Stop Microsoft Auto Updates NOW!!

When I see threads like these, I am thankful that Windows is NOT my primary operating system. Just read my signature line.

I've built desktop PCs using MSI motherboards(MB). Don't recall having any significant issues with them. I'd consider them mid-level quality, but can vary depending on individual models. Overall, problem MBs tend to fail early on in their life. Otherwise, most have lasted 10+ years from my experience, and retired only because they were so hopelessly outdated.

Personally, I would lean toward Gigabyte. But I don't believe they make notebooks?

Simplygib wrote:
Sometimes it seems some technicians' first explanation of a problem is "it's not us, it's them." Seen that happen a lot. It's not our Dell machine, it's big bad Microsoft and their auto updates.

Sometimes MS updates affect machines with specific hardware. So maybe your problem was restricted to Dell machines similar to yours with a particular graphics board for example. Driver update occurs and suddenly the OS crashes on reboot when that driver tries to load. That's a wild guess. These kinds of issues are extremely difficult to track down, and some technicians I've known (I've known a lot of them and was one myself prior to retiring) spout off with the first thing that comes to their mind as though it's gospel truth, when in reality they're just guessing and are often wrong. It seems many of them are quick to blame anyone but their own company. Sometimes their hardware simply failed. Sometimes an MS update conflicts with other software on the computer. Sometimes it has nothing to do with the update and a lot to do with a virus that coincidentally infected the machine around the same time as an update happened. Or a thousand other possible reasons.

Anyway, I have an MSI GE70 laptop with Win 8.1, fully up to date, no issues.

I actually never heard of MSI until one of the Dell techs said that was the brand he personally uses. I call them Dell techs but they were actually employed by Unisys, contracted by Dell.

Sometimes it seems some technicians' first explanation of a problem is "it's not us, it's them." Seen that happen a lot. It's not our Dell machine, it's big bad Microsoft and their auto updates.

Sometimes MS updates affect machines with specific hardware. So maybe your problem was restricted to Dell machines similar to yours with a particular graphics board for example. Driver update occurs and suddenly the OS crashes on reboot when that driver tries to load. That's a wild guess. These kinds of issues are extremely difficult to track down, and some technicians I've known (I've known a lot of them and was one myself prior to retiring) spout off with the first thing that comes to their mind as though it's gospel truth, when in reality they're just guessing and are often wrong. It seems many of them are quick to blame anyone but their own company. Sometimes their hardware simply failed. Sometimes an MS update conflicts with other software on the computer. Sometimes it has nothing to do with the update and a lot to do with a virus that coincidentally infected the machine around the same time as an update happened. Or a thousand other possible reasons.

Anyway, I have an MSI GE70 laptop with Win 8.1, fully up to date, no issues.

As far as I know the only way to tell if the restore point works is to restore.

I create a restore point before any program install and it's done automatically when windows updates.

I create a restore point before I make any changes to the system and sometimes create a drive image before making them. I always want a path back.

I restored my system from a bad FireFox install last night and it worked fine. In fact I have never had a restore point fail although I have read that it is possible.

What do you mean by "Working as desired"?

I have Windows 7. How do I check to make sure a restore point is working as desired?
Don

Well it took 4 days and 3 trips from Dell's (not so) Pro Support to get me back up and running. On day one I would have sworn the problem was related to a bad Windows update but they (Dell) screwed around so much and ended up replacing both hard drives and the operating system so who knows.

The only positive note about the whole experience is that I am so thankful that I spent the money on dual automatic backups, one on an external hard drive and the second is cloud based. I also have it set up to store any important files in Skydrive as a third option.

I use to swear by Dell's business systems and support. Not so much any longer.

OP here, Day 4 and I'm still not up and running. Epic Dell Pro Support failure. Will report back when it is repaired and I'm of a calmer state of mind.

I got the blue kiss of death after upgrading last month. Pushed f8 and restarted on last good start and got it back up but I lost all my restore points. And it was the updates that did it. Windows 7.

MNtundraRet, I believe you are correct. I have never had issues with auto updates on my laptop but it is turned off and rebooted frequently, often multiple times a day. My work desktop is a beast and I always have multiple large programs open and the system is rarely shutdown.

When the tech left yesterday he gave me a list of commands to try over the weekend since it basically doesn't move and can take hours between commands. Since I was working very late last night and back in the office today I did finally get to the restore point but it was unsuccessful. I guess when they come in Monday with the new SS drive and software, we'll see how it goes.

I do know that when it is up and running again the auto update will be shut off and a daily reboot will be the new norm.