MS has acknowledged that it's been installing updates to XP and Vista without the consent of users, even when users specify Let me choose when to install them or Notify me but don't automatically download or install. Undoubtably, the outrage of informed PC users had a lot to do with their response. Until MS changes this situation, you can prevent their stealthy updates. The link below explains how. IronMan FULL STORY

"It's important to note that there is no reason to remove or roll back the updated support files that Windows Update may have installed on a PC. There's no evidence that these files are harmful or cause any software conflicts." Expressed concerns are understandable although unverifiable, but definitely far from the outrage & panic by the angry mob on this issue.

It's underhanded and many companies like to test update before they are installed on critical systems as Microsoft has a reputation for issuing patches for their patches. More than once a patch has caused more problems than it's fixed. All I ask is don't usurp my ability to test a patch before distributing it throughout my networks. I think that God in creating Man somewhat overestimated his ability. - Oscar Wilde

seawatch1, your points are well taken: the unreliability of Microsoft patches, and the infringement of the user's prerogative to decide what to install. I agree with Sabertooth that panic to these stealthy updates is not warranted. The outrage, however, is entirely justified.

I agree with everything that has been said so far. In their defence Microsoft said: "The point of this explanation is not to suggest that we were as transparent as we could have been; to the contrary, people have told us that we should have been clearer on how Windows Update behaves when it updates itself. This is helpful and important feedback, and we are now looking at the best way to clarify WU’s behavior to customers so that they can more clearly understand how WU works." They seem to be saying that they did not think of this issue until they had feedback? Wake up Microsoft, who are you kidding? This is bread and butter business for you and you should have known better. WU could still have displayed an explanatory message at the time the updates were being applied and stating that these were non optional updates. At least then it would all have been above board (not underhanded) and people would have had an opportunity to comment or look into it further and satisfy themselves that all was ok and above board. The other thing they say is: "Of course, for enterprise customers who use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) or Systems Management Server (SMS), all updating (including the WU client) is controlled by the network administrator, who has authority over the download and install experience." By this they are saying we do not care about small businesses and their security needs. Small businesses tend not to have IT departments and rely on WU. However that does not mean their PCs are not mission critical. Microsoft are again making a lot of assumtions. Sadly Microsoft has become so big it thinks that does not need to care about the small people. So long as they keep the corporates happy they think that that is fine. ___________________________________________ ☺ When everything else fails, read the instructions.