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Box Lake Networks Insider

March 2007

Recent changes to the Daylight Savings Time (DST) may affect your IT equipment.  In the fall of 2005, President Bush signed the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which goes into effect this spring.  The policy causes daylight savings time to begin three weeks earlier in the spring and end one week later in the fall.  This will affect most parts of theUnited States and Canada.  While this policy was designed to save energy, it creates a problem in the IT industry. 
Most consumer electronics and gadget manufacturers have used the same timeframe for daylight savings time since 1987.  Because of this, there is a potential for problems for those who are dependant on the accuracy of their digital clocks and calendars.  Microsoft's Outlook calendar function and any other digital time tracking software will be affected by the DST change.  One useful suggestion for those using Outlook and other calendaring applications is during this transition time, provide the start time in the subject line for calendar appointments.  This will help avoid any confusion the new time might cause.

Previously DST started on:

With the new policy, DST will start on:

First Sunday of April (04/01/07)

Second Sunday of March (03/11/07)


Previously DST ended on:

With the new policy, DST will end on:

Last Sunday of October (10/28/07)

First Sunday of November (11/04/07)

Microsoft, among many others, has released updates aimed at preventing potential glitches related to DST.  To prevent any scheduling conflicts and to keep your business running smoothly, it is suggested that your hardware and software stay up to date and have the latest service packs and updates available to you on the internet. 

Download DST update for Windows XP (SP2 ONLY)

  • This update should be run on each Windows XP machine
  • Does not require machine to be restarted

    • Windows XP Logo

    Download DST Update for Windows Server 2003

  • This update should be run on each Windows Server 2003 machine
  • Does not require machine to be restarted

    • Windows Server 2003 Logo

                Windows Vista Does Not Require Update

    Windows Vista Logo

                
    NOTE: If your computer is configured to download and install windows updates automatically, you do not have to click any of the above links.
    If you are not running one of the operating systems listed above, Microsoft may no longer support your operating system. This means you will not be able to receive updates. Such non-supported Microsoft products include:
     

    • Windows XP (SP1)
    • Windows Server 20001
    • Windows 20001
    • Windows 98
    • Windows NT

     
    1 As of July 1, 2005, Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2000 have passed from mainstream support to extended support.  Unless you opted to purchase extended hotfix support” for this issue from Microsoft, you will not receive an update. The alterative is to manually change time settings at each effected PC.