Windows Update Sneaky Issue (Windows 7 SP1)

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UPDATE: While all below is true, I just noticed that none of the downloads have been downloaded. The progress bar keeps rolling, but zero have been downloaded. So guess this is another issue. Any suggestions on fixing it? I run Windows 7, SP1 and have had no issues with WU prior to this one. Realize this may have to be a new post…

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

This is not exactly a rant; more a warning for unsuspecting Windows Updaters…

I just ran Belarc Advisor and learned I was missing numerous critical and important updates. Tried to run Windows Update by “checking for updates”, but it just kept endlessly running with no updates ever listed.

Closed WU and opened it again just now. Saw a large icon to download Windows 10 which I do not want to do on this 5 year old PC. Noticed in tiny blue letters underneath icon a link to “view all available updates”. Clicking on that link opened the list I’m familiar with. After perusing the list quickly, I selected them all and started the download.

YIKES! The first message said Windows 10 was downloading. I stopped the function immediately.

After much searching, I finally clicked on optional downloads and there found Windows 10, already checked (although all other options were left for me to check). I unchecked it and all proceeded as planned.

This strikes me as very sneaky of Microsoft and downright nasty for unsuspecting non technical types who are dutifully trying to keep their Windows system patched without upgrading to Windows 10.

Am I being paranoid? Has anyone else encountered this?

Linda

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This is not exactly a rant; more a warning for unsuspecting Windows Updaters…

I just ran Belarc Advisor and learned I was missing numerous critical and important updates. Tried to run Windows Update by “checking for updates”, but it just kept endlessly running with no updates ever listed.

Closed WU and opened it again just now. Saw a large icon to download Windows 10 which I do not want to do on this 5 year old PC. Noticed in tiny blue letters underneath icon a link to “view all available updates”. Clicking on that link opened the list I’m familiar with. After perusing the list quickly, I selected them all and started the download.

YIKES! The first message said Windows 10 was downloading. I stopped the function immediately.

After much searching, I finally clicked on optional downloads and there found Windows 10, already checked (although all other options were left for me to check). I unchecked it and all proceeded as planned.

This strikes me as very sneaky of Microsoft and downright nasty for unsuspecting non technical types who are dutifully trying to keep their Windows system patched without upgrading to Windows 10.

Am I being paranoid? Has anyone else encountered this?

Linda

But even more subtle is Microsoft calling it an update when it is actually an Upgrade to a newer/higher numbered version of Windows. Don’t see the word Upgrade very often in the process.

Before you wonder "Am I doing things right," ask "Am I doing the right things?"

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But even more subtle is Microsoft calling it an update when it is actually an Upgrade to a newer/higher numbered version of Windows. Don’t see the word Upgrade very often in the process.

The update clearly says, “Upgrade to Windows 10 …”:

44578-WXup

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The update clearly says, “Upgrade to Windows 10 …”:

Yes, well this one doesn’t.
44583-WXup

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Download, install, and run GWX Control Panel[/url]. You can use it to control the Windows 10 installation and even get rid of pieces which have already been downloaded.

--Joe

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Thanks, Joe. Will do so and post back with results.

Linda

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You can download a portale version so you don’t have to install it.

--Joe

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I right click on the Win 10 “update” and Hide it.

Also look for KB3035583 and uninstall it.

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Remember MS unhides some of the updates like KB3035583 so look every time you update.
Joe

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Thanks, Joe and Sudo. I’ve now installed and run the program.

I have got a bigger issue: Windows Update won’t install any updates. The progress bar keeps running endlessly but nothing is ever installed.

Should I start a new thread for this?

Linda

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This is a well known problem that has struck many people. See http://wu.krelay.de/en/ for a list of updates to install manually which may resolve the issue for you.

--Joe

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Linda:

Here is some good info about doing a Windows 7 update. This one is current. I have not personally tried this one, but I fully trust Woody Leonhard on these issues.

Here was the info for last month. I personally did this one, and I successfully got a bunch of updates for two new Windows 7 installs.

By the way, Woody Leonhard was the founder of Windows Secrets Lounge.

Jim

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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You’re right, Joe. I discovered the issue was common when I searched for answers in forum before posting and found this thread:
http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread//172467-Windows-7-checking-for-updates-stalling

It totally confused me, however, which is why I’ll check your link and see if that will help me figure this out.

Thanks to MrJimPhelps, too. I’ll read your link as well.

Back with results…

Linda

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Don’t get irritated with each other – the main point here is that no such huge update/upgrade should be pre-checked by Microsoft. It’s sneaky, especially for the many not-overly-techie- types who use the OS!

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Me, again.

Well, I’m trying to download KB3153199 since it was first in Joe’s list and seemed the “key” one in Mr. Jim’s. However, the installer just keeps “Searching for updates on this computer…” with nothing further happening.

I stopped the installer and tried the second KB download with the same result.
.
I’m retrying the first download, giving it 5 or so minutes because of an item in Woody’s thread (Mr. Jim’s link). It’s been over 3 minutes now with no change so thought I’d post another cry for help!

Linda

P.S. Yes, thanks, Jim: I do know Woody Leonhard. Actually, I still refer to Windows Secrets as “Woody’s”, from its former name!

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Me, again.

Well, I’m trying to download KB3153199 since it was first in Joe’s list and seemed the “key” one in Mr. Jim’s. However, the installer just keeps “Searching for updates on this computer…” with nothing further happening.

I stopped the installer and tried the second KB download with the same result.
.
I’m retrying the first download, giving it 5 or so minutes because of an item in Woody’s thread (Mr. Jim’s link). It’s been over 3 minutes now with no change so thought I’d post another cry for help!

Linda

I had the same result when I downloaded this KB. I then just let Windows update run and after an hour or so, it found and installed a bunch of updates. Since then Windows Update takes around 15 minutes to run.

Jerry

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Linda, did you go onto Microsoft.com and search for the update, and then download and install it? That is the way you need to do that one.

Once you have successfully installed it and then rebooted, you can then proceed in the normal way.

Group "L" (Linux Mint)
with Windows 10 running in a remote session on my file server

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I think the key to these patches downloaded outside Windows Update is to disconnect from the internet when you go to install them. The installer will do an online check for more updates which is what you are seeing. If you are disconnected from the internet that check fails immediately and the installation proceeds.

--Joe

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Hi again,

I’m back after leaving this for a while…getting frustrated, which is never a good thing when trying to fix something in a computer.

Joe, to clarify what you said here:

I think the key to these patches downloaded outside Windows Update is to disconnect from the internet when you go to install them.

I go back to the KBs mentioned, download them; then, disconnect and install them?

If I’ve got that right, I’ll give that a try and post back.

Thanks,

Linda

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Yes, Linda. That’s what Joe is telling you.

Download them first.
Disconnect from the Internet.
Install each.

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Many thanks. Will tackle and post results!

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