Firmware update for Surface 3, Surface Pro 3 triggers error 0x80246013

Another one still shrouded in mystery.

Why are some Surface 3, Surface Pro 3, and Surface Pro 2 owners reporting an error while trying to upgrade to the latest (undocumented) release of the firmware?

Beats me. If you have an idea, please elucidate.

InfoWorld Tech Watch

Update on the ZDI – Internet Explorer 0day post

I had a chance to talk with someone who’s close to the effort, and can confirm that my original post — while technically correct, and conforming to HP ZDI’s post — didn’t mention that the existing exploits only involved the mobile version of IE.

Since I figure about two of you probably use the mobile version of IE, that rates an “Ooops. Nevermind.” kinda-sorta retraction.

Which you can see now on InfoWorld Tech Watch.

HP’s ZDI discloses 4 new vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer

ZDI keeps pounding away – as they should.

InfoWorld Tech Watch

MS-DEFCON 5. Again. Get all Microsoft patches applied

They did it again.

I’ve been posting MS-DEFCON warnings for seven (eight?) years, and I can’t recall having two MS-DEFCON 5 months in a row. Now we have three in a row.  Hard to believe.

If you don’t mind having a Windows 10 advertisement stuck in your system tray — it won’t jump up and bite you — just go ahead and install everything that’s offered. If the thought of an obnoxious Microsoft ad on your machine bothers you, skip KB 3035583 and KB 3022345.

 There are a few minor problems with SQL Server 2005, mentioned in my InfoWorld article, but for most of you it’s clear sailing.

For the third month in a row, I’m moving all the way down to MS-DEFCON 5: All’s clear. Patch while it’s safe.

The usual admonition applies: Use Windows Update, DON’T CHECK ANY BOXES THAT AREN’T CHECKED, reboot after you patch, and then run Windows Update one more time to see if there’s anything lurking. When you’re done, make sure you have Automatic Update turned off. I always install Windows Defender/Microsoft Security Essentials updates as soon as they’re available – same with spam filter updates. I never install drivers from Windows Update (in the rare case where I can actually see a problem with a driver, I go to the manufacturer’s web site and download it from the original source).

Problems with forced updates in Windows 10

It’s not as easy as it looks.

InfoWorld Tech Watch

Adobe updates

I’m running far behind on some things.

EP sent this in last week…

Adobe has released new security updates for Flash Player, Shockwave Player and Acrobat Reader this July 2015.

Adobe Acrobat & Acrobat Reader patches posted in Adobe security bulletin APSB15-15:
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/reader/apsb15-15.html

Adobe Shockwave Player update posted in Adobe security bulletin APSB15-17:
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/shockwave/apsb15-17.html

Adobe Flash Player patches posted in Adobe security bulletin APSB15-18:
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsb15-18.html
(this one is the second batch of Flash Player updates this July as they supersede
 the ones found in Adobe security bulletin APSB15-16)
https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsb15-16.html

And I’m not upgrading to Windows 10 anytime this year as I’m uncertain of how
automatic updates will be delivered to Windows 10 users.  I still like to download and install Windows Updates manually and to “pick & choose” which updates to install and which ones to skip.

Microsoft plugs gaping security hole with KB 3079904, KB 3074667

And the Windows 10 security patch has a little (undefined) non-security patch along with it.

Oh boy.

InfoWorld Tech Watch

Where Windows 10 stands right now

As of build 10240.

InfoWorld

Windows 10 forced updates — the rest of the story. It’s not straightforward.

Don’t panic. Wait.

InfoWorld Tech Watch

Here’s what’s new in Windows 10 build 10240 – including some points you may have missed

It may not be, literally, the “RTM” build, but it’s very close to being the last build we’ll see before July 29.

InfoWorld Tech Watch

Windows 10 RTM available for download

At least, if you’re updating from build 10166. Which I’m doing at this moment. It’s in the usual place, Settings, Update & security, Windows Update. For Insider Fast Track only.

Windows 10 build 10240 hits RTM

Win10 RTM is out. Now what will Microsoft do with it?

InfoWorld Tech Watch