Windows7/8 - Updates to hide to prevent Windows 10 Upgrade / Disable Telemetry

Cripple a working OS and Micro$h4ft hope people give up and jump on Win 10

Microsoft and KB2952664 and KB2976978, a never-ending story-Ghacks.net
by Martin Brinkmann on July 23, 2018 in Windows - Last Update: July 23, 2018

Microsoft released new versions of KB2952664 and KB2976978 for Windows 7 and 8.1 on July 11, 2018, something that the company does several times a year. We reviewed previous updates released in February 2017 and October 2016.

MS PowerUser reports that Microsoft changed the level of both patches to critical. The updates were optional or rated as important in the past, and Windows users and administrators could not get rid of these updates permanently.

While it is possible to hide the updates, any re-release by Microsoft would bring them up again in Windows Update and other update management systems.

Microsoft notes that Telemetry is only collected if users participate in the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program; that would mean, on the other hand, that the updates are useless if users did not opt-in to the program.

Born notes that the Telemetry updates did cause issues such as boot issues, error codes during installation, or freezes. He recommends that users hide the updates and don't install them and that is in my opinion the best option as well. MUST HAVE, YEEES!

Closing Words
I don't think that Microsoft will get it right any time soon. Pushing Telemetry updates as critical updates will certainly install them on more user systems, but whether that is a good idea or note is up for debate.

 

Until people understand they have control of the OS, and take it by force, things will never be right. Leaving the Redmond Retards in charge of updates is like leaving wolves to guard the chicken coop.

Disable Windows Update Service. If you feel you need all of the so-called "safe" Windows 7 updates (those without Micro$lop Nazi cancer) use Simplix... and, only Simplix.

People can disable Windows Update Service on Windows 10 as well. Folks need to decide if having their UWP filth apps updated is more important than a stable system. Yes, some of them will stop working, but who gives a rat's ass about UWP app crap? People that care about that are part of the problem that is ruining everything for the rest of us.

 

I'll give some follow-up on this one. So I didn't get much feedback here, so went ahead and Googled the various 4.5.2 Net Framework updates that have been released (i.e., Net Framework 4.5.2 updates released after page #1 from this thread was created).

*Lesson: if it's not broken, don't fix it. Many users noted certain Net Framework updates DID have Telemetry... who knows. I went with a later Net Framework update that was cited as legit & came from a seemingly knowledgeable forum, savvy users, e.t.

After install, I noticed some of my older programs weren't working as they had. For example, I'll sometimes edit photos with Microsoft Office Picture Manager (2007)... didn't work like it should (now I have to run in compatibility mode). I run Acrobat 9.5 (convert .pdf's to .jpg's)... also didn't work as it had... now running in compatibility mode.

So don't be in any hurry to change from the last Net Framework 4.5.2 Phoenix notes Page #1. I should have known better, and curse myself for falling prey to MacroShaft scare tactics. Rrr. Lesson learned. Hope this may help someone else. Thanks!

 

On the F'ng money. 100% agree. Lol, the irony! (My post above about my recent endeavor into 4.5.2 Net Framework updates hammered this humbling lesson home just a cpl days ago -never again).

 

Not sure what pisses me off more, trying to wrestle with Windows 10 to make it useful or the amount of effort these morons put into making just about anything automated in it.
The fact that I cannot even select which update or drive update I want in Windows 10 infuriates me, its a ****ing horse veneer of an operating system.

 

How to get a free Win10 upgrade — newly updated by Ed Bott
Posted on July 28th, 2018 at 07:53 woody Comment on the AskWoody Lounge
I get questions about this several times a week, even now.

Ed’s updated his original article — and it’s still the most comprehensive, definitive guide I know.

The big question now is whether Microsoft will ever turn off the code on its activation servers that dispenses digital licenses after an upgrade from an earlier Windows version. I’ve continued to test that scenario throughout 2018, and I can confirm as of late July 2018 that it still works.

So the short answer is, yes, you can still upgrade your Win7 or 8.1 machine to Win10, and the license validation will go through, no problem, no “Assistive technology” required.

 

If You update to Windows 10 now can you still go back to Windows 8.1 if some drivers for my Zenbook are still unavailable in Windows 10? I think it was my trackpad and hdmi and vga out jacks that had no available drivers. Maybe the illuminated keyboard. too. Asus still lists them as unavailable but windows lists my model as upgradable.

 

Not sure if you are mixing the questions together, or if you are only asking about Windows 8.1...

If you install Windows 8.1, Windows update should find all the latest drivers, if not you can search for them on MSI's website for your model - and any other contemporary models shipped with similar hardware - even desktop motherboards that incorporate your hardware.

For Windows 10, same is true, but if there are no Windows 10 specific driver, you can try installing the last / latest Windows 8.1 driver, there is usually support for legacy drivers from the immediately previous Windows version.

 

Thanks for the head's up man, so watch out everyone - stay vigilant, there is still an active danger out there of upgrading to Windows 10, so be careful, and Just Say No!! to Windows 10 Upgrades!!

 

Let me explain mire clearly. I DID update my 8.1 Asus to Windows 10 when Windows 10 was first available. Many things didn't work properly and Asus told me tough toenails we don't support W10 so I rolled back. My computer works fine in 8.1

Now it has been 2 years. Asus still offers no support but maybe Windows 10 now has drivers for auto update? I would try windows 10 again but if again my trackpad, keyboard lights and other things dont work in 10 is the option to roll back to 8.1 still available? I heard it was not.

 

You don't lose the right to run Windows 8.1 on the same laptop if you try Windows 10 on it. You can't migrate the licence's to a different computer, but that same computer is able to run either the original Windows version or Windows 10.

To make the process easy you can create an image backup of your Windows 8.1 boot drive (all partitions), so you can do a from scratch install of Windows 10 - keep a USB drive with the Windows 10 specific drivers you can find and download, and then use them after the Windows 10 from scratch install.

You could also pull that Windows 8.1 boot drive after doing the image backup so you can preserve it for quick switch back if Windows 10 doesn't go well.

Microsoft has generic drivers that it uses when vendor specific drivers aren't in it's database, so you may be able to get by that way - without Windows 10 specific drivers.

Look up the vendor for each device you are concened about and go to their website, or other 3rd part websites that specialize in finding drivers for Windows 10 - dell / HP / etc drivers for some hardware exist even if the original OEM (original original equipment manufacturer) doesn't make them public.

Good luck.

 

Confused, elated(?), wondering if this is something that will actually catch on and lift up support overall for Windows 7 / 8.1 on new hardware supporting new CPU's, even the 9th generation 9xxx series...?

Intel is launching a special Coffee Lake chipset to deliver Windows 7 legacy support
By Jacob Ridley, Posted 17 hours ago
https://www.pcgamesn.com/intel-coffee-lake-windows-7-support

"Intel’s Coffee Lake platform is finally gaining Windows 7 support. The CPU platform, which introduced six-core chips into the mainstream back at the end of 2017, previously ran into issues with USB support when in conjunction with Windows 7. However, Intel is launching a single compatible chipset, the H310C, to extend backwards compatibility with Microsoft’s legacy OS.

The H310C chipset, also potentially called the H310 R2.0, will reportedly replace the current H310 entry-level motherboards and offer native support for Windows 7 with all the corresponding drivers required for full functionality. It will be a straight swap out for the H310 chipset, which will be discontinued shortly after the new chipset launches...."

A "closer to the source" Chinese google auto-translate version is here:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-b360-h310-motherboards.815204/#post-10777924

 

Windows 7 Not Dead: Microsoft Offering 2 Years Extra Support If You Choose To Pay
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...rs-extra-support-if-you-choose-to-pay.822767/

 

So does anyone know yet how much $$$$

 

Hello there. Question about KB3177467 (new date is 10/09/2018). I've been using Simplix almost exclusively for years now. I'll still check Win Updates on occassion -say after Patch Tues.

Recently I noticed KB3177467 is re-populating. This KB is listed on the "Ok" list w/in the Simplix Blog, but it won't install when I use the UpdatePack7r2 (it still shows up when I check windows update afterwards).
https://blog.simplix.info/update7/

So I found this article below, but the language confused me with respect to "roll up" and a new release date (we all loathe MicroScam's roll-ups, right?).
https://borncity.com/win/2018/09/24/windows-trouble-with-updates-kb3177467-kb4346084/

So what do you think? Is KB3177467 (with its new date of 10/09/2018) one to Hide, or should I manually install it via WindowsUpdt?

I kinda hurried the various reads Id found on this KB, so I apologize if Im seemingly lazy. I figured I could turn to you all's since I'm short on time. Thanks in advance for any help or insight! Peace!

I have supported Simplix with $ contributions. Is it conceivable that Simplix Update Packs will continue for the extended period, i.e., if one is using Simplix Update packs (w/ win7 Pro or Enterprise eds.), would that bypass the MS per device fee noted on hmscott's link?

 

See also
It looks as if Microsoft has stopped pushing this month’s Win7 Monthly Rollup, KB 4462923 computerworld.com | 15. Oct, 2018

 

Perfect! Great link, Thank you!!!

 

Nothing to worry about quite yet... at least until Jan 14th 2020...and hopefully well before then we will get details on how it will work and cost - through Jan 2023 for extended support.

It's not clear if these support patches for Windows 7 Enterprise will be supported on Windows 7 desktop or whether that will simply be a free extension for non-commercial users.

Maybe someone will support security updates legally merging with Simplex by then as well.

 

We'll be needing Harkaz's help. He used to give out SP's for Win 98 earlier but now he's too busy with work.

 

Spybot Anti Beacon's newest version works on all Windows OSes, and has both a Free version and a paid " Plus" version. Has anyone checked this out, and seen if the free version is sufficient?

 

Weren’t we advised to turn off hyper-threading long ago? Yesterday’s news, but maybe you missed it. Yet another hit to Intel. AMD is trading under $20 today. I’ll take a new Ryzen over 9th Gen Intel any day on my next build. Also, a good time to scoop some AMD shares up if you have some extra $cratch laying around.
https://thehackernews.com/2018/11/portsmash-intel-vulnerability.html

 

AMD is somewhat affected by HT exploit but not catastrophic like Intel.

 

Oh for sure! But factor in CPU price points and comparing AMD/Intel benchmarks (better cost benefit going with AMD).

 

It is expected to be vulnerable, but has not been tested. Has AMD spoke on the issue yet? Also, this specific exploit would need compiled on the machine until it is learned to be explored otherwise meaning no immediate harm.

And Intel tried to spin this like the security issue with amd this spring. Difference is, the researchers reached out to Intel a month before the release and Intel refused to respond. Having one month headway vs no headway is a huge difference, and if Intel had responded, there is a chance this vulnerability would not have been published already.

Due to differences in SMT and HT, I'm hoping to see more info.

Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

 

The author said they didn't have access to AMD PCs but I don't think it needs any specific compilation for AMD since they'll use generic compiler to make the exe work on multiple platforms. It might output same answers but this need to be confirmed by AMD.

 

Maybe the stock market has, but no official word from AMD. AMD is up about 8% today (but was down yesterday under $20). Intel was up yesterday but down 1% today (at the time of this post).

 

Watch out..

Forced installation of Windows 7 / 8.1 updates KB2952664 / KB2976978 (January 2019)?
Published on January 14, 2019 by Günter Born

​

Short note in the round: There are indications that Microsoft is rolling out KB2952664 (Windows 7 SP1) and KB2976978 (Windows 8.1) updates again in January 2019 and may be forced to install them on their systems. Here is some information.


Microsoft writes in the notes to the two compatibility update mutatis mutandis (translated by me):

This update performs diagnostics on Windows systems participating in the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program. The diagnostics assess compatibility on Windows systems and help ensure Microsoft application and device compatibility for all updates to Windows. There is no GWX or upgrade feature included in this update.​

In the blog post Windows 7 / 8.1 Updates KB2952664 / KB2976978 (10.04.2018) , I have the advice to hide this update. However, this seems, according to the above, no longer work. The update will probably be installed anyway. Can any of you confirm this observation?

 

Better check your Windows 7 PC for Get Windows 10 (GWX) traces

 

Microsoft is killing Windows 7, so you should switch to Netrunner 19.01 'Blackbird' Linux distro now! betanews.com | Jan 16, 2019


Windows 7 is an excellent operating system. It is a no-nonsense computing experience that just works. There are no ugly live tiles or forced updates. Conversely, Windows 10 is largely trash. Don't get me wrong, Microsoft's latest operating system isn't all bad, but it has many poor design choices, and the intrusive telemetry makes it feel like you are being spied on when using your own computer. Worst of all, it has proven to be very buggy -- it has been deleting important user files! That is scary stuff...

Many Windows users passed on both Windows 8.x and Windows 10, opting to stay on Windows 7. You know what? I don't blame them. Unfortunately, starting today, the Windows 7 death clock begins ticking away.

 

Greetings. Question about a clean install using Simplix UpdatePack7R2 (January). I was installing win7 on a friend's machine a week or so past. Using January Simplix UpdatePack, everything seemed to go smooth until reboot. Id followed all the instructions for win7SP1 (Pro), installed up to .netFramework 4.5.2, a handfull of security updates, and a select few single KB updates from Windows 7 Update. Using command system32>UpdatePack7R2.exe /ie11 /silent / reboot. Machine would reboot, Win7Live(Simplix) Temp files would clean, then machine would reboot, and after last reboot the machine would be stuck on Black Windows Screen, with Windows Logo.

Now if I used say, an UpdatePack7R2, from December 2017, the machine would install all those previous UpdatePack7R2 KBs, clean, and reboot no problem. Ive looked around online for an answer but came up blank.

What do you think the problem was, or what may I have missed? It was a Factory Win10 Installed machine (but the OEMs website states it was win7 eligible -so hardware lockout isnt the culprit). The most frustrating part was any system restore (when booting from SSD/HDD), was that we'd get locked out bc of the win7 USB 3.0 incompatibility. So I had to always change Boot Order, and boot from USB, where Id mounted the OEMs/Intel USB 3.0 drivers (which was another headache trying to find working restore points, but thats another story).

So yeah, why a Boot-Loop type screen (stalled Win7 logo screen) after using more recent UpdatePacks? I made sure no roll-ups were installed via WinUpdate/Installer. I tried latest UpdatePack7R2 before installing MBAM AV (I also tried UpdatePacks after AV install, both enabled and disabled when using SimplixPack), so I can rule out AV causing the glitch. More than sufficient RAM and disk space were present... I gave it a large Page File (just in case), and made sure the KB noted on Simplix fresh install instructions was installed (sh*t, like KB976932+/-). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

If anyone does a new Install of win7 using a Simplix update pack (using any UpdatePack post 12/2018), would you kindly post if it worked for you? I'm wondering if a .netFramework 4.5.2 Security Update install -prior to running SimplixUpdate pack, was the cause of a Black Screen w/ Windows Icon, 'boot loop'. I can't wrap my head around it, first time I've ever had a problem using Simplix on a Fresh install. I wish I studied Russian language at Uni. *damn* Thanks!

 

I did a full clean install 2 weeks ago with Win7 pro sp1 .iso via Rufus and then patched with Simplix version 15Dec2018 and had no problems.

 

KB3150513 was served again here today, as optional.

 

*Are any of you all still using a tool like GWX Control Panel for a safety, added precaution?
Something feels like MS is going to get medieval on our asses in months to come. (not a Skpe user, but perhaps a BS move similar to what MS recently did w/ "old vers" Skpe holdouts?).
*Also, is there a more recent, KB Uninstall .bat that maybe incorporates some Simplix removals as well as the KBs w/in the bat file here, pg1?
Thanks!!

 

I just disable Windows update filth, and not worry about it. No need for them to push their trash on me, when i can cherry pick KB's.

 

Internet Explorer 11 ?
Hey now.
This post got me thinking about upgrading to ie11 (although I never use Internet Explorer).
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...-internet-browser.826301/page-7#post-10856137

Any feedback on advantages/disadvantages for updating to ie11? (I used Phoenix's ie10/11 Blocker from Page #1 and left ie9 -set w/ strict settings, plus I never use it).

Also, is it Ok to turn Internet Explorer 'Off' w/in Windows Features? (I will do that on some machines that don't use any IE dependent software)
Thanks in advance for any advice/feedback!

 

IE11 is good. Its the bare minimum spec these days.

 

New Malware coming to Win 7 users. Close the doors! @Mr. Fox +++

Microsoft Soon To Nag Windows 7 Users On Why They Should Upgrade Its Decade Old OS
If you're still hanging on to the Windows 7 operating system on your rig, Microsoft wants you to abandon ship and upgrade to Windows 10 as soon as possible.

 

From the article:

Wait ... what? There's a new non-subscription model of Excel available??! Insert-religion-inspired-expression-of-joy!

I'm perfectly happy to pay for an upgrade to existing software, but only if the new features or improved performance warrant the expense. Still on CS6 and quite happy with that, so why should I want to pay a continuous fee for a static piece of software? The only exception I can think of is antivirus stuff; it exists and functions because it is continuously updated. And that bit needs a steady workforce and paid hours. But it's not my problem Adobe and MS have a huge detail working for them that isn't doing much in earning them revenue; think of new products/avenues or send them off to one of the big techs.

Installing 2019 on 7 seems to be a thingy, but not impossible to accomplish. Guess you could always install on 10 and robocopy it to a 7 installation plus its registry tree if they tighten the checks.

I like this comment:

Yes, that'd be me; Antarctica sounds perfect, tyvm (even though they do have internet access).

 

SaaS is extortion, and it sucks. I buy once and use it until it no longer works well enough to get the job done effectively, something remarkably better surfaces, or it stops working reliably. That applies to lots of stuff, but especially software and motor vehicles. Unless there is a truly compelling reason to buy a new software version, doing so is like flushing money down the toilet. I haven't seen any compelling reasons to buy a new version of anything from the Redmond Retards since Windows 7 SP1. And, claiming "better security" in most cases is a load of baloney... that's how they milk the cash cow.

 

If you don't want end of support notifications on Windows 7, block KB4493132

Batch file updated in the OP to include the removal of the above update

 

Nothing seems fishy about this new update:

March 19, 2019—KB4489892 (Preview of Monthly Rollup)

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4489892

https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4489892

 

New 'Get Windows 10' nag screen arrives in Windows 7

 

The following updates were added to the uninstall batch file:

• KB3139923 -x86-x64 (Update adds a point telemetry consent.exe file)
• KB3161608 -x86-x64 (Update adds a point telemetry consent.exe file)
• KB3163589 -x86-x64 (Report on the work of running an outdated version of Windows)
• KB3172605 -x86-x64 (Update adds a point telemetry consent.exe file)

Remove Telemetry-Win10 Upgrade Updates Script v3.0

*now featured on MajorGeeks*
@toughasnails

 

Be aware... https://www.borncity.com/blog/2019/04/02/windows-7-ist-gwx-zurck/

 

*Update. Totally forgot about this one. I used a Thumb Drive to download Simplix updatepatch.exe then to updatepack7r2 on several very similar machines within my smaller office. I took the same Flash, with the Full UpdatePack7R2.exe already downloaded to a friend's house w/ an older processor, threw in the thumb drive w/ UpdatePack7r2.exe (WITHOUT using updatepatch.exe, which of course uses the scan to DL updatepack7r2.exe geared more machine specific). So the older machine was 'stuck' b/c of my dimwitted oversight. *doh*
*Lesson, DL updatepatch.exe before updatepack7r2.exe EVERy time
(although, is Simplix using updatepatch.exe anymore, or just updatepack7r2.exe direct download?). Last couple times I think i saw updatepack7r2.exe and no updatepatch prior?

Sorry for dated post, but hope my oversight can help some other dummy like me

 

Be aware... More Digital Cancer out from the Redmond Retards

Microsoft surreptitiously adds telemetry functionality to July 2019 Win7 Security-only patch
Posted on July 10th, 2019 at 05:33 PKCano Comment on the AskWoody Lounge
Unannounced, Microsoft has added telemetry functionality to the July 2019 Security-only Update for Windows 7 KB4507456. Alerted on Patch Tuesday by an anonymous poster:

Warning for group B Windows 7 users!

The “July 9, 2019— KB4507456 (Security-only update)” is NOT “security-only” update.

It replaces infamous KB2952664 and contains telemetry. Some details can be found in file information for update 4507456 (keywords: “telemetry”, “diagtrack” and “appraiser”) and under http://www.catalog.update.microsoft...updateid=7cdee6a8-6f30-423e-b02c-3453e14e3a6e (in “Package details”->”This update replaces the following updates” and there is KB2952664 listed).

It doesn’t apply for IA-64-based systems, but applies both x64 and x86-based systems.

Microsoft included the KB2952664 functionality (known as the “Compatibility Appraiser”) in the Security Quality Monthly Rollups for Windows 7 back in September 2018. The move was announced by Microsoft ahead of time.

With the July 2019-07 Security Only Quality Update KB4507456, Microsoft has slipped this functionality into a security-only patch without any warning, thus adding the “Compatibility Appraiser” and its scheduled tasks (telemetry) to the update. The package details for KB4507456 say it replaces KB2952664 (among other updates).​

Come on Microsoft. This is not a security-only update. How do you justify this sneaky behavior? Where is the transparency now.

@Mr. Fox You want this one on YOUR computer?

 

I will not have it, as I do not allow updates. But, this is great info for those that do allow them. Thank you for always providing such useful information.

Their dishonesty and surreptitious behavior never ceases to be appalling. Only a hollow shell remains of the once-great company they used to be.

 

Microsoft in the 90s: "Where do you want to go today?"
Microsoft now: "Our way or the highway."

 

LOL, really good one.