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Patch reliability is unclear, but widespread attacks make patching prudent. Go ahead and patch, but watch out for potential problems. |
Those of us that can successfully upgrade to Windows 10 probably already have done so (unless we have been living under a rock and had not heard of this upgrade). Those of us that can’t or won’t upgrade for certain substantial reasons do not need this pushed upon us yet again.
I hate playing Whack-a-Mole with Microsoft for this PUP…
Just a friendly reminder to uncheck “Give me recommended updates the same yadda yadda..”, since MS has re-classified it properly…
but yes, it just was re-released and again shows in my update queue. Hidden AGAIN. -.-
Also, this latest update round (May 3) there’s a new one in recommended updates list, KB3150513, again only listed as “Resolving issues in Windows…”
Bleh.
The REAL description on the KB page states:
“This update provides updated configuration and definitions for compatibility diagnostics performed on the system. The updated definitions will improve accuracy and help enable Microsoft and its partners ensure compatibility for customers who want to install the latest Windows operating system. This update will be offered only if KB2977759, KB2952664, or KB2976978 is installed on Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), or Windows 7 RTM.”
More malware. KB2976978 is the ‘customer experience telemetry’ tattletale which hogs 100% disk usage on many, if not most, systems and uploads detailed infos on your machine and files. I just realized after uninstalling it tonight, that it RETURNS after the reboot, this time WITHOUT the option to uninstall. (Win 8.1 x64)
All three of these related patches bear the KB page description:
“This update performs diagnostics on the Windows systems that participate in the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program. These diagnostics help determine whether compatibility issues may be encountered when the latest Windows operating system is installed. This update will help Microsoft and its partners ensure compatibility for customers who want to install the latest Windows operating system.”
Just wanted to let you all know, so you can ‘blacklist’ these KBs if you so desire.
Also, if you’re having issues with the telemetry service triggered by KB2976978 hogging your disk and bogging your system, or are uncomfortable stripping down and bending over for Uncle Bill, this can be disabled in scheduled tasks. There’s a nice blog entry I found explaining the simple steps:
http://windowsitpro.com/windows-10/how-turn-telemetry-windows-7-8-and-windows-10
I also went one step further, and also edited the task in the property page to be run-once, and NEVER repeat… THEN I set the task to ‘Disabled’.
I don’t yet know the particulars of the other two KB’s as far as what they specifically do and if they ‘phone home’ and leak infos.
I detest that they force this BS in your system, and that these telemetry bombs disrespect the opt-out setting for participation in the Customer Experience jazz.
I hope this helps someone. 
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