Simple registry hack allows XP to update security

A simple registry hack will allow XP users to continue to get security updates.

As reported by ZDNet, the hack fools Microsoft into thinking the system is running Windows Embedded POSReady 2009, a variant of XP that's used by ATMs and cash registers. Those systems will keep getting security updates until 2019.

All XP users need to do is create a text file with the following contents:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\WPA\PosReady]

"Installed"=dword:00000001

Then, change the file extension from “.txt” to “.reg,” and run the file in Windows Explorer. ( You should just have to double click the file on your desktop. )

Opening Windows Update at this point should reveal several new security updates.