Microsoft updates

jpest1 · 23-08-2005, 19:27

Does anyone know what is going on with Automatic Updates. Yesterday I was informed that I had to download a new program to receive critical updates from Microsoft. Having done this and downloaded and installed the latest updates, what happens?
Tonight at 7.30pm (whilst viewing Accyweb) I get an automatic download from windows with of all things.
2x Office updates
1x Security update for Word
1X French spelling checker ?
1x French grammer checker ?
1x Outlook junk e-mail filter ?
It might sound O.K. to some but 1. I dont speak french. 2. I dont use Outlook. 3. My settings for updates is Daily at 3am?

I am

entwisi · 27-08-2005, 17:19

Who 'informed' you that you needed this program to install updates? I am not aware of any add on needed to keep windows up to date. Perosanlly I reckon this could be a Trojan. i.e. a program that allows other access or can send your details 'home' to its creator. I would HIGHLY recommend not using any online banking/credit cards stuff unitil you ar eabsolkutely sure you have not been infected.

Kilin_Joke · 27-09-2005, 01:18

I'd turn automatic updates off and just update say once a week .. download what microsoft say are " critical"

entwisi · 27-09-2005, 07:01

Heh, or as Nat West say, there is another way

vorlon24 · 27-09-2005, 15:26

ok you Linux user, you!

pointdee · 09-10-2005, 19:47

This sounds like one of two things.

Either:-

Windows Genuine Advantage validation which is a scheme to prevent illegal copies of XP from being able to download anything from Microsoft other than critical updates except through the Automatic Updates feature.

Or:-

Windows Installer 3.1 which is basically the latest version of the Automatic Updates feature and (according to Microsoft) allows for smaller downloads and faster installs.