Solved MS Office updates - not needed?

Following the kind replies to my previous query "Understanding .Net Framework" I reloaded a number of updates that were causing problems, learning a great deal about handling updates in the process. So emboldened, I've decided to attack the MS Office updates that I don't *think* I need. But just to be sure I'm asking about these.

I'm using the Open Office suite, but a while back I downloaded the trial version of MS Office. I didn't like it, and uninstalled it. Ever since I've been getting MS Office security updates. All I need are the WORD,Excel, & PPT viewers, to check the readability of OO exports to these formats. So what I've done is accept all updates & security updates for these viewers, but hide new updates & security updates for all versions MS Office. I've also removed all the old MS Office updates.

So far this seems to be working fine. My question, though: Is this good practice, despite the general rule to accept all updates? I don't know how tightly MS Office is integrated into the OS, and don't want to be surprised even though I'm not using it. Apologies for yet another amateur question. - edo

Even with just the viewers installed Office Updates will come in and you should accept any new updates. On my rig when I last uninstalled Office many moons ago Windows also uninstalled all updates pertaining to it automatically so am surprised that didn't happen here assuming your uninstalled it before installing any viewers.

You know that Microsoft provides totally free support for anything to do with updates? They are the best people to ask about this really.

Are you doing this for a reason such as lack of space....better to get a larger or another drive than mess with Microsoft's own stuff as they know best what's needed?

Ex_Brit said:

Even with just the viewers installed Office Updates will come in and you should accept any new updates. On my rig when I last uninstalled Office many moons ago Windows also uninstalled all updates pertaining to it automatically so am surprised that didn't happen here assuming your uninstalled it before installing any viewers.

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You're right there - Now I think of it, I neglected to uninstall the viewers before uninstalling Office. But without having a reason or experience to the contrary I'm not prepared to accept that it's necessary to losd every Office update to run the viewers and their dedicated updates.

You know that Microsoft provides totally free support for anything to do with updates? They are the best people to ask about this really.

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I don't need to be convinced - I'm not a MS basher, and agree that their support is by & large good. But I do want to run my own machine knowledgeably, not on blind faith.

Are you doing this for a reason such as lack of space....better to get a larger or another drive than mess with Microsoft's own stuff as they know best what's needed?

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I guess I was too modest in my post. My system specs are fine. No need for me to comment on the advice, to get a larger drive rather than educate myself about the OS, 'cept to say you probably meant well. Thanks for taking the time.

You could always start afresh- uninstall all viewers and all Office Updates. Reboot and reinstall the viewers. From then on the only updates would pertain to the viewers, that way you'd be sure they are needed.

Ex_Brit said:

You could always start afresh- uninstall all viewers and all Office Updates. Reboot and reinstall the viewers. From then on the only updates would pertain to the viewers, that way you'd be sure they are needed.

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Thanks! Problem solved.

That's great. All the best.