Microsoft Updates problems and questions.

Comodo Internet Security - CIS AntiVirus Help - CIS
#1

Windows XP Pro SP3, IE6, Comodo Internet Security Premium.

Sorry but I have no idea where to put this thread!? Tried to find my way to Microsoft Updates to get the latest Security Updates. I’ve read on forums that one or the other of the two isn’t desireable, either Windows Updates or Microsoft Updates, now I can’t remember which?

I got to this MS website:

http://www.update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

where I was forced to install Microsoft Component Publisher if I wanted to see or install any other Security Updates! Never had that problem before and never required before. Tried to get info on what it is but MS owns Yahoo Search so it was futile.

Once Component Publisher installed the Updater worked, very slowly. Then at the top of the list it gave a Critical Update! ‘Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update (KB951847) x86’. According to MS website I MUST install this first before I can select any other security updates. I know .NET is a large part of Windows XP-Pro but can’t find out why I have to install this huge service pack [5-7 hours on dialup!] before I can install any other security updates? Just like the Component Publisher, I never had this problem or MS ultimatum before.

On CNET from Microsoft: The primary focus of Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is improved security. In addition, the service pack includes roll-ups of all reported customer issues found after the release of the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1. Of particular note, SP1 provides better support for consuming WSDL documents, Data Execution prevention and protection from security issues such as buffer overruns. SP1 also provides support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 to provide a safer, more reliable experience for customers using Windows XP.

I’ve had serious problems from some MS Updates in the past and don’t want to go there again. Is this just MORE Microsoft/Windows bloatware? Or a new twist on MS spyware? Or is it legitimately required for general internet browsing and Outlook Express email security?

THANKS!

#2

Use the built in update function?

#3

From time to time the Windows Update gets updated. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Once Component Publisher installed the Updater worked, very slowly. Then at the top of the list it gave a Critical Update! 'Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update (KB951847) x86'. According to MS website I MUST install this first before I can select any other security updates. I know .NET is a large part of Windows XP-Pro but can't find out why I have to install this huge service pack [5-7 hours on dialup!] before I can install any other security updates? Just like the Component Publisher, I never had this problem or MS ultimatum before.

On CNET from Microsoft: The primary focus of Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is improved security. In addition, the service pack includes roll-ups of all reported customer issues found after the release of the Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1. Of particular note, SP1 provides better support for consuming WSDL documents, Data Execution prevention and protection from security issues such as buffer overruns. SP1 also provides support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 to provide a safer, more reliable experience for customers using Windows XP.

I’ve had serious problems from some MS Updates in the past and don’t want to go there again. Is this just MORE Microsoft/Windows bloatware? Or a new twist on MS spyware? Or is it legitimately required for general internet browsing and Outlook Express email security?

THANKS!

Dot Net framework is not needed for Windows to function. A small minority of programs may want to use it. Usually you should be able to choose not to install the Dot Net frameworks and be able to install regular updates.

Can you post a screenshot of the situation with Windows Update?

The difference between Microsoft and Windows Updates is that Microsoft update also provides updates for Microsoft programs you have installed (think Office, Visual Studio, Silverlight etc…).

#4

Thanks for the information! I suspected the .NET framwork wasn’t a real need, at least for my uses. I also question whether any Microsoft or Windows Security Updates are even needed with a good security engine like Comodo. It’s an old operating system and I had all the updates up to about 6 months ago.

I’ll try to get a screenshot. Haven’t had much luck with that on Microsoft sites before because of programming preventing people from copying anything. I’ll give it a try.

Oh, and regarding built-in update function. I tried to use that a long time back and it always wanted to install everything MS had instead of allowing one to select what they want to install. Don’t know if that has changed.

Thanks for the help!

#5

Here’s what the update page displays. I need to check if I already have a bunch of these installed. Hard to believe all these 69Mb are Updates in the last few months!

Select High-Priority Updates
To help protect your computer against security threats and performance problems, we strongly recommend you install all high-priority updates.

Review and install updates
Total: 1 updates , 69.2 MB , 2 hours 52 minutes

Important

You’ve hidden important updates
You’ve asked us not to show you one or more high-priority updates but your computer might be at risk until they are installed. Restore them now

These updates must be installed separately
Updates listed here can have system-wide effects or address more than one problem. It’s a good idea to install them now and then check again, starting from the Home page, for remaining updates.

Microsoft Windows XP

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for .NET versions 2.0 through 3.5 (KB951847) x86

Select and install other updates
You can select other updates only after you install, or choose not to install, any updates selected above. If no updates appear below, see the options to the left.

Microsoft Windows XP

Update for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 (KB2728973)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2718523)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2691442)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2655992)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2719985)
Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool - July 2012 (KB890830)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2698365)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2707511)
Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB2699988)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2685939)
Update for Windows XP (KB2718704)
Update Rollup for ActiveX Killbits for Windows XP (KB2695962)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2676562)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2659262)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2686509)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2653956)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2661637)
Internet Explorer 8 for Windows XP
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2584146)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2631813)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2585542)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2603381)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2598479)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2646524)
Update for Windows XP (KB2633952)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2624667)
Cumulative Security Update for ActiveX Killbits for Windows XP (KB2618451)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2619339)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2620712)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2544893)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2592799)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2564958)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2570947)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2566454)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2536276)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2507938)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2535512)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2476490)
Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 for Windows XP (KB2544521)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2485663)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2508429)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2506212)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2507618)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2510581)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2509553)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2479943)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2481109)
Update for Windows XP (KB971029)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478971)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2483185)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2478960)
Security Update for Windows XP (KB2393802)

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2419632)
Typical download size: 479 KB , 2 minutes
A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2423089)

Download size: 503 KB , 1 minute
A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2443105)

Typical download size: 244 KB , 1 minute
A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2440591)

Download size: 503 KB , 1 minute
A security issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated local attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2378111)

Download size: 9.4 MB , 23 minutes
A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2387149)

Download size: 1.4 MB , 3 minutes
A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Security Update for Windows XP (KB982132)

Typical download size: 244 KB , 1 minute
A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2360937)

Download size: 774 KB , 2 minutes
A security issue has been identified that could allow an authenticated local attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Security Update for Windows XP (KB979687)

Typical download size: 426 KB , 2 minutes
A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Security Update for Windows XP (KB2296011)

Download size: 1 MB , 3 minutes
A security issue has been identified that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to compromise your system and gain control over it. You can help protect your system by installing this update from Microsoft. After you install this update, you may have to restart your system.
Don’t show this update again

Update for Windows XP (KB2345886)

Typical download size: 340 KB , 2 minutes
Install this update to help strengthen authentication credentials in specific scenarios. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
Don’t show this update again

Update for Windows XP (KB970430)

Typical download size: 330 KB , 2 minutes
Install this update to help strengthen authentication credentials in specific scenarios. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.
Don’t show this update again

#6

Hi again, guys!

Something very strange is going on here! I remembered that there’s a long list of MS Security patches in Add/Remove Programs, of the dozens of Updates already installed. Wanted to cross reference numbers and see if all these new ones listed by Microsoft were really necessary, or if many had already been installed?

Opened up Add/Remove Programs. Every single one of the former patches I downloaded is missing! Not one MS Security patch Update is listed, all gone. I never did anything in the way of uninstalling those, so this is a very weird situation!

#7

Thank you for the provided information. This is the what I was looking for

Select and install other updates
Please choose this option. That’s what I was looking for (it is what I remember from working with XP).

I am not quite sure to what defines this discrepancy. But I would suggest to install the other updates and not he DotNet updates and check again.

The DotNet updates have a lower priority. On my system only the ATI Catalyst Control Center and Paint.net need DotNet framework.

How to post a screenshot?

To copy a screenshot of the active window push alt+print screen to copy the active window to the clipboard (pushing print screen will copy the complete window to the clipboard not just the active window). The window is now copied to the clipboard. Paste the image in any image editing program, Paint, Paint.net, the Gimp etc. Use the “crop” function to resize the canvas to size of the image. Now save the file as 32 bits png image.

At the forum push the reply button. Or when using the Quick reply type some text and push the preview button.

Underneath the text box click on Additional options. Push the Choose button and navigate to the file and select it. When you want to post more images click on the more attachments link.

When done typing push the Post or Preview button.

#8

Thanks, Eric!

First on the Screenshot: in Windows XP-Pro I click on ‘Edit’, then ‘Select All’ from dropdown which highlights most or all of a page, then cick ‘Edit’ again and click ‘Copy’ from dropdown there. Now image may be Exported. Then go to other program like M/S Word or Wordpad or a Forum post and click ‘Paste’. Sometimes the layout is screwball but it usually works fair if not good. Most often the layout goes bonkers in M/S Wordpad because that program lacks full features.

So, regarding the Windows Update it’s all in the ‘fine print’ of their offer!

"Important:
You’ve hidden important updates. You’ve asked us not to show you one or more high-priority updates but your computer might be at risk until they are installed. Restore them now.

These updates must be installed separately.
Updates listed here can have system-wide effects or address more than one problem. It’s a good idea to install them now and then check again, starting from the Home page, for remaining updates.
Microsoft Windows XP

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 and .NET Framework 3.5 Family Update for .NET versions 2.0 through 3.5 (KB951847) x86

Select and install other updates:
You can select other updates only after you install, or choose not to install, any updates selected above. If no updates appear below, see the options to the left."

Unfortunately they have the download engine set up so that you cannot do as they say and choose to not install “…any updates selected above…” like the .NET 3.5 programming. Their software programing prevents me from only selecting other desired updates like it used to, and like it says I can. No access is possible to the other updates unless I first choose to download the .NET 3.5 Service Pack 1. Tried to only install the actual Security Updates and it won’t let me have access. I’ve seen this mentioned elsewhere on the web too.

Also, because I now find all the former Security Updates missing from my installed programs it explains why the Microsoft Publisher Component was suddenly required to even view available updates! That component had already been installed, but whatever it was that deleted all my formerly downloaded and installed M/S Security Update KB files also ripped that out too!

Really can’t imagine what would have gotten in to remove all those Programs of Security Updates plus component publisher???

Just now looked in Add/Remove Programs again and to my horror I find all XP-Pro Service Pack 1, 2 and 3 missing too! Will look elsewhere but they’re no longer posted under ‘Add/Remove Programs’. This just became some very serious stuff, man!? Crazy…

Thank God I have a powerful Firewall and full AV Program plus much, much more from the Comodo CIS that’s installed! I can at least assume I’m protected and hopefully well enough to prevent disaster. THANKS AGAIN, COMODO!

#9

The Service Packs may not show up in Add/Remove programs because in default settings it will not show Windows updates.

If the web site is giving you a hard time try to use the automatic updater with it set to notify and let you decide. Then see if you can work around it.

#10

Thanks for the info, Eric!

I was just in my Win XP Control Panel and finally noticed the area for Automatic Updates. I’ll access that and do as you suggest, thanks!

I got hurt pretty bad some years back, still have problems with memory and figuring out certain things. I quickly get confused on this stuff.

Something is very wrong here that all M/S KB Security Patch files are suddenly missing! I’ve used REVO uninstaller to remove some Security Programs etc. but certainly never removed those from my Registry. Simply can’t imagine how they were removed.

I remember there was some area that was very easy to access that showed all programs including XP Service Pack 3, plus all the Security Patches. I’m thinking it was in Add/Remove Programs because there’s only a few areas I poke around in on computer. Wherever that was it listed the XP Service Pack 3 and all KB Security Patch files in numerical order just below that.

I checked System info and at least found that Service Pack 3 is still on the machine. Don’t know where to look to find out if other M/S Security Pach files are still on machine somewhere. I’ll try a Search for anything KB. Thanks!

EDIT for: BIG THANKS AGAIN, ERIC! Set the Automatic Updates to notify and not install. Immediately received all those updates. Given the option to select any I wanted or didn’t want, including NOT selecting that gigantic .NET Framework 3.5! Even so the other updates are somehwere around 37Mb’s!

Also thanks to others here that tried to tell me this about Automatic Updates, I didn’t quite get it the first couple of times…

#11

Hi all!

More info on Microsoft/Windows Security Update patches. Left the poor old girl running all night, downloading all Security Updates found by Automatic Updates. Logged off and on a couple of times this morning and Automatic Update keeps displaying message, ‘Updates are available’ including all 62 of the ones I downloaded last night!

Searched MS Support info and found the Microsoft ‘Fix-It’ Program for repairing Automatic Update problems. Downloaded, installed and ran program. This fixes errors in Automatic Updater. Except when it doesn’t fix error in Automatic Updater!

In order to check what Security Update patches have already been installed in Windows XP or XP-Pro one needs to go to ‘Add/Remove Programs’ in Control Panel. In upper righthand corner click the box ‘Show Updates’. This displays all Security Patches and Updates already installed, otherwise they’re all hidden!

On mine it shows 82 Updates were already installed. Regardless, Automatic Update continues to prompt that 65 Updates/Patches needed, ready to download and install. So much for Fix It program! Tried to uncheck all boxes, then close, then click on box ‘Don’t notify me of these updates again’. 1 minute after closing I got another popup with same updates. Did the same thing again and then it showed a different stack of 10 new patches not shown the first time. I’ll be working on this all day I guess, maybe much longer…?

Thanks again for the help!

#12

Very interesting events! Spent the last couple of days sorting out the Security Updates and downloading/installing. This morning I reviewed the ones I had chosen.

The Add/Remove programs list shows 87 Updates of various types installed. Out of those Updates just installed in last few days, 8 of them show installation on 8/13/2012, that makes sense.

However all the rest of the Updates, 79 of them, show an installation date of 9/24/2010!

As I mentioned, I thought they’d been removed somehow, and they were. Strange that the reinstallation shows the original install date 2 years ago, proof that they had been removed in some unknown way.