How should I set up Windows Update service?

I would like other user's experiences and opinions with the setting of Windows Update Service.

If I do allow updates, should I let them be automatic? How should I set defaults in the Update Service?


Here is why I ask if I should allow the updates:

1. One of my serious corruption problems that prompted me to restore my system from a backup was that a Windows update failed, reverted and resulted in my .Net Framework 2.0 from working. My system was OK prior to that update.

2. In the old days I never used a new software update until it had been in general use for over 6 months. This still seems to be valid since we have SERVICE PACKS that correct for early problems. Why should I allow a Microsoft update to install as soon is it is avaliable (it is, afterall, a new program module).

3. I have seen updates that both provide new features and modify old ones. This can be bad or good. It would be nice to know more details about what an update will do. I have seen changes in my Outlook that have been good ones, but surprised me. I don't normally like surprises, however. I also know of updates that have taken features away.

4. I see a lot of problems showing in the forum that people have after an update. Why should I expose myself to added potential problems when I have no problem with the way Windows worked before an update?

5. An automatic update often reboots my computer. I am often logged into my computer for weeks at a time. I like that stability knowing it is up with my programs logged in and ready.

By the way... I have had MANY more problems with my system due to Microsoft screwups than I have ever had due to viruses, trojans, etc. I have a good firewall and I never open suspicious emails. I have 4 recent backups (including a continuous backup) on a RAID 0 drive, a separate computer with critical files. I also keep an original backup just after a restore. I have had Norton anti-virus up to my recent restore (due to the Windows update that failed). Over a year period it never found much more than a tracking cookie.

To each his own. I use and have used autoupdate ever since its inception and never once encountered a problem. I am the IT guy for my community and one of the first things I do for my customers is get rid of Norton (which you seem to like). I prefer MSE for my customers.

As I said, to each his own and it appears that you like the way you are set up so stay with it. I just prefer autoupdates and different security measures for myself.

Hello,
As the member above me has said, to each his own. I have had one really bad experience with an Office update about a year ago which required me to restore my computer to factory settings. Not suspecting for a second that my problem was due to the update, I downloaded and installed the same update again. And ran into the exact same problem making me restore to factory settings yet again.
I have backups, so it wasn't a total loss, but it was still a pain.
I have a website that's run by the author of one of the Windows for Dummies books that I follow.
I'm not sure that I am allowed to post his url here, but he recommends setting Wndows Update to 'notify, but don't download' and then waits to see how the updates pan out from their release date through the next two or three weeks.
Soon as everything's quiet, he recommends download and install.
Works for me. I know not a lot about this stuff but I know I haven't had a problem since.
If you want the website, PM me and I'll send it along.. unless someone knows if I can post it here.. then I will for everyone..

I agree with rhlhamlet, Norton is one of the worst anti-viruses out there. it takes up too many resources, in my opinion it doesn't perform well, and I've noticed on my mothers computer (she uses and buys norton...) that most of her virus and malware problems are still present.

I recommend MSE as well, that's why I use it, along with Windows Firewall. My computer has never caught a nasty virus that disabled my OS.

As for Windows updates. I set it to "Check for updates, but let me choose when to download them and install them." The reason I set it at this is because I don't like it when I have to always restart my computer after update... and so I know what I install.

Also, set your system restore on for your drive containing windows, so in the event if an update kills your computer, you can restore your computer to a point that works.

eganders said:

I would like other user's experiences and opinions with the setting of Windows Update Service.

If I do allow updates, should I let them be automatic? How should I set defaults in the Update Service?


Here is why I ask if I should allow the updates:

1. One of my serious corruption problems that prompted me to restore my system from a backup was that a Windows update failed, reverted and resulted in my .Net Framework 2.0 from working. My system was OK prior to that update.

2. In the old days I never used a new software update until it had been in general use for over 6 months. This still seems to be valid since we have SERVICE PACKS that correct for early problems. Why should I allow a Microsoft update to install as soon is it is avaliable (it is, afterall, a new program module).

3. I have seen updates that both provide new features and modify old ones. This can be bad or good. It would be nice to know more details about what an update will do. I have seen changes in my Outlook that have been good ones, but surprised me. I don't normally like surprises, however. I also know of updates that have taken features away.

4. I see a lot of problems showing in the forum that people have after an update. Why should I expose myself to added potential problems when I have no problem with the way Windows worked before an update?

5. An automatic update often reboots my computer. I am often logged into my computer for weeks at a time. I like that stability knowing it is up with my programs logged in and ready.

By the way... I have had MANY more problems with my system due to Microsoft screwups than I have ever had due to viruses, trojans, etc. I have a good firewall and I never open suspicious emails. I have 4 recent backups (including a continuous backup) on a RAID 0 drive, a separate computer with critical files. I also keep an original backup just after a restore. I have had Norton anti-virus up to my recent restore (due to the Windows update that failed). Over a year period it never found much more than a tracking cookie.

Click to expand...

I agree with both the replies Norton is really bad, try ESET.
anyways if all your software is original and properly licensed, you should have no problems with the updates.
I personally choose which updates i want to download, but that's because i have internet speed problems, otherwise id let it download automatically.

And yeah "Vista is the most misunderstood thing in the world" actually its an amazing OS, i love it.

compuwhiz93 said:

eganders said:

I would like other user's experiences and opinions with the setting of Windows Update Service.

If I do allow updates, should I let them be automatic? How should I set defaults in the Update Service?


Here is why I ask if I should allow the updates:

1. One of my serious corruption problems that prompted me to restore my system from a backup was that a Windows update failed, reverted and resulted in my .Net Framework 2.0 from working. My system was OK prior to that update.

2. In the old days I never used a new software update until it had been in general use for over 6 months. This still seems to be valid since we have SERVICE PACKS that correct for early problems. Why should I allow a Microsoft update to install as soon is it is avaliable (it is, afterall, a new program module).

3. I have seen updates that both provide new features and modify old ones. This can be bad or good. It would be nice to know more details about what an update will do. I have seen changes in my Outlook that have been good ones, but surprised me. I don't normally like surprises, however. I also know of updates that have taken features away.

4. I see a lot of problems showing in the forum that people have after an update. Why should I expose myself to added potential problems when I have no problem with the way Windows worked before an update?

5. An automatic update often reboots my computer. I am often logged into my computer for weeks at a time. I like that stability knowing it is up with my programs logged in and ready.

By the way... I have had MANY more problems with my system due to Microsoft screwups than I have ever had due to viruses, trojans, etc. I have a good firewall and I never open suspicious emails. I have 4 recent backups (including a continuous backup) on a RAID 0 drive, a separate computer with critical files. I also keep an original backup just after a restore. I have had Norton anti-virus up to my recent restore (due to the Windows update that failed). Over a year period it never found much more than a tracking cookie.

Click to expand...

I agree with both the replies Norton is really bad, try ESET.
anyways if all your software is original and properly licensed, you should have no problems with the updates.
I personally choose which updates i want to download, but that's because i have internet speed problems, otherwise id let it download automatically.

And yeah "Vista is the most misunderstood thing in the world" actually its an amazing OS, i love it.

Click to expand...

Yes, I love Vista. It's a great OS. Just too many jerks out there said false statements about it.