Are windows updates neccesary?

[crelm1974]

My system is running XP fine and it always asks me if I want to update now but I'm worried that it's going to cause problems or errors. Is this likely? I've never done a windows xp update.

thanks,
C.

 

[soonerproud]

Originally posted by: crelm1974
My system is running XP fine and it always asks me if I want to update now but I'm worried that it's going to cause problems or errors. Is this likely? I've never done a windows xp update.

thanks,
C.

Problems rarely occur by updating your system with Windows Update. However, updates fix holes in the operating system and fixes bugs that may cause your system problems. If you value security and stability you are better off to install the updates.

 

[stash]

I've never done a windows xp update.

Scary stuff.

 

[XZeroII]

I always apply all windows updates. I recommend that everyone does the same.

 

[corkyg]

Like Stash says - not getting the updates, especially those designated as critical security updates is what is sacry.

 

[AmberClad]

There's nothing "scary" about updating Windows, and it's not going to cause any problems unless perhaps you have a pirated version of Windows.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

I can't recollect any hysteria following a 'bad' Windows Update hotfix/patch - the closest thing to it was SP2 that broke some legacy apps, and of course, the whole WGA fiasco. And I'm a guy that reads tech sites almost every day.

Leave it on and don't worry about it.

 

[MovingTarget]

For the most part yes if you are connected to the internet. I've seen one too many horror stories of unpatched machines going online without any AV, etc. Occasionally they'll slip in a "critical" update that is anything but, however, most of them are pretty necessary to fix exploits and known bugs. Just doing the critical ones should be fine though.

 

[Maximilian]

Originally posted by: theprodigalrebel
I can't recollect any hysteria following a 'bad' Windows Update hotfix/patch - the closest thing to it was SP2 that broke some legacy apps, and of course, the whole WGA fiasco. And I'm a guy that reads tech sites almost every day.

Leave it on and don't worry about it.

It was rare but certain installs of SP2 broke the ability to run i think it was 16-bit programs. I dont remember specifically but the SP2 installation i got given from uni on some random disk broke my emulators. I had to reinstall windows and download SP2 from MS before things would work correctly again. Unusual problem.

 

[RebateMonger]

Originally posted by: AmberClad
There's nothing "scary" about updating Windows, and it's not going to cause any problems unless perhaps you have a pirated version of Windows.

I find updates of any software "scary". The best you can do is follow the appropriate technical forums and watch for issues with certain updates. Windows Updates HAVE caused problems with some PCs. Fortunately, it doesn't happen often.

Stash's "Scary stuff" comment referred to folks who DON'T do Windows updates. There have been occasional scary security weaknesses in Windows (just like with ANY complex software) that need to be patched ASAP.

 

[Rottie]

Windows Updates never give me any troubles.

 

[Rottie]

you have the right to be scary just because you knew you are using pirated Windows XP or Vista

 

[stash]

Originally posted by: Rottie
you have the right to be scary just because you knew you are using pirated Windows XP or Vista

Pirated copies of Windows still get access to all critical updates through Automatic Updates.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: stash

Originally posted by: Rottie
you have the right to be scary just because you knew you are using pirated Windows XP or Vista

Pirated copies of Windows still get access to all critical updates through Automatic Updates.

You know this how??? 😕

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: stash

Originally posted by: Rottie
you have the right to be scary just because you knew you are using pirated Windows XP or Vista

Pirated copies of Windows still get access to all critical updates through Automatic Updates.

You know this how??? 😕

I believe pirate copies are allowed security updates in XP.

 

[stash]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: stash

Originally posted by: Rottie
you have the right to be scary just because you knew you are using pirated Windows XP or Vista

Pirated copies of Windows still get access to all critical updates through Automatic Updates.

You know this how??? 😕

It's common knowledge. Ok, maybe not common, but not a secret either. Microsoft doesn't try to hide this fact.

http://www.microsoft.com/press...enuineadvantagepr.mspx

To help customers who may require more time to move to genuine Windows software, Microsoft is offering security updates through Automatic Updates in Windows, with or without Windows Genuine Advantage validation

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: stash

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: stash

Originally posted by: Rottie
you have the right to be scary just because you knew you are using pirated Windows XP or Vista

Pirated copies of Windows still get access to all critical updates through Automatic Updates.

You know this how??? 😕

It's common knowledge. Ok, maybe not common, but not a secret either. Microsoft doesn't try to hide this fact.

http://www.microsoft.com/press...enuineadvantagepr.mspx

To help customers who may require more time to move to genuine Windows software, Microsoft is offering security updates through Automatic Updates in Windows, with or without Windows Genuine Advantage validation

Am I the only one who finds that 'PC' reference to software pirates funny? 😛

 

[stash]

haha yeah I was laughing at that too 🙂

 

[t0mn8r]

Team,
I support PC's for a living.

I have found only two things which break XP:
1. Too many installed apps
and
2. The official hotfix updates.

There is no reliable way to uninstall these hotfixes. Hotfixes are not tested in the same way service packs are.

They address specific issues and in every hotfix release the same comment is made by Micro$oft which is that if you do not experience the issues outlined in the hotfix don't install it.

Just my experience speaking here. No flames are necessary (unless you wish to light my cig...)

🙂

 

[stash]

There is no reliable way to uninstall these hotfixes. Hotfixes are not tested in the same way service packs are.

They address specific issues and in every hotfix release the same comment is made by Micro$oft which is that if you do not experience the issues outlined in the hotfix don't install it.

This is why most of them are not available on MS.com. You have to request them.