Vista Can Not See XP Computers

Posted by Richard on

The Problem

When you run Network Map on a Microsoft Windows Vista-based computer, computers that are running Windows XP do not appear on the network diagram.

The Solution

Microsoft says that that’s not Vista’s fault, rather it is a problem with your XP computer for not supporting Link-Layer Topology Discovery (LLTD). Therefore, your outdated Windows XP requires a patch.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed…
* Microsoft Windows XP Professional
* Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

The Rant

Does anyone else see a problem with this? Why is this considered a “confirmed problem” with XP? Shouldn’t this be a “confirmed problem” with Vista? Did it ever occur to any of the nimrods at Microsoft to include some basic backwards-compatibility in Vista?

Oh, I get it now! It’s my fault for wanting to see the other computers in my network the same way I’ve been able to for the past six years. What was I thinking?!

Thankfully, Microsoft is not in the automotive industry, otherwise we’d see more notices like this:.

Thank you for purchasing Microsoft Antenna Ball™ v2.0. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that the aerial to which you are attempting to attach said Antenna Ball is not compatible with the Microsoft Heliosphere Electromagnetic Locking Protocol (HELP).

Resolution: To resolve this problem, remove the existing aerial and install Microsoft Aerial™ v3.5 before attempting to install Microsoft Antenna Ball.

Prerequisites: To install Aerial v3.5, you must have Windows Car Radio Aerial Protocol™ (SP2) installed in the vehicle, available from the Microsoft Download Center.

You may download Microsoft CRAP free of charge, but Microsoft HELP is only available after purchase of something really expensive. We’ll let you know what it is and how much it will cost you when we finish uploading your Microsoft Money files for analysis. You may not obtain or attempt to obtain Microsoft HELP through any means not intentionally made available by Microsoft.

Release Notes: There are reports of the titanium shell of Antenna Ball 2.0 impacting the windshield when traveling over 20 MPH, causing crack lines and divots in inferiorly manufactured windshields. Microsoft recommends Home users avoid speeds in excess of 15 MPH. Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate users may download the Microsoft Special High-Impact Titanium™ patch. Microsoft SHÍT is free.

Good luck getting HELP.

Update

Looks like Microsoft is entering the automotive industry with its adaptive heads-up user interface for automobiles. Gives you a brand-new perspective on the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).