GE

Oil & Gas

Via Felice Matteucci, 2
50127 Firenze
Italy

March, 2014

T +39 055 423 211

F +39 055 423 2800

TEUP S0532/00/00043

Subject - Human Machine Interface Windows XP End of Microsoft Support

Dear Sirs,
This notice is to remind you that Microsoft has announced to end extended support of the Windows XP
operating system, effective April 8, 2014 as you probably know. If you are still using the Windows XP
operating system after that date, you may no longer receive all security updates. GE is advising users to
upgrade affected systems to the Windows 7 Server 2008R2.

Background
The operator and engineering workstation used with GEs equipment and control systems is based on
the Windows operating system. These applications are part of the ControlST* software suite for
Integrated Control System products. These include all control systems containing a Human Machine
Interface (HMI).
Based on our commitment to provide our customers with timely updates, GE introduced an upgrade
from the Windows XP operating system to the Windows 7 operating system in September 2011. The
Windows 7 operating system uses 64-bit Windows 7 Ultimate with CIMPLICITY* Advanced Viewer/Server
(V08.02) and WorkstationST* applications V04.03 or later. For compatibility with current hardware
options and related peripherals, the software is validated with the ControlST V04.03 and later.
Microsoft mainstream support for Windows 7 is currently scheduled to end in January 2015, which will
be followed by a period of extended support, including security patching, scheduled to end January
2020. The extended support date is important for GE controls users who must maintain the latest
applicable patches on their HMIs. Software upgrades for installed HMIs with the Windows XP operating
system are still supported.

* Trademark of General Electric Company.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

The information published in this Informational Letter is offered to you by GE in consideration of its ongoing sales and service
relationship with your organization. However, since the operation of your plant involves factors not within our knowledge, and since
operation of the plant is within your control and responsibility for its continuing successful operation rests with you, GE disclaims
responsibility or liability for damage of any type, including but not limited to direct, consequential or special damages that may be
alleged to have occurred as result of applying this information, regardless of whether it is claimed that GE is strictly liable, in breach of
contract, in breach of warranty, negligent, or is in other respects responsible for any alleged injury or damage sustained by your
organization as a result of applying this information. The information contained in this Informational Letter is confidential
and proprietary. This Letter and the information contained in it are protected by copyright and/or other intellectual property rights. This
Letter and information are provided for authorized use only, and may not be used by or disclosed to others without the prior express
written consent of Nuovo Pignone S.r.l.

Recommendations
GE advises users to upgrade affected systems to the Windows 7 Server 2008R2.
The ControlST software suite is continually enhanced with new features. An upgrade to Windows 7 may
be required to access these features. In this case, it is recommended that the overall HMI system,
including hardware and peripherals, be evaluated for compatibility with the 64-bit Windows 7 operating
system. For example, new printer drivers are generally needed for 64-bit operation.
To protect against cyber threats, GE provides the SecurityST* Cyber Security Management System. This
offering supports the ControlST software suite workstations and server platforms. As you consider
evolution plans for your control systems, GE recommends the most current cyber protection offerings.

Yours Faithfully,
Nicola Lanese
Team Leader
Outage Engineering Technical Communications
GE Oil & Gas - Global Service Engineering

Contacts
GE Oil & Gas
Customer Service Center
Via Felice Matteucci, 2
50127 Florence, Italy
e-Mail: customer.service.center@ge.com
Web: http://www.geoilandgas.com/businesses/ge_oilandgas/en/prod_serv/serv/cust_serv.htm
Phone: +39 055 427 2500
Fax: +39 055 423 2800
Please specify the Unit Serial Number and Service Bulletin associated with the request and whether
the request is technical or commercial.