Microsoft Update. Worth it?

[Lashiec]

With the recent truckload of patches for every software package produced by Microsoft, and the impossibility of tracking patches for the Office viewers, I was wondering if Microsoft Update has been fixed during the past couple of years, and as such, it can be used without fear of seeing the old issues creeping up. I recall we discussed these same issues in the forum, but I can't find the right thread.

[mouser]

i use it.

[Josh]

What issues are you referring to? What do you mean fixed? I have been using it for several years without any issues. It has worked every time and I seem to get every patch I need.

[J-Mac]

Well, let's see...

Maybe the notorious Windows Genuine Advantage fiasco, for which Microsoft subsequently offered confusing and conflicting MSKB articles on how to disable the "call home" part of it?

And then last summer there were the ominous "stealth updates", which rendered peoples' computers unable to do an XP Repair installation.

Those two come to mind the quickest.

Jim

[f0dder]

I've used Windows Update since day one, and have never had a problem with it myself.

At the museum, a couple of computers got flagged as "OMG! PIRATE COPY!" (even though they weren't) by WGA, but that's really a problem with WGA and not WU as I see it.

[Lashiec]

AHA! Found the post I was talking about. Good thing I remember who was involved in the discussion, and the existence of ZillaSearch :)

Have in mind that Microsoft Update and Windows Update are two different things, although they probably share many traits. Never had a problem with Windows Update in any case, apart from being offered the odd update that is already installed, or software that is not installed at the computer (like Windows Search 4.0). If CPU usage jumps to 100% with Microsoft Update, I can always revert to Windows Update, I guess.

[cmpm]

after reverting to windows update
open your microsoft product
help-update will take you to the update page
click the check for microsoft updates button
and that will get your microsoft update back if you want it

i've had the same problem
when microsoft update just scans endlessly
i switched to windows update
ran it
and then switched back and it worked