The Microsoft Network Security Hotfix Checker HFNetChk 3.3 beta is now available for download from Microsoft's Betaplace website. HFNetChk is a command-line tool that administrators can use to centrally assess a computer or group of computers for the absence of Microsoft security patches.
This beta includes bug fixes and new features (discussed below) and is available to folks who've registered for the HFNetChk beta program. Those who've previously registered for the program will be receiving emails shortly that contain their username and passwords to access the download site. If you've not previously registered and would like to join the program and access the beta, please visit the Betaplace site and complete the beta program request form: http://www.betaplace.com Username: hfnetchkbeta Password: staysecure ------------------------------------------------------ This beta release of HFNetChk introduces new features and corrects several known issues. New features: - New switches are available to specify username/password for scanning remote systems. - New switch is available for writing the output to a specified output file. (Note: this will overwrite, not append, data to the specified output file.) - It is now possible to scan the local machine when the Server Service has been disabled (or has not been installed.) - A warning message will be presented if the installed product is not running the latest available Service Pack. - IP addresses may be used when executing a scan from a Windows NT 4 system. (Note: remote system IP addresses must resolve to machine names in order for this feature to work from NT4 systems.) - To enhance performance, tab output (-o tab) is required when scanning more than 255 hosts. Fixes: - Fixed bug where domain controllers were identified as workstations instead of servers. As a result, not all available hotfixes would be displayed when scanning domain controllers. - Results will always include status on all installed products, even when a given product is up to date on patches. - Text alignment has been enhanced for wrap and tab output. - Enhanced error reporting when access is denied to a machine or there is an error in reading the remote system's registry. - Improved -d domain scanning - Improved support when scanning workgroups (using -d) - Improved memory management when performing large scans. - Improved recognition for SQL Server 2000 Server Service Packs. Additional features, such as scanning for Exchange or Office patches, are being considered for a future release of HFNetChk and are not included in this beta. List Charter and FAQ at: http://www.sunbelt-software.com/exchange_list_charter.htm
