How should I set up Windows Update service?

eganders

Member
I would like other user's experiences and opinions with the setting of Windows Update Service.

If I do allow updates, should I let them be automatic? How should I set defaults in the Update Service?


Here is why I ask if I should allow the updates:

1. One of my serious corruption problems that prompted me to restore my system from a backup was that a Windows update failed, reverted and resulted in my .Net Framework 2.0 from working. My system was OK prior to that update.

2. In the old days I never used a new software update until it had been in general use for over 6 months. This still seems to be valid since we have SERVICE PACKS that correct for early problems. Why should I allow a Microsoft update to install as soon is it is avaliable (it is, afterall, a new program module).

3. I have seen updates that both provide new features and modify old ones. This can be bad or good. It would be nice to know more details about what an update will do. I have seen changes in my Outlook that have been good ones, but surprised me. I don't normally like surprises, however. I also know of updates that have taken features away.

4. I see a lot of problems showing in the forum that people have after an update. Why should I expose myself to added potential problems when I have no problem with the way Windows worked before an update?

5. An automatic update often reboots my computer. I am often logged into my computer for weeks at a time. I like that stability knowing it is up with my programs logged in and ready.

By the way... I have had MANY more problems with my system due to Microsoft screwups than I have ever had due to viruses, trojans, etc. I have a good firewall and I never open suspicious emails. I have 4 recent backups (including a continuous backup) on a RAID 0 drive, a separate computer with critical files. I also keep an original backup just after a restore. I have had Norton anti-virus up to my recent restore (due to the Windows update that failed). Over a year period it never found much more than a tracking cookie.
 

My Computer

To each his own. I use and have used autoupdate ever since its inception and never once encountered a problem. I am the IT guy for my community and one of the first things I do for my customers is get rid of Norton (which you seem to like). I prefer MSE for my customers.

As I said, to each his own and it appears that you like the way you are set up so stay with it. I just prefer autoupdates and different security measures for myself.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion Desktop
    CPU
    Intel E2220 Dual 2.40 ghz 2400 mhz 2 core
    Memory
    4gb Ram, 3.87gb physical memory, 7.95gb virtual meory
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidea
    Internet Speed
    DSL 1.5
Hello,
As the member above me has said, to each his own. I have had one really bad experience with an Office update about a year ago which required me to restore my computer to factory settings. Not suspecting for a second that my problem was due to the update, I downloaded and installed the same update again. And ran into the exact same problem making me restore to factory settings yet again.
I have backups, so it wasn't a total loss, but it was still a pain.
I have a website that's run by the author of one of the Windows for Dummies books that I follow.
I'm not sure that I am allowed to post his url here, but he recommends setting Wndows Update to 'notify, but don't download' and then waits to see how the updates pan out from their release date through the next two or three weeks.
Soon as everything's quiet, he recommends download and install.
Works for me. I know not a lot about this stuff but I know I haven't had a problem since.
If you want the website, PM me and I'll send it along.. unless someone knows if I can post it here.. then I will for everyone..
:)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 420
    CPU
    Intel (R) Core(TM) Quad 6600 @2.4GHz
    Memory
    4GB dual channel DDR2 667MHZ [4x 1024]
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX
    Sound Card
    Creative SB X-Fi
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic Dell PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    2 500GB Hard drives in a RAID 1 Mirror configuration.
    Keyboard
    Standard USB QWERTY keyboard
    Mouse
    Standard optical mouse
    Internet Speed
    Actual 2.2 Mbps
    Other Info
    Connected to DSL internet via ethernet via Netgear DGN2000 modem router.
    Also connected via ethernet to HP 8180 All-in-One Photosmart printer.
    19-in1 card reader and 1 DVD and 1 DVD RW drives
I agree with rhlhamlet, Norton is one of the worst anti-viruses out there. it takes up too many resources, in my opinion it doesn't perform well, and I've noticed on my mothers computer (she uses and buys norton...) that most of her virus and malware problems are still present.

I recommend MSE as well, that's why I use it, along with Windows Firewall. My computer has never caught a nasty virus that disabled my OS.

As for Windows updates. I set it to "Check for updates, but let me choose when to download them and install them." The reason I set it at this is because I don't like it when I have to always restart my computer after update... and so I know what I install.

Also, set your system restore on for your drive containing windows, so in the event if an update kills your computer, you can restore your computer to a point that works.
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    AMD
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
I would like other user's experiences and opinions with the setting of Windows Update Service.

If I do allow updates, should I let them be automatic? How should I set defaults in the Update Service?


Here is why I ask if I should allow the updates:

1. One of my serious corruption problems that prompted me to restore my system from a backup was that a Windows update failed, reverted and resulted in my .Net Framework 2.0 from working. My system was OK prior to that update.

2. In the old days I never used a new software update until it had been in general use for over 6 months. This still seems to be valid since we have SERVICE PACKS that correct for early problems. Why should I allow a Microsoft update to install as soon is it is avaliable (it is, afterall, a new program module).

3. I have seen updates that both provide new features and modify old ones. This can be bad or good. It would be nice to know more details about what an update will do. I have seen changes in my Outlook that have been good ones, but surprised me. I don't normally like surprises, however. I also know of updates that have taken features away.

4. I see a lot of problems showing in the forum that people have after an update. Why should I expose myself to added potential problems when I have no problem with the way Windows worked before an update?

5. An automatic update often reboots my computer. I am often logged into my computer for weeks at a time. I like that stability knowing it is up with my programs logged in and ready.

By the way... I have had MANY more problems with my system due to Microsoft screwups than I have ever had due to viruses, trojans, etc. I have a good firewall and I never open suspicious emails. I have 4 recent backups (including a continuous backup) on a RAID 0 drive, a separate computer with critical files. I also keep an original backup just after a restore. I have had Norton anti-virus up to my recent restore (due to the Windows update that failed). Over a year period it never found much more than a tracking cookie.


I agree with both the replies Norton is really bad, try ESET.
anyways if all your software is original and properly licensed, you should have no problems with the updates.
I personally choose which updates i want to download, but that's because i have internet speed problems, otherwise id let it download automatically.

And yeah "Vista is the most misunderstood thing in the world" actually its an amazing OS, i love it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satellite L350D, Lenovo Thinkpad T510
    CPU
    AMD Athlon X2 QL-60 1.90GHZ
    Memory
    3.00GB, 4.00GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon 256MB, Nividea NVS 512MB
    Screen Resolution
    1400x900
    Hard Drives
    200GB in the Laptop
    320 WD external HD
    2X 320 WD internal Hard drives which i use as external.
    320GB in my lenovo laptop
    Mouse
    Logitech wireless USB mouse
    Internet Speed
    10.00MB
I would like other user's experiences and opinions with the setting of Windows Update Service.

If I do allow updates, should I let them be automatic? How should I set defaults in the Update Service?


Here is why I ask if I should allow the updates:

1. One of my serious corruption problems that prompted me to restore my system from a backup was that a Windows update failed, reverted and resulted in my .Net Framework 2.0 from working. My system was OK prior to that update.

2. In the old days I never used a new software update until it had been in general use for over 6 months. This still seems to be valid since we have SERVICE PACKS that correct for early problems. Why should I allow a Microsoft update to install as soon is it is avaliable (it is, afterall, a new program module).

3. I have seen updates that both provide new features and modify old ones. This can be bad or good. It would be nice to know more details about what an update will do. I have seen changes in my Outlook that have been good ones, but surprised me. I don't normally like surprises, however. I also know of updates that have taken features away.

4. I see a lot of problems showing in the forum that people have after an update. Why should I expose myself to added potential problems when I have no problem with the way Windows worked before an update?

5. An automatic update often reboots my computer. I am often logged into my computer for weeks at a time. I like that stability knowing it is up with my programs logged in and ready.

By the way... I have had MANY more problems with my system due to Microsoft screwups than I have ever had due to viruses, trojans, etc. I have a good firewall and I never open suspicious emails. I have 4 recent backups (including a continuous backup) on a RAID 0 drive, a separate computer with critical files. I also keep an original backup just after a restore. I have had Norton anti-virus up to my recent restore (due to the Windows update that failed). Over a year period it never found much more than a tracking cookie.


I agree with both the replies Norton is really bad, try ESET.
anyways if all your software is original and properly licensed, you should have no problems with the updates.
I personally choose which updates i want to download, but that's because i have internet speed problems, otherwise id let it download automatically.

And yeah "Vista is the most misunderstood thing in the world" actually its an amazing OS, i love it.

Yes, I love Vista. It's a great OS. Just too many jerks out there said false statements about it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • CPU
    AMD
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
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