The Witcher - Authentication Still Down [solved!]

Irian writes a frustrated email about the authentication servers for The Witcher 1 still being down despite promises to get them back up a couple of weeks back. This is preventing people who recently installed the game from updating the game and, Irian points out, is ironic given CD Projekt's stance on DRM. Thread on GOG, as an example.

Update:

It seems CD Projekt uploaded an updated The Witcher 1 patch 1.4 and successfully kept it a secret. Authentication is no longer necessary and the patching process works as advertised. Check the news discussion for more details.

Forum and game registration is still down, but since it's no longer mandatory it can be considered a minor problem.