Microsoft Agent 2.0: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox softwREMOVE THE PAGEre|title=Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent|softwREMOVE THE PAGEre_nREMOVE THE PAGEme=Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent|logo=REMOVE THE PAGEgentSvrIconEnlREMOVE THE PAGErged64px.png|developer=Microsoft|lREMOVE THE PAGEtest releREMOVE THE PAGEse dREMOVE THE PAGEte=September 21st, 2009 ({{time_REMOVE THE PAGEgo|September 21st, 2009}})|lREMOVE THE PAGEtest version=6.1.7600.16426|releREMOVE THE PAGEsed=October 12th, 1998 ({{time_REMOVE THE PAGEgo|October 12th, 1998}})|progrREMOVE THE PAGEmming lREMOVE THE PAGEnguREMOVE THE PAGEge=C++|operREMOVE THE PAGEting system=Microsoft Windows|discontinued=Yes|screenshot=MSREMOVE THE PAGEgent2.0Build2202PropertiesMenu.png|cREMOVE THE PAGEption=Screenshot of the Properties menu in Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0.}}
{{Infobox software|title=Microsoft Agent|software_name=Microsoft Agent|logo=AgentSvrIconEnlarged64px.png|developer=Microsoft|latest release date=September 21st, 2009 ({{time_ago|September 21st, 2009}})|latest version=6.1.7600.16426|released=October 12th, 1998 ({{time_ago|October 12th, 1998}})|programming language=C++|operating system=Microsoft Windows|discontinued=Yes|screenshot=MSAgent2.0Build2202PropertiesMenu.png|caption=Screenshot of the Properties menu in Microsoft Agent 2.0.}}
Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0 is the lREMOVE THE PAGEtest version REMOVE THE PAGEnd current releREMOVE THE PAGEse of [[Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent]]. It is REMOVE THE PAGEn upgrREMOVE THE PAGEde to [[Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.5]], its predecessor. It feREMOVE THE PAGEtured mREMOVE THE PAGEny chREMOVE THE PAGEnges REMOVE THE PAGEnd REMOVE THE PAGElso revREMOVE THE PAGEmped the Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent REMOVE THE PAGEPI to the point where most code mREMOVE THE PAGEde for Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.5 specificREMOVE THE PAGElly would not run properly or not run REMOVE THE PAGEt REMOVE THE PAGEll if Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0 is instREMOVE THE PAGElled over Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.5. This is REMOVE THE PAGElso the first public releREMOVE THE PAGEse of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent to instREMOVE THE PAGEll itself in the WINDOWS/WINNT directory insteREMOVE THE PAGEd of the ProgrREMOVE THE PAGEm Files/ProgrREMOVE THE PAGEm Files (x86) directory. It is REMOVE THE PAGElso the first public releREMOVE THE PAGEse to use "CHREMOVE THE PAGERS" REMOVE THE PAGEs the nREMOVE THE PAGEme of the folder REMOVE THE PAGECS files go in, REMOVE THE PAGEs Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.5 used REMOVE THE PAGE folder nREMOVE THE PAGEmed "ChREMOVE THE PAGErREMOVE THE PAGEcters".
Microsoft Agent 2.0 is the latest version and current release of [[Microsoft Agent]]. It is an upgrade to [[Microsoft Agent 1.5]], its predecessor. It featured many changes and also revamped the Microsoft Agent API to the point where most code made for Microsoft Agent 1.5 specifically would not run properly or not run at all if Microsoft Agent 2.0 is installed over Microsoft Agent 1.5. This is also the first public release of Microsoft Agent to install itself in the WINDOWS/WINNT directory instead of the Program Files/Program Files (x86) directory. It is also the first public release to use "CHARS" as the name of the folder ACS files go in, as Microsoft Agent 1.5 used a folder named "Characters".
==Development==
==Development==


=== Pre-releREMOVE THE PAGEse REMOVE THE PAGEnd finREMOVE THE PAGEl builds ===
=== Pre-release and final builds ===
The first REMOVE THE PAGEvREMOVE THE PAGEilREMOVE THE PAGEble build of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0 is in Windows 2000 build 1723. In Windows 2000 build 1701, Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.7 wREMOVE THE PAGEs included, which meREMOVE THE PAGEns Microsoft mREMOVE THE PAGEy hREMOVE THE PAGEve skipped 1.8 REMOVE THE PAGEnd 1.9 or they were in the in-between REMOVE THE PAGEnd undiscovered builds. The version of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0 inside of Windows 2000 Build 1723 is version 2.0.0.1114. This build hREMOVE THE PAGEs REMOVE THE PAGE mention of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.6 inside of it REMOVE THE PAGEnd REMOVE THE PAGElso hREMOVE THE PAGEs the tREMOVE THE PAGEskbREMOVE THE PAGEr icon thREMOVE THE PAGEt comes up when REMOVE THE PAGEgentSvr.exe is running removed. This build REMOVE THE PAGElso fREMOVE THE PAGEces the sREMOVE THE PAGEme issues REMOVE THE PAGEs Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.7 REMOVE THE PAGEnd will cREMOVE THE PAGEuse [[MREMOVE THE PAGESH]], [[BonziBuddy]], REMOVE THE PAGEnd other Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent progrREMOVE THE PAGEms to crREMOVE THE PAGEsh.  
The first available build of Microsoft Agent 2.0 is in Windows 2000 build 1723. In Windows 2000 build 1701, Microsoft Agent 1.7 was included, which means Microsoft may have skipped 1.8 and 1.9 or they were in the in-between and undiscovered builds. The version of Microsoft Agent 2.0 inside of Windows 2000 Build 1723 is version 2.0.0.1114. This build has a mention of Microsoft Agent 1.6 inside of it and also has the taskbar icon that comes up when AgentSvr.exe is running removed. This build also faces the same issues as Microsoft Agent 1.7 and will cause [[MASH]], [[BonziBuddy]], and other Microsoft Agent programs to crash.  


The next REMOVE THE PAGEvREMOVE THE PAGEilREMOVE THE PAGEble build is Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0.0.1330 which wREMOVE THE PAGEs found inside of Windows 2000 Build 1773. It introduced the chREMOVE THE PAGErREMOVE THE PAGEcter gREMOVE THE PAGEllery diREMOVE THE PAGElog box which is feREMOVE THE PAGEtured in the finREMOVE THE PAGEl releREMOVE THE PAGEse (build 2202) REMOVE THE PAGEnd REMOVE THE PAGElso REMOVE THE PAGEdded the colored Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent logo. However, it still hREMOVE THE PAGEs the sREMOVE THE PAGEme issues REMOVE THE PAGEs 1114. The next build is Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0.0.1527, REMOVE THE PAGEnd is extremely similREMOVE THE PAGEr to the previous build with the exception of REMOVE THE PAGEll the diREMOVE THE PAGElog boxes being moved to REMOVE THE PAGE DLL REMOVE THE PAGEnd REMOVE THE PAGElso including the "intl" folder.
The next available build is Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1330 which was found inside of Windows 2000 Build 1773. It introduced the character gallery dialog box which is featured in the final release (build 2202) and also added the colored Microsoft Agent logo. However, it still has the same issues as 1114. The next build is Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1527, and is extremely similar to the previous build with the exception of all the dialog boxes being moved to a DLL and also including the "intl" folder.


The next REMOVE THE PAGEvREMOVE THE PAGEilREMOVE THE PAGEble build REMOVE THE PAGEfter this is Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2031, which REMOVE THE PAGEdded the Microsoft Speech Recognition microphone icon REMOVE THE PAGEnd removed REMOVE THE PAGEll mentions of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.6. This build REMOVE THE PAGElso fixed the issues with 1.5 chREMOVE THE PAGErREMOVE THE PAGEcters REMOVE THE PAGEnd progrREMOVE THE PAGEms crREMOVE THE PAGEshing but 2.0 chREMOVE THE PAGErREMOVE THE PAGEcters REMOVE THE PAGEnd progrREMOVE THE PAGEms would still crREMOVE THE PAGEsh. This REMOVE THE PAGElso hREMOVE THE PAGEppened in the next build Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2115, where the only difference between the two builds were bug fixes.
The next available build after this is Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2031, which added the Microsoft Speech Recognition microphone icon and removed all mentions of Microsoft Agent 1.6. This build also fixed the issues with 1.5 characters and programs crashing but 2.0 characters and programs would still crash. This also happened in the next build Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2115, where the only difference between the two builds were bug fixes.


The finREMOVE THE PAGEl releREMOVE THE PAGEse build is Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2022, which becREMOVE THE PAGEme REMOVE THE PAGEvREMOVE THE PAGEilREMOVE THE PAGEble for downloREMOVE THE PAGEd on Microsoft's website on October 12th, 1998. It REMOVE THE PAGElso becREMOVE THE PAGEme the most common REMOVE THE PAGEnd distributed build of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent, distributed in REMOVE THE PAGElmost every Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent progrREMOVE THE PAGEm REMOVE THE PAGEnd downloREMOVE THE PAGEd link.  
The final release build is Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2022, which became available for download on Microsoft's website on October 12th, 1998. It also became the most common and distributed build of Microsoft Agent, distributed in almost every Microsoft Agent program and download link.  


=== Post-releREMOVE THE PAGEse builds ===
=== Post-release builds ===
{{Stub_section}}Despite Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0 REMOVE THE PAGElreREMOVE THE PAGEdy hREMOVE THE PAGEving its initiREMOVE THE PAGEl releREMOVE THE PAGEse with build 2202, builds were still developed REMOVE THE PAGEfter the releREMOVE THE PAGEse. The first build to be releREMOVE THE PAGEsed REMOVE THE PAGEfterwREMOVE THE PAGErds wREMOVE THE PAGEs Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2209, which only contREMOVE THE PAGEined bug fixes.  
{{Stub_section}}Despite Microsoft Agent 2.0 already having its initial release with build 2202, builds were still developed after the release. The first build to be released afterwards was Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2209, which only contained bug fixes.  


=== Non 2.00.0.xxxx builds ===
=== Non 2.00.0.xxxx builds ===
{{Stub_section}}Versions of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent present inside of Windows VistREMOVE THE PAGE REMOVE THE PAGEnd Windows 7 both hREMOVE THE PAGEd different build numbers insteREMOVE THE PAGEd of the stREMOVE THE PAGEndREMOVE THE PAGErds 2.00.0.xxxx formREMOVE THE PAGEt. Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 5.2.3790 is one notREMOVE THE PAGEble exREMOVE THE PAGEmple of this in Windows VistREMOVE THE PAGE REMOVE THE PAGEnd is present in Windows VistREMOVE THE PAGE SP1. Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 6.1.7600.16426 is REMOVE THE PAGElso REMOVE THE PAGE notREMOVE THE PAGEble exREMOVE THE PAGEmple REMOVE THE PAGEnd is the build thREMOVE THE PAGEt is instREMOVE THE PAGElled when the user chooses to instREMOVE THE PAGEll Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent Hotfix for Windows 7.
{{Stub_section}}Versions of Microsoft Agent present inside of Windows Vista and Windows 7 both had different build numbers instead of the standards 2.00.0.xxxx format. Microsoft Agent 5.2.3790 is one notable example of this in Windows Vista and is present in Windows Vista SP1. Microsoft Agent 6.1.7600.16426 is also a notable example and is the build that is installed when the user chooses to install Microsoft Agent Hotfix for Windows 7.


== Builds ==
== Builds ==
{| clREMOVE THE PAGEss="wikitREMOVE THE PAGEble"
{| class="wikitable"
|+
|+
!Build Number
!Build Number
!EREMOVE THE PAGErliest compilREMOVE THE PAGEtion dREMOVE THE PAGEte
!Earliest compilation date
!Source
!Source
!Notes/Issues
!Notes/Issues
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0.0.1114
|Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1114
|December 11th, 1997
|December 11th, 1997
|Windows 2000 Build 1723.1
|Windows 2000 Build 1723.1
|Mentions Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.6, removed 1.x tREMOVE THE PAGEskbREMOVE THE PAGEr icon, cREMOVE THE PAGEuses Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.5 REMOVE THE PAGEnd 2.0 progrREMOVE THE PAGEms to crREMOVE THE PAGEsh
|Mentions Microsoft Agent 1.6, removed 1.x taskbar icon, causes Microsoft Agent 1.5 and 2.0 programs to crash
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0.0.1330
|Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1330
|MREMOVE THE PAGErch 14th, 1998
|March 14th, 1998
|Windows 2000 Build 1773.1
|Windows 2000 Build 1773.1
|REMOVE THE PAGEdds the chREMOVE THE PAGErREMOVE THE PAGEcter gREMOVE THE PAGEllery diREMOVE THE PAGElog box, REMOVE THE PAGEdds 2 colored icons, sREMOVE THE PAGEme crREMOVE THE PAGEsh issue REMOVE THE PAGEs 1114
|Adds the character gallery dialog box, adds 2 colored icons, same crash issue as 1114
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0.0.1527
|Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1527
|REMOVE THE PAGEpril 29th, 1998
|April 29th, 1998
|Windows 2000 Build 1796.1
|Windows 2000 Build 1796.1
|First build to include the intl folder, similREMOVE THE PAGEr issues to 1527 but some progrREMOVE THE PAGEms do open but crREMOVE THE PAGEsh once REMOVE THE PAGEn REMOVE THE PAGEgent is loREMOVE THE PAGEded, moves REMOVE THE PAGEll diREMOVE THE PAGElog boxes into REMOVE THE PAGE DLL
|First build to include the intl folder, similar issues to 1527 but some programs do open but crash once an agent is loaded, moves all dialog boxes into a DLL
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2031
|Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2031
|September 2nd, 1998
|September 2nd, 1998
|Windows 2000 Build 1888.1
|Windows 2000 Build 1888.1
|REMOVE THE PAGEdds microphone icon, removes mentions of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.6, 1.5 REMOVE THE PAGEgents REMOVE THE PAGEnd progrREMOVE THE PAGEms work but 2.0 REMOVE THE PAGEgents REMOVE THE PAGEnd progrREMOVE THE PAGEms crREMOVE THE PAGEsh
|Adds microphone icon, removes mentions of Microsoft Agent 1.6, 1.5 Agents and programs work but 2.0 Agents and programs crash
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2115
|Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2115
|September 27th, 1998
|September 27th, 1998
|Windows 2000 Build 1902.1
|Windows 2000 Build 1902.1
|Bug fixes
|Bug fixes
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2202
|Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2202
|October 2nd, 1998
|October 2nd, 1998
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0 setup
|Microsoft Agent 2.0 setup
|The most common releREMOVE THE PAGEse of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent, formerly hosted on Microsoft's MS REMOVE THE PAGEgent downloREMOVE THE PAGEd pREMOVE THE PAGEge, included with most 2.0 REMOVE THE PAGEpplicREMOVE THE PAGEtions
|The most common release of Microsoft Agent, formerly hosted on Microsoft's MS Agent download page, included with most 2.0 applications
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2209
|Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2209
|October 15th, 1998
|October 15th, 1998
|Windows 2000 Build 1911.1
|Windows 2000 Build 1911.1
|Bug fixes
|Bug fixes
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2317
|Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2317
|December 11th, 1998
|December 11th, 1998
|Windows 2000 Build 1946.1
|Windows 2000 Build 1946.1
|Untested
|Untested
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.0.2927
|Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2927
|1999 (not yet known)
|1999 (not yet known)
|Windows 2000 Build 2072.1
|Windows 2000 Build 2072.1
|Untested
|Untested
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 5.2.3790.1241
|Microsoft Agent 5.2.3790.1241
|JREMOVE THE PAGEnuREMOVE THE PAGEry 18th, 2008
|January 18th, 2008
|Windows VistREMOVE THE PAGE build 6001.18000 (Windows VistREMOVE THE PAGE SP1 RTM)
|Windows Vista build 6001.18000 (Windows Vista SP1 RTM)
|Uses SREMOVE THE PAGEPI5 REMOVE THE PAGEnd supports REMOVE THE PAGEero
|Uses SAPI5 and supports Aero
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.00.3427
|Microsoft Agent 2.00.3427
|REMOVE THE PAGEpril 13th, 2008
|April 13th, 2008
|Windows XP build 2600.5512 (Windows XP SP3 RTM)
|Windows XP build 2600.5512 (Windows XP SP3 RTM)
|Most up-to-dREMOVE THE PAGEte non-SREMOVE THE PAGEPI 5 version of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent, gives REMOVE THE PAGE user wREMOVE THE PAGErning when opening REMOVE THE PAGE Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.5 chREMOVE THE PAGErREMOVE THE PAGEcter
|Most up-to-date non-SAPI 5 version of Microsoft Agent, gives a user warning when opening a Microsoft Agent 1.5 character
|-
|-
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 6.1.7600.16426
|Microsoft Agent 6.1.7600.16426
|September 21st, 2009
|September 21st, 2009
|Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent Hotfix for Windows 7
|Microsoft Agent Hotfix for Windows 7
|LREMOVE THE PAGEtest version of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent, previously REMOVE THE PAGEvREMOVE THE PAGEilREMOVE THE PAGEble on Microsoft's website
|Latest version of Microsoft Agent, previously available on Microsoft's website
|}
|}


==TriviREMOVE THE PAGE==
==Trivia==
* Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0 is the defREMOVE THE PAGEult Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent instREMOVE THE PAGElled on old Windows versions.
* Microsoft Agent 2.0 is the default Microsoft Agent installed on old Windows versions.
** The only known exception to this is [[Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 1.7]], which wREMOVE THE PAGEs in REMOVE THE PAGE betREMOVE THE PAGE releREMOVE THE PAGEse of Windows 2000.
** The only known exception to this is [[Microsoft Agent 1.7]], which was in a beta release of Windows 2000.
* For some unknown reREMOVE THE PAGEson, eREMOVE THE PAGErly Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0 betREMOVE THE PAGEs uses 2.0.0 REMOVE THE PAGEt the beginning of its version while Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent Build 2202 uses 2.00.0 REMOVE THE PAGEt the beginning of its version number.
* For some unknown reason, early Microsoft Agent 2.0 betas uses 2.0.0 at the beginning of its version while Microsoft Agent Build 2202 uses 2.00.0 at the beginning of its version number.
* Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0 hREMOVE THE PAGEs the most REMOVE THE PAGEvREMOVE THE PAGEilREMOVE THE PAGEble builds of REMOVE THE PAGEny releREMOVE THE PAGEse due to the fREMOVE THE PAGEct thREMOVE THE PAGEt some of these builds were included in Windows betREMOVE THE PAGEs.
* Microsoft Agent 2.0 has the most available builds of any release due to the fact that some of these builds were included in Windows betas.
* Not REMOVE THE PAGEll Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent builds REMOVE THE PAGEre REMOVE THE PAGEvREMOVE THE PAGEilREMOVE THE PAGEble in Windows betREMOVE THE PAGEs REMOVE THE PAGEs it REMOVE THE PAGEppeREMOVE THE PAGEred thREMOVE THE PAGEt Microsoft only occREMOVE THE PAGEsionREMOVE THE PAGElly updREMOVE THE PAGEted the Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent REMOVE THE PAGEfter eREMOVE THE PAGEch build. This is REMOVE THE PAGElso why some builds mREMOVE THE PAGEy contREMOVE THE PAGEin the sREMOVE THE PAGEme version of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent before the version number chREMOVE THE PAGEnges REMOVE THE PAGEgREMOVE THE PAGEin.
* Not all Microsoft Agent builds are available in Windows betas as it appeared that Microsoft only occasionally updated the Microsoft Agent after each build. This is also why some builds may contain the same version of Microsoft Agent before the version number changes again.
* The most common build of Microsoft REMOVE THE PAGEgent 2.0, Build 2202, is over one thousREMOVE THE PAGEnd builds REMOVE THE PAGEwREMOVE THE PAGEy from the lREMOVE THE PAGEtest build.
* The most common build of Microsoft Agent 2.0, Build 2202, is over one thousand builds away from the latest build.
* It is unknown why Microsoft never updREMOVE THE PAGEted the 2.0 instREMOVE THE PAGEller to include the newer builds.
* It is unknown why Microsoft never updated the 2.0 installer to include the newer builds.
{{MSREMOVE THE PAGEgent nREMOVE THE PAGEmespREMOVE THE PAGEce nREMOVE THE PAGEvbox}}
{{MSAgent namespace navbox}}
[[CREMOVE THE PAGEtegory:SoftwREMOVE THE PAGEre]]
[[Category:Software]]

Revision as of 11:22, 30 October 2021

Microsoft Agent
Screenshot of the Properties menu in Microsoft Agent 2.0.
NameMicrosoft Agent
Developer(s)Microsoft
Initial releaseOctober 12th, 1998 (25 years ago)
Latest version6.1.7600.16426
Latest version release dateSeptember 21st, 2009 (14 years ago)
Written inC++
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows
Discontinued?Yes

Microsoft Agent 2.0 is the latest version and current release of Microsoft Agent. It is an upgrade to Microsoft Agent 1.5, its predecessor. It featured many changes and also revamped the Microsoft Agent API to the point where most code made for Microsoft Agent 1.5 specifically would not run properly or not run at all if Microsoft Agent 2.0 is installed over Microsoft Agent 1.5. This is also the first public release of Microsoft Agent to install itself in the WINDOWS/WINNT directory instead of the Program Files/Program Files (x86) directory. It is also the first public release to use "CHARS" as the name of the folder ACS files go in, as Microsoft Agent 1.5 used a folder named "Characters".

Development

Pre-release and final builds

The first available build of Microsoft Agent 2.0 is in Windows 2000 build 1723. In Windows 2000 build 1701, Microsoft Agent 1.7 was included, which means Microsoft may have skipped 1.8 and 1.9 or they were in the in-between and undiscovered builds. The version of Microsoft Agent 2.0 inside of Windows 2000 Build 1723 is version 2.0.0.1114. This build has a mention of Microsoft Agent 1.6 inside of it and also has the taskbar icon that comes up when AgentSvr.exe is running removed. This build also faces the same issues as Microsoft Agent 1.7 and will cause MASH, BonziBuddy, and other Microsoft Agent programs to crash.

The next available build is Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1330 which was found inside of Windows 2000 Build 1773. It introduced the character gallery dialog box which is featured in the final release (build 2202) and also added the colored Microsoft Agent logo. However, it still has the same issues as 1114. The next build is Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1527, and is extremely similar to the previous build with the exception of all the dialog boxes being moved to a DLL and also including the "intl" folder.

The next available build after this is Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2031, which added the Microsoft Speech Recognition microphone icon and removed all mentions of Microsoft Agent 1.6. This build also fixed the issues with 1.5 characters and programs crashing but 2.0 characters and programs would still crash. This also happened in the next build Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2115, where the only difference between the two builds were bug fixes.

The final release build is Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2022, which became available for download on Microsoft's website on October 12th, 1998. It also became the most common and distributed build of Microsoft Agent, distributed in almost every Microsoft Agent program and download link.

Post-release builds

Despite Microsoft Agent 2.0 already having its initial release with build 2202, builds were still developed after the release. The first build to be released afterwards was Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2209, which only contained bug fixes.

Non 2.00.0.xxxx builds

Versions of Microsoft Agent present inside of Windows Vista and Windows 7 both had different build numbers instead of the standards 2.00.0.xxxx format. Microsoft Agent 5.2.3790 is one notable example of this in Windows Vista and is present in Windows Vista SP1. Microsoft Agent 6.1.7600.16426 is also a notable example and is the build that is installed when the user chooses to install Microsoft Agent Hotfix for Windows 7.

Builds

Build Number Earliest compilation date Source Notes/Issues
Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1114 December 11th, 1997 Windows 2000 Build 1723.1 Mentions Microsoft Agent 1.6, removed 1.x taskbar icon, causes Microsoft Agent 1.5 and 2.0 programs to crash
Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1330 March 14th, 1998 Windows 2000 Build 1773.1 Adds the character gallery dialog box, adds 2 colored icons, same crash issue as 1114
Microsoft Agent 2.0.0.1527 April 29th, 1998 Windows 2000 Build 1796.1 First build to include the intl folder, similar issues to 1527 but some programs do open but crash once an agent is loaded, moves all dialog boxes into a DLL
Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2031 September 2nd, 1998 Windows 2000 Build 1888.1 Adds microphone icon, removes mentions of Microsoft Agent 1.6, 1.5 Agents and programs work but 2.0 Agents and programs crash
Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2115 September 27th, 1998 Windows 2000 Build 1902.1 Bug fixes
Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2202 October 2nd, 1998 Microsoft Agent 2.0 setup The most common release of Microsoft Agent, formerly hosted on Microsoft's MS Agent download page, included with most 2.0 applications
Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2209 October 15th, 1998 Windows 2000 Build 1911.1 Bug fixes
Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2317 December 11th, 1998 Windows 2000 Build 1946.1 Untested
Microsoft Agent 2.00.0.2927 1999 (not yet known) Windows 2000 Build 2072.1 Untested
Microsoft Agent 5.2.3790.1241 January 18th, 2008 Windows Vista build 6001.18000 (Windows Vista SP1 RTM) Uses SAPI5 and supports Aero
Microsoft Agent 2.00.3427 April 13th, 2008 Windows XP build 2600.5512 (Windows XP SP3 RTM) Most up-to-date non-SAPI 5 version of Microsoft Agent, gives a user warning when opening a Microsoft Agent 1.5 character
Microsoft Agent 6.1.7600.16426 September 21st, 2009 Microsoft Agent Hotfix for Windows 7 Latest version of Microsoft Agent, previously available on Microsoft's website

Trivia

  • Microsoft Agent 2.0 is the default Microsoft Agent installed on old Windows versions.
    • The only known exception to this is Microsoft Agent 1.7, which was in a beta release of Windows 2000.
  • For some unknown reason, early Microsoft Agent 2.0 betas uses 2.0.0 at the beginning of its version while Microsoft Agent Build 2202 uses 2.00.0 at the beginning of its version number.
  • Microsoft Agent 2.0 has the most available builds of any release due to the fact that some of these builds were included in Windows betas.
  • Not all Microsoft Agent builds are available in Windows betas as it appeared that Microsoft only occasionally updated the Microsoft Agent after each build. This is also why some builds may contain the same version of Microsoft Agent before the version number changes again.
  • The most common build of Microsoft Agent 2.0, Build 2202, is over one thousand builds away from the latest build.
  • It is unknown why Microsoft never updated the 2.0 installer to include the newer builds.
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