NOT Fechen Impressed

damned Microsoft.

So I set my HP 2-in-1 back to factory settings to resolve a couple of issues and unclutter, speed up my machine with a fresh start. 

No problem, right?  WRONG!!!!!!

After getting started and my desktop up, first thing I wanted to do was set Windows Update to let me choose and download which updates I wanted.  I mean, how hard can that be for MS to understand? 

\Put bluntly, MS didn't give a fech what my preference was/is.  I clicked 'check for updates and I got an upgrade to Win 10 and nothing else.... ZILCH!!!   I took my eyes off the screen for a few moments so I clicked again to see if I'd missed something, if there were any updates for my current OS, Win 8.1.  The same thing came up again. just the Win 10 upgrade and nothing for Win 8.1.... no patches or security updates....Nothing!!!!

I don't want Windows 10, not on this machine, not on any machine, but it seems that MS isn't giving me a choice.  If I can't download security updates and patches for Win 8.1, then I don't feel too safe running it.... meaning Win 10 is the only viable option I've been given if I want security now and in the future.

Well, MS, I'm NOT clicking that update until I have exhausted all other avenues... if I can safely keep using 8.1 I'm going to.

>:(

11,915 views 25 replies
Reply #1 Top

What's the kb# it's wanting to install?

Reply #2 Top

Install and run GWX Control Panel starkers, then reboot, it will kill the Win 10 crap, I use it here on Windows 7 and 8.1, and check every so often to make sure none of the Windows 10 crap gets installed at this site: http://www.ghacks.net/2015/04/17/how-to-remove-windows-10-upgrade-updates-in-windows-7-and-8/ .

 

You can get GWX here:  http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/gwx_control_panel.html 

 

I still get normal Windows Updates on Windows 7 and 8.1 too. Microsoft still tries to install updates I have hidden, so when new updates come out, I check them against that first link I gave you above.

Reply #3 Top

I get them too but in optional updates. I just right click and hide them.

Reply #4 Top

They clearly don't like you, Mark. :grin:

Reply #5 Top

Quoting DaveRI, reply 1

What's the kb# it's wanting to install?
End of DaveRI's quote

It's not a kb, it's the actual Win 10 download.... and all there is to click on is a 'Let's Get Started' button.

Quoting LightStar, reply 2

Install and run GWX Control Panel starkers, then reboot, it will kill the Win 10 crap,
End of LightStar's quote

It's of no help because GWX Control Panel only kills the Win 10 promo stuff and associated updates.... what I've got in my Windows Update is the Win 10 upgrade itself, and that's it, no access to anything else, no optional or other updates.

I'm determined to figure it out, though

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 4

They clearly don't like you, Mark. :grin:
End of DrJBHL's quote

It seems that way.... the bastards.

 

Reply #6 Top

Quoting starkers, reply 5


Quoting DaveRI,

What's the kb# it's wanting to install?



It's not a kb, it's the actual Win 10 download.... and all there is to click on is a 'Let's Get Started' button.


Quoting LightStar,

Install and run GWX Control Panel starkers, then reboot, it will kill the Win 10 crap,



It's of no help because GWX Control Panel only kills the Win 10 promo stuff and associated updates.... what I've got in my Windows Update is the Win 10 upgrade itself, and that's it, no access to anything else, no optional or other updates.

I'm determined to figure it out, though


Quoting DrJBHL,

They clearly don't like you, Mark. :grin:



It seems that way.... the bastards.

 

End of starkers's quote

 

Not with the new version. Here is a quote from the site. "Great tool. This new version not only delets the "hidden" file for 10, but if you select the "monitor" function, it will let you know when sneaky MS includes additional 10 stuff in any of their updates."

The monitor function is located on the bottom. Make sure you click on it. Having pointed this out I will also say that no software is perfect but anything that helps is better than nothing. I use GWX but I also make sure to do my manual checks.

Reply #7 Top

Upgrade to 10, then rollback, voila, done with MS bullshit.

 

Reply #8 Top

Quoting JuniorCrooks, reply 6

Not with the new version. Here is a quote from the site. "Great tool. This new version not only delets the "hidden" file for 10, but if you select the "monitor" function, it will let you know when sneaky MS includes additional 10 stuff in any of their updates."

The monitor function is located on the bottom. Make sure you click on it. Having pointed this out I will also say that no software is perfect but anything that helps is better than nothing. I use GWX but I also make sure to do my manual checks.
End of JuniorCrooks's quote

I installed GWX and there's no change.  From what I understand, GWX negates the tray icon and preparatory updates for Win 10, but not the actual OS download itself.  Well that's the way it's looking here.

Quoting RedneckDude, reply 7

Upgrade to 10, then rollback, voila, done with MS bullshit.
End of RedneckDude's quote

I'm not so sure I want to do that.  I could go to Win 10 and roll back to the same situation, where Windows Updates still only offered the Win 10 downgrade.  Nah, there has to be another way, and if there is I'll find it. 

Reply #9 Top

What kind of OS is in use? (Windows8 upgrade/pro, Windows 8 Pro retail or OEM / Systembuilder version?
 

Reply #10 Top

I've had a thought for what it's worth - 

I'll bet your real problem is that Windows update isn't working.  (They probably throw that "Upgrade to Win10" thing out to anybody that gets within shouting distance.)

I ran into that when I did a fresh install of Win7 about 6 months ago.  I fixed it by manually downloading and installing the much-hated IE11 (which also involved installing the notorious kb2670838 update.)  I can't really recommend you do exactly that, but if you start thinking in terms of a broken Windows Update service it might get you going in the right direction.  There's a boatload of posts/suggestions in the Microsoft forums for it if you have the inclination. If you had a newer version of IE installed before (newer than what's on there now) and you can get that installed it might be a place to start.

And I agree - If you go to Win10 and rollback, you'll probably roll back to where you are right now.

May the bits be with you.

Reply #11 Top

[quote who="starkers" reply="8" id="3623710"]

Quoting JuniorCrooks,

Not with the new version. Here is a quote from the site. "Great tool. This new version not only delets the "hidden" file for 10, but if you select the "monitor" function, it will let you know when sneaky MS includes additional 10 stuff in any of their updates."

The monitor function is located on the bottom. Make sure you click on it. Having pointed this out I will also say that no software is perfect but anything that helps is better than nothing. I use GWX but I also make sure to do my manual checks.



I installed GWX and there's no change.  From what I understand, GWX negates the tray icon and preparatory updates for Win 10, but not the actual OS download itself.  Well that's the way it's looking here.


Maybe this will help. http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2015/08/using-gwx-stopper-to-permanently-remove.html

 

Reply #12 Top

Very impressed with the new version of GWX, thanks for the link JC!  :thumbsup:

Reply #13 Top

I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member. - Groucho Marx.

Windows 10 - the Starkers-free OS.

Reply #15 Top

Quoting benmanns, reply 9

What kind of OS is in use? (Windows8 upgrade/pro, Windows 8 Pro retail or OEM / Systembuilder version?
 
End of benmanns's quote

It's Win 8.1 Pro OEM.... came pre-installed with the machine

Quoting JuniorCrooks, reply 11

Maybe this will help. http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2015/08/using-gwx-stopper-to-permanently-remove.html
End of JuniorCrooks's quote

 I had to uninstall it to fiddle with a few things, but it'll be going back on a soon as I've sorted out this update business.  After messing around for a couple of hours I was able to activate 'Show More Updates', which was previously greyed out.  I can now select the security patches/updates for 8.1.  However, I'm not sure what will happen when I click download, whether or not the Win 10 downgrade will somehow include itself with those I select.  Haven't started as yet, but I'll find out soon enough if it does... and what I can do to stop it.

Reply #16 Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 13

Windows 10 - the Starkers-free OS.
End of Jafo's quote

Hehe, very funny.  :grin:   starkers... the Windows 10-free Old Sod

Reply #17 Top

This how I do it. Top left of the list, uncheck the box. This will deselect all the updates. Instead of clicking in the update box, click on the update itself. Then to the right click on 'more information'. But......you probably know that already.

Reply #18 Top

Yeah, clicking on the Win 10 update [left or right] gives me the 'Let's Get Started' for Win 10 option, so no, I need the regular Windows Update option that gives me the standard updates for prior OSes.  I've not attempted to install those as I have been out visiting friends, but I am about to give it a try when I've sorted out my download folder. 

Not to worry, though, I will sort this problem through.

Reply #19 Top

Well I've managed to sort this update issue to get the downloads I want/need for Win 8.1 without having to download/install Win 10... goody, goody gumdrops.

Hehe!!!  After all that effort and absolute rejection, my resolve has weakened some and might just give Win 10 a go.... NOT!!   }:)

Nah, not on my watch.  It'd have to sneak in under the radar and set itself up exactly as I want/like things... and that ain't gonna happen, is it!

Reply #20 Top

Quoting starkers, reply 19

Well I've managed to sort this update issue
End of starkers's quote

You're such a tease...  ;)  ...Ok what was it?

Reply #21 Top

I still have no idea what caused the issue, and I'm not exactly sure how I fixed it, but in desperation I did a PC refresh in 'Recovery' when nothing else seemed to work.  After the refresh the greyed out option for 'Show More Updates' became accessible and I've been able to download the necessary updates without issue.

:)

Reply #22 Top

getting a new rig next week, what means #ll have to install windows8 again first to get to 8.1
A workaround would be downloading windows media creation tool and downloading 8.1x64.
I did the step above and im curious if my Systembuilder key will still work or if those charms at MS consumed the key with the windows10 update.
Already called tech support and was told that i should simply call and they would then activate it if the key would be rejected.
Still i think they should send me a new key, simply because i want a working one and not phone activation.
If Win8.1 will then upgrade to 10 again, i probably will  loose my cool. I need that system to work since i have no license to work on windows10 with different Hardware components...
I think this update cycle has to do with the fact that MS wants those Systembuilder versions to vanish.
As far as i can recall i paid 30 Euros for mine on release the greatest deal i made in years which is now becoming a pain with the windows10 upgrade thingy.

Reply #23 Top

Quoting starkers, reply 21

I still have no idea what caused the issue, and I'm not exactly sure how I fixed it, but in desperation I did a PC refresh in 'Recovery' when nothing else seemed to work.  After the refresh the greyed out option for 'Show More Updates' became accessible and I've been able to download the necessary updates without issue.
End of starkers's quote

Norton 2002 disabled your BITS.

 

Always remember....the IT Crowd.....

 

"Have you tried turning it off and turning it on again?"

Reply #24 Top

Quoting benmanns, reply 22

Already called tech support and was told that i should simply call and they would then activate it if the key would be rejected.
Still i think they should send me a new key, simply because i want a working one and not phone activation.
End of benmanns's quote

If you do have to phone activate it won't make a lot of difference to your system, really.  I've had to do it a few times now, and once activated by MS I've been able to run the OS without issue from MS.  In once case, I had Win 7 running for 2 1/2 years on a phone activation, until I upgraded to Win 8 Pro on a full install, that is.

Quoting Jafo, reply 23

Norton 2002 disabled your BITS.
End of Jafo's quote

If Norton dares to put a hand on or even near my bits there'll be trouble.  :-"

Quoting Jafo, reply 23

Always remember....the IT Crowd.....



"Have you tried turning it off and turning it on again?"
End of Jafo's quote

Yeah, what a great show.... the Brits sure know how to make 'em.  Mind you, there's been a bit of rubbish coming out of the UK over recent years... The Fast Show being one dud I can think of.

Anyway, it wasn't quite turning it off then on again.... but there was a restart after the refresh... which wasn't really a plan to begin with, given that 'Refresh' is more to do with undoing user changes/eff-ups, etc. Thing is, it worked, and that's all I cared about.

Reply #25 Top

As long as its working for you again, that's what matters.