Windows Update a must or a definate no?

[Overkill-GB]

I used to no a guy, well the guy was the one who did my computer he seemed quite knowledgeble one thing i can remember his telling me was to not touch Windows Update and he has disabled all my update notifications and everything im just wondering from your point of view is Windows Update and Automatic Updates a good thing or is something that should be left untouched, i havent updated for literally ages so im guessing if i ever updated i would be updating 1gb files. Im unsure what to do?

[shadowpr]

Definately update. They have some patches for security and to improve performance.

I don't, and usually don't advise people to use automatic updates though. I like to know what's being installed and sometimes i don't feel i need all the updates if they don't apply to me. Plus i never let windows update drivers either.

[Ahura]

WIndow Malicous SOftware Remover Utility does nothing.

[law99]

WOW, Overkill do you even have SP1 or SP2? If not first have a HJT log checked by a pro or any infections could cause problems. Maybe that is the reason your guy gave you bad advise. As shadowpr said, I manually do all critical updates, by going to the update site & picking custom. If you use the internet, you can never be too safe.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Ahura WIndow Malicous SOftware Remover Utility does nothing.

Huh? What does this have to do with Overkill-GB's post?

I only install the Critical Updates, not all that other stuff.

Cricket

[Overkill-GB]

I will install critical updates, and will leave automatic updates disabled i am running SP2, and have a partion which runs SP1 both of them have completely clean HJT log as i have previosly posted them here before and i think it was Cricket who awnsered them along with glc so im clean.

[faulkner132]

In 5 years of doing tech support/development/IT work, I have never once seen a Windows update break anything (knock on wood).
The only reason I can really see someone telling you not to use auto-updates is if there is a pirated copy of Windows on your computer or someone is buying into the MS paranoia.

Just my .02.

[systempat]

Why would you be running XP SP2 and XP SP1 both? Makes no sense. There is no advantage to keeping SP1 around and running a dual boot.
Also I agree that you just about have to use Windows Update. If only to get the security fixes. Recommend the option to "automatically download and then notify me" so I can choose when and what to install.

[law99]

Systempat, I did not understand the SP1-Sp2 thing either. The auto update or manual is a personal opinion. I like to know what this machine is doing (too many movies??), or just like to be in control. ?? If you have any personal info in your PC, I would not allow it to do anything without my on the spot permission. Just tooo careful, maybe not.

[Overkill-GB]

I once installed a windows update and it messed up my wireless router, severly even with unistalling the update. Also the SP1 and SP2 i used to do alot of exploring and messing my computer up so when i ever felt like downloading or going on MSN (lot of viruses) i go on SP1 as i have safesurf preinstalled so i can backup it up. That was the whole idea why the a guy came round and partitioned my hardrive.

[Devastator]

I have the same set-up and find SP1 is far quicker, doesn't give you any of the crap SP2 does and it's still safe. As long as you have a good Anti-Virus etc, there is no problem.

[Lespaul20]

Originally Posted by Devastator I have the same set-up and find SP1 is far quicker, doesn't give you any of the crap SP2 does and it's still safe. As long as you have a good Anti-Virus etc, there is no problem.

If you don't have SP2 installed then how would you know it's slower?


I would recommend SP2 and all critical updates and any other updates you need, like others have said.

I use Auto update but I choose what gets installed. You can control what gets installed with Auto update on. It's much easier than going to MS every time.

[systempat]

With the choice that I said - to download automatically and notify - then I can choose which ones to install. It gives me enough control. So if an update is for Office 2003 or network options that I don't use, I can throw them out. Except of course for the Silent Update issue from MS which is a whole other story....

Pat in the desert

[Devastator]

Originally Posted by Lespaul20 If you don't have SP2 installed then how would you know it's slower?

I said I had the same sort of set-up, I have another partition running SP2, but I prefer the SP1 side by a mile.