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Can I Disable MS Automatic Updates?
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richard37066
73 Posts
(Offline)
1
November 14, 2008 - 11:21 am

Wouldn't ya know it. I no sooner join Dave's Computer Tips and I'm forced to seek help with a problem which I can no longer tolerate.

To wit: I was composing a lengthy and detailed email when Microsoft decided that it was time to download their automatic updates. Lost the email and had to reconstruct it from the beginning. It's happened before - several times - but "no harm, no foul". This time it really got my Italian dander up and I must do something about it.

I'm suspecting that the cure is to simply uncheck something, somewhere and then manually request the updates as time permits. If my assumption is close to being true then it's the "something", "somewhere" and download procedure of which I'm not aware. I could have overlooked it but didn't see it in my limited Vista manuals.

I'd be most appreciative of your guidance to the resolution of this dilemma.

Respectfully,

Richard

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Nightowl78
78 Posts
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2
November 14, 2008 - 12:23 pm

HI Richard:

One solution would be to change the settings in Windows Updates to "Download updates but let me choose to install them". To do that in Vista go to Control Panel>Windows Updates>on the left hand side you will see "Change Settings" double click on that and the window that opens will give you several choices. The second one down would be the one you want, which will notify you of the updates but you can choose when to install them.

If you are using Windows XP click on the Start button on the right side right click on "My Computer" at the bottom of that window click on "Properties" in the window that opens will be several taps of which on will be "Automatic Updates" click on that an the windows that opens will have "download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them" that will allow you to be notified of the updates and you can install them when you want to.

Hope this isn't to confusing and is the information you are looking for.

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Chad Johnson
867 Posts
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3
November 15, 2008 - 8:21 pm

Nightowl is spot on. The screen he points you to would let you turn them off completely, but I don't recommend doing that.

For one you'd have to deal with Windows nagging you all the time that Win Updates are off. Even if you know, and are willing to acknowledge it, it will nag you. Forever. Until you turn them on to turn off the notification (seriously, it's that bad).

And second, this would be the best way to get the updates when you're ready to install them.

No mess, no fuss.

Enjoy.

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richard37066
73 Posts
(Offline)
4
November 16, 2008 - 9:42 am

Nightowl and Ziggie -

Many thanks for the prompt replies. 'Preciate it.

Respectfully,

Richard

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