Botched security patch KB 3097877 blamed for Outlook crashes, network sign-in black screens

Also the Win7 sidebar and gadgets disappear, and Asus Audio Center dies

No acknowledgment from Microsoft, of course.

InfoWorld Woody on Windows

Windows 10 Insiders: Make sure your PC updated to build 10586.3

If you run a winver on your Win10 machine (instructions in the article), you should come up with either build 10240 or 10586.3. 

With TH2/Fall Update/ version 1511 coming soon – my bet is still on tomorrow, Thursday – it’d be a good idea to get caught up.

InfoWorld Woody on Windows

Win10 cumulative updates KB 3105210, KB 3105213, 100 more patches, and some surprises

Including the real, final name of Windows 10 Fall Update.

InfoWorld Woody on Windows

MS-DEFCON 2: Block auto updates in 7/8.1, but let Win10 go free

Strange times call for strange measures.

I’m putting us at MS-DEFCON 2 for Windows 7 and 8.1, but lowering all the shields for Windows 10.

Vista, Win7, Win8.1: I recommend that you use the instructions on the Automatic Update tab above to set your machines to “Check for updates but don’t download.”

Win10: The quality of the cumulative updates has been so good that I recommend you get them installed prior to the Windows 10 Fall Update release. That means if you have your internet connection set up as a “metered connection” you should take off the cap, and let the latest cumulative updates install. That will probably make the Fall Update install better – and it’s likely, if you’re running Win10, that you’re going to want the Fall Update.

So for most of you, I’m recommending MS-DEFCON 2: Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don’t do it.

For Win10 users, I suggest you spread your arms wide and welcome the inevitable. Reenact the final scene in “Sons of Anarchy.” I still don’t expect the Windows 10 Fall Update on Tuesday, but I bet we get it this week.

The consequences of hand-selecting individual Win7/8.1 patches

Good question from EC: 

I agree that the GWX Control panel is pretty marvelous, but I don’t feel this is a realistic or “clean” option long-term, skilled and knowledgeable though it’s author may be. Have you heard anything that would give reason to believe the contrary? I’m almost through my Windows 7 list of updates, and as monotonous a task as this has been, I feel that being selective, patient and diligent with updates is the way to go, currently.

That being said, I have no doubt you have been at this a much longer time than I have. Am I just being optimistic and naive?

Thanks again, Woody!

Not naive. You’re justing doing a hell of a lot of work – and nobody’s sure of the outcome. Will you get an unwelcome rider on a “clean” patch? Will you miss an important update by skipping over a “bad” patch? Tough questions, no real answers.

Do I need a touchscreen?

An interesting question from reader BB:

Woody, I am a happy win 7 home premium user with an HP Pavilion dv7 laptop, 64 bit, I5 intel core.  I am following your recommendations about waiting to upgrade.  My question is should I purchase a new touchscreen laptop for windows 10 vs. updating my older HP to windows 10 Home?  I probably won’t be using the pro versions unless you advise it.  What features of windows 10 would I be losing without a touch screen?  Really appreciate all you do for all of us out here in the dark. 

Take it as a given that I’m cheap. That said, I wouldn’t buy a new machine until the old one starts driving you nuts. The choice to make the leap to Win10 is yours – it’s a very good operating system (about to get better, this coming week) with some notable flaws. Mostly, you need a different mindset to use it:

> Microsoft will keep track of what you do, and serve up ads accordingly. If you’ve ever used the Chrome browser, you’ve already seen that kind of behavior.

> You don’t have any choice about accepting patches. As long as Microsoft keeps serving up decent patches — which has been the case for the past four or five months — that’s no problem. It may make you anxious though, if you realize that the patches are barely documented,, and appear without warning.

As for the touch screen – I find myself actually using the touch screen from time to time, if I have one available. Most of my work is mouse and keyboard-based, but sometimes I reach out and press buttons instead of fumbling for the trackpad. For some people a touch screen is a godsend. My son’s using one right now to learn to draw letters. Some folks need touch screens in their work. By and large, though, I find myself using an iPad or Android tablet or phone if I really want a touch screen.

Is KB 3102810 booby trapped?

This from reader EB:

“Windows 10 All-in-one For Dummies” coverage of swipes

From a reader:

I just purchased Windows 10: All-in-One for dummies to help with my new Windows 10 touch screen laptop. I am an experienced Windows 7 user on a standard desktop with a mouse.  I have very little experience with touch screens.

I found it to be an excellent reference for Windows 10.  I have learned a lot from it so far.  I have more to look through.

Here’s the “but”

There seems to be very little on using tablet mode with a touch screen without using the mouse.  How do I close a program. What kind of movements or swipes you can use with your fingers.  I was basically looking for a section dedicated to just that. 

Can you suggest a resource where I can find  that kind of detail?

Thank you