Microsoft offered work-arounds and other tools companies could apply to keep the massive security update from installing on PCs with Automatic Update enabled.
Although Microsoft has called SP2 "an essential security update", enterprises have been leery of widespread adoption until they could thoroughly test the update.
Microsoft gave in, setting an eight month deadline from the August release of SP2 to Automatic Update.
"Beginning 12 April 2005 this temporarily blocking mechanism will expire and systems with Automatic Update enabled or interactively download SP2 via Windows Update will begin receiving SP2," Microsoft added.
April's usual monthly security bulletin and patch disclosures will also be released that day.
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