Windows Updates

[FrankSG]

I have WinXP Home. As far as M$ Updates are concerned, I have it set so that it just lets me know when an update is available. I then go to Windows Updates and download and install it. This morning I saw the little icon on my task bar that let me know that an update was available. So, I went there to see what it was. I clicked on the "Details" button and got a message that said, " Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool (KB892103) 443KB.
The Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool enables you to verify that your copy of Microsoft Windows is genuine. The tool validates your windows installation by checking Windows Product Identification and Product Activation status. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. Once you have installed this item, it cannot be removed." To tell you the truth, I can see no reason why I need it. First of all, I know for a fact that my copy of Windows is genuine. It was pre-installed when I bought my computer and so I never had to do the Product Activation. I could be misunderstanding this, but I don't think that installing this will do me any good. The only thing it will do is to give Microsoft a way to snoop around on my computer. Am I wrong?

[PrntRhd]

FrankSG,
Microsoft is cracking down on pirated copies of Windows XP. You will now only be able to update SP1 and SP2 except for certain Critical Updates needed to protect the Internet, unless you choose Automatic Updates.
If you do not load the check tool, you will get no updates/upgrades for Windows or Office except those Critical ones.
Search the forums or Google for "MS Genuine Advantage" to learn more.

PS: I also posted about this on 7/26:
http://www.pcguide.com/vb/showthread.php?t=39163

[PrntRhd]

After the hassle of the validation tool thing, there were 8 new updates for XP Home. (Patch Tuesday)

Also requires a reboot after the patches.

[FrankSG]

Thanks, Prent--I think I'll just go ahead and get it....

[ErnieK]

I am of the same opinion as Frank.

I accept that MS had to try and do something about piracy but to invade your computer with what is effectivley spyware and get away with it under the pretext that his is for our benifit. :mad:

I would like to know EXCATLY what info this tool sends back to MS. I have (grudginly) installed it but am not happy about it. I have just tried to download (manually- for saving as per my usual) the first patch (KB896727) and when I try to download it I am told that it is not available. In Auto updates it show as available for downloading. So MS is now blocking users form saving certain vital patches for use at a later date!

My OS is genuine - bought and paid for with disk and certificate so yet again MS has seen fit to ensure that the user must keep returning to them for this download.

[ErnieK]

Since my last post I have been trying to download and install the updates without success using Auto Updates. :mad: :confused:

I have gone back in time to re-start the process,
I have (yet again) installed the validation patch,
I have once again allowed MS to verify my OS is leagal,
I have set downloads to Notify,
I have set to Download but don't install.

Nothing will get these files down onto my computer. I have not set it to download and install automatically as this should be my choice, when and if I want them. :mad:

It is beginning too look like MS has done away with the above two options for updates. I find it EXTREMELY infuriating that once again MS seems to have decided how my computer should be used and set-up. (Or is this just my bad thinking about MS?)

Has anyone else been able to download the updates without automatically the download and install option? Before trying to contact MS I would like to have confirmation as to whether it is my computer only or if this is a general complaint now. I have never had any problems up-until this set of patches.

[PrntRhd]

Has anyone else been able to download the updates without automatically the download and install option? Before trying to contact MS I would like to have confirmation as to whether it is my computer only or if this is a general complaint now.
I had loaded the validation tool late Monday and scanned for available updates, with none available.
I went back Tuesday afternoon after Frank's query, scanned again, and downloaded all 8 (successfully) using Express downloads. I did not a change in the update process where the site "confirmed" each download before going on to the next one.

I had the PC set to automatically download the updates but had not turned that PC on until Tuesday afternoon so it could not load the updates on its own, so I do not know how that would have worked out.

I do know there is controversy regards what MS is having sent home from the PC after installing the validation tool, in several audits users are using packet sniffers to see what information is actually being sent to MS' servers. No evidence of MS improper use has been detected/confirmed at this time.

[YODA74]

http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

The two in bold will need to be running
Automatic Updates (allows the site to find, download and install high-priority updates for your computer)
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) (helps updates download more quickly and without problems if the download process is interrupted)
Event Log (keeps a record of updating activities to help with troubleshooting, if needed)

[ErnieK]

Thanks guys

PrntRhd
I do not use the express button as this downloads and installs the updates just as though my settings said to Auto download and install. in other words I have no actual control or choice.

Also if you do a search for KB 896727 (IE update) the link and details of the patch are given but when it comes to downloading it the result is a no-no.

Yoda
Good to see you again. These settings are enabled.

Auto updates tells me that the updates are there but will not download them. If I go direct to MS Downloads I can also see the updates but to use (try) this defeats the purpose of the 3 choices in Auto Updates.

Also the fact that I can see the updates shows that all needed services and settings are correct. I have alos checked restricted sites in IE to see if there was any thing stopping me there.

I have also tried using someone else's computer since my last post with the same results.

[ErnieK]

See the link below. This gives the answer to my problem. MS has/had problem with KB896727 and pulled it. This would ave been causing the refusal to download of all patches for me.

http://news.com.com/2061-10789_3-5825810.html

[PrntRhd]

Thanks for posting back.

Like it says:
Patch, Patch the Patch, Repeat

[ErnieK]

I eventually managed ot get the downloads down & saved to a folder

[PrntRhd]

When you finally install them, they don't seem to break anything this month.
I strongly recommend updating Windows for the IE fixes.

[ErnieK]

I have already made my Ghost image in preperation for the installation of the files which I will be doing first thing in the morning. Also thanks for "trying them out" for me it will save me wondering if something is going to go KABOOM!! :D

[jogartrago]

Seems that the latest updates issue from MS has created much controversy. I still use (can you believe it!!) Windows 98 so I don't think it involves me. Or does it?

[PrntRhd]

jogartrago,
The MS Genuine Advantage validation check is only for latest OSes. The patches themselves are not the issue, although there was a problem with corrupted files on Microsoft Downloads site.

Affected OSes: XP Pro, XP Home, XP Tablet, WIN 2000 Pro (per the article I posted 7/26)

[FrankSG]

I havealready made my Ghost image in preperation for the installation of the files which I will be doing first thing in the morning. :D
Good idea making the Ghost image. A couple of weeks ago, I made some sort of a change--I don't remember what it was, but I made a Ghost image before I made the change because I felt a little uneasy about the change I was making. Sure enough, after I made the change, my system would not boot up. So, I restored the image and everything was back the way it was before I made the image. If anyone has Ghost, I would certainly make an image before installing a major update, or anything major. It sure prevented a lot of headaches for me.

[waltky]

Microsoft urges update for flaws
Windows users are urged to download the latest security updates from Microsoft to fix critical flaws.
Wednesday, 10 August 2005

Microsoft is urging Windows users to update their systems with the latest security patches it has released to fix three critical flaws in its software.
The flaws mostly affect Windows 2000 and Internet Explorer. Users with updated Windows Server 2003 and XP systems are not as much at risk.

If left unplugged, they could allow hackers and virus writers to take control of personal computers remotely.

Microsoft releases security bulletins regularly to alert people to updates.

The most serious of the flaws are awarded a "critical" status.

Open to attack

The first of the three flaws applies to Internet Explorer users. The loophole could leave a computer open to a virus or worm attack, which could then let an attacker take complete control of an affected computer.

A vulnerability was also found in the Print Spooler service and the Plug and Play (PnP) hardware detection feature in Windows, both of which could leave systems open to attack and vulnerable to remote control.

More http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/technology/4138674.stm

[ErnieK]

I have just installed hte patches and re waltky's post gone back to MS but no further patches (a total of 7 was the original count)

Frank
I have been using Ghost for a few years now and think it's the Bees Knees. It is the first thing I install after the re-install of the OS on a computer for someone. By doing this I can make images at every stage of software and peripheral installation, so that if something goes wrong I only have to go beck one step. A very handy backup sytem that works well for me.

Other swear by different forms of back up but the only time this let me down was my own stupidity. (I had made an image and not verified it) But as I always keep 2 old back-ups (first/oriinal os install - and what ever the 3rd last is) I was able to work roud it.

Since I upgrade to a later version the facillty to restrore one file etc looks handy, though I have not tried this out yet. I also use WinDrivers (Old freeware edition) to backup all my drivers (including MS drivers) after a completed setup