"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Aug 29 2015 : 12:43PM
2-16-2016 *** Please jump ahead to this post, as the most current information now really begins at that point of this thread *** (You can always come back to the top of this thread, as there is interesting information here too.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's how to get rid of the Windows 10 "Free Update" Nag Screen on computers running Windows 7: KB3035583 (the Windows Update pushed out in May, 2015) added two tasks in Task Scheduler to cause the gwx notification icon to appear in the notification area. To disable the nag screen: Go to... Start menu > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Task Scheduler Then, in Task Scheduler go to... Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Setup > gwx (these are folders you're opening) Disable the two tasks listed under gwx (right-click item, the left-click "Disable" from the drop-down list) The gwx icon will not appear next time you start Windows. Here's what it looks like (note that I've disabled all four gwx entries): --------------------------------------------------- What you should know about the Win10 launch Any way to guarantee that the Windows 10 upgrade will NOT be offered? --------------------------------------------------- ^ If/when you get GWXUX error messages, the above detailed fix is what you need to do to get rid of the Windows 10 nag screen, and the GWXUX "error" messages you might have seen (most likely due to the fact you've been trying to ignore the Windows 10 nag screen for the past three months) BTW, "GWXUX" is shorthand for Get Windows 10 Edited by - Goldstein on Feb 16 2016
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Nov 16 2015 : 3:51PM
As Microsoft keeps pushing the "Get Windows 10" malware at us via updates, my first post above is not a permanent solution (i.e. the updates keep breaking your attempts to rid yourself of the GWXUX crap). I've now installed GWX Control Panel on three computers and it works Best of all, if and when Microsoft pushes another GWXUX update at us, you can simply run the GWX Control Panel again FYI, the GWX Control Panel doesn't actually install itself on your computer. Just "Download the latest version of GWX Control Panel from the Ultimate Outsider Downloads page and then launch it. There is no installer." Using GWX Control Panel (formerly GWX Stopper) to Permanently Remove the 'Get Windows 10' Icon GWX Control Panel (previously named GWX Stopper) is a free program that you can use to do the following on Windows 7 and Windows 8: * Remove the "Get Windows 10" icon that appears in your notification area. * Prevent your Windows Update control panel from upgrading your computer to Windows 10. * Prevent your computer from secretly downloading Windows 10 installation files. * Detect and remove the hidden Windows 10 installation files if they're already on your PC. GWX Control Panel really works, is safe and easy to use, and gives you the option to re-enable the icon and upgrade notifications if you're ever ready to move forward with Windows 10. Finally Here's the GWX Control Panel after running it: Edited by - Goldstein on 11/16/2015 4:44:40 PM
Yeah, I got bit by that one last summer. I used to just take every update they gave me. Now I have to look at each one (the ones that don't specifically say they're Security) and refuse the ones I think are just nagware. I remember when I actually liked MS., or even just ambivalent. Now I actively avoid buying anything MS branded if I can find a good alternative.
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Nov 18 2015 : 9:27PM
^ Stanley, I urge you to get and run the GWX Control Panel I discuss above. It really solves the "Get Windows 10" nagging and related crap! Edited by - Goldstein on 11/18/2015 9:28:35 PM
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Feb 4 2016 : 5:12PM
It gets better... The GWX Control Panel guy has now released versions that actually get installed (like any other program). Once it is installed, it typically will also block, for now, Windows 10 nagware “updates” from being downloaded to your computer. It is highly recommended that you download and use the new version (currently VERSION 1.7.2.0) that actually installs itself onto your computer. Much more functionality than the standalone version that runs without needing to be installed. In the meantime, the new installed v1.7.2.0 GWX Control Panel will control the Windows 10 nagware issues. Actually, giving us even more control over all the forced get-Windows10-crapware than we had before -- and with the ability to uninstall stuff too! GWX Control Panel (download v 1.7.2.0) Also, installation couldn't be easier: (1) If you currently have one of the early self-contained versions (i.e. that just runs itself from wherever you put it, without installation), just drag it to the Recycle Bin and empty it. (2) If you already use one of the earlier installed versions (i.e. v1.7.0.2 or v1.7.1.0), just install the latest 1.7.2.0 version right over it -- the program installer does all the work!
I’ve used it on all my computers, and friend’s computers, and it does what it says it does. It works well and is absolutely safe to use. Now, the proof... Just yesterday, I resuscitated a friend's computer from the dead -- which, among other things, was completely infected with the get-Windows10-malware crap. Notice how Microsoft had downloaded 6 GB -- 6 GB! -- of Windows 10 crap onto his computer (without any permission given other than allowing automatic updates to be made)! Here's what the GWX Control Panel v1.7.2.0 found on the computer before cleaning: And, here's the GWX Control Panel results after I used it to totally clean get-Windows10-malware crap from the computer: Pretty damn impressive Edited by - Goldstein on 2/5/2016 5:22:50 AM
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Feb 4 2016 : 5:29PM
Posted by FlacFan in another thread.I strongly suggest people install and run the new GWX Control Panel v1.7.2.0, that I discuss in my post immediately above this, before uninstalling all the above listed updates. Edited by - Goldstein on 2/4/2016 5:35:09 PM
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Feb 10 2016 : 8:39PM
Folks, it is absolutely imperative that you disable "Automatic Updates"! Regarding the list of get-Windows10-crapware updates (above) that you need to be on the alert for, it is the latest one -- KB 3123862 -- that is a very serious threat. IF you have not cleaned your Windows7/Windows8 computer of the get-Windows10-crapware yet... AND you still are accepting "Automatic Updates"... AND you allow KB 3123862 to install itself... Your computer will get forcibly "upgraded" to Windows 10 without asking for your permission in very short order. PLEASE, I urge all of you to install and run the v1.7.2.0 GWX Control Panel I've been discussing above! Then, going forward, review all the updates Windows Update will offer you and hide any updates from the list above if they appear again. REMEMBER, Microsoft is pushing these same updates over-and-over again, and they do reappear. Once you install the v1.7.2.0 GWX Control Panel, it will typically uncheck these known bad updates, so that you don't accidentally install them, and disables Automatic Updates. HOWEVER, when you see updates that are unchecked, CHECK IT AGAINST OUR LIST (above) and go the extra step of hiding the update(s). To hide an update, right-click on the update you want to hide, when it appears in Windows Update, and choose “Hide update” from the dialogue box that appears. We are in a cat-and-mouse/Spy vs Spy stand-off with Microsoft now. Microsoft is determined to force migration to Windows 10, and if you don't pay attention and do what is necessary as we bring it to your attention, you will get nailed and forced to Windows 10.
^ Are you saying we can't/shouldn't simply rely on GWX Control Panel to handle the minutiae of keeping track of update lists and whatnot? I have GWX control panel and I nave Windows Updates set to 'notify me of available updates".
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FlacFan Deactivated User
10088 Posts 8/15
Posted - Feb 12 2016 : 3:41PM
^ I think he is saying, as this is what I was doing before gwx cp, is to close as many doors as possible. myyoursoft has put out at least 3 different variations of KB3035583 and I had to uninstall it again, although I hadn't hidden it at that time. To be honest if it isnt an Urgent or required update, I am hiding all recommended updates and not installing them because they don't impact my os. So far myyoursoft hasn't yet tied a forced upgrade into a defender or framework update but that totally wouldn't shock me. Silicone Is Evil, Razors Aren't Much Better
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Feb 13 2016 : 9:59AM
Indeed, "close as many doors as possible" would be best practice. Remember, Microsoft keeps re-issuing the same updates over-and-over. Just today, on one of my computers, they tried to push through -- again! -- KB 2952664, KB 3135445 and KB 3123862. Now, here is a case study in how duplicitous Microsoft can be... The computer in question is a new build I built from scratch, with all new components and a brand new disk copy of Windows 7 Home Premium, about a month ago. When I built it, and during the Windows Updates, I unchecked and hid every single get-Windows10-malware update. In other words, they never were installed on this machine in the first place. Ever. GWX Control Panel v1.7.2.0 was installed early on, and verified that no traces of get-Windows10-malware updates, settings or files are present. Yet, as part of the Patch Tuesday updates this week, the three updates I mention above were being pushed by Microsoft and appeared. Why, you might ask? BECAUSE, Microsoft is now pushing get-Windows10-malware updates as "Important" (i.e. no longer "Optional" or "Recommended"). At least these three. If I had "Install Updates Automatically (recommended)" selected, these three updates would have gotten installed. I have every confidence that GWX Control Panel could have cleaned them out, if they managed to install themselves. Again, Microsoft pushed these three updates as "Important." HOWEVER, in keeping with "close as many doors as possible" as best practice, I took the time to review the new updates being pushed, and unchecked and hid these three from even attempting to install themselves. Reviewing your new updates being offered is really not that big a deal! On this computer, I was offered 16 "Important" updates. I reviewed the list, found three of our known bad get-Windows10-malware updates and unchecked and hid them. If you're keeping up with your updates, it's just not that big a deal to review 5-to-15 updates once a month.
^I've have no problem with performing the process of gatekeeping/overseeing the updates before allowing them to get installed. But how do you know which updates to prevent and which ones to allow? Who/where is the keeper of the list? And....I kinda thought that was the function GWX control panel. I need to study more about GWX Control Panel and what is it actually doing.
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Feb 14 2016 : 4:13AM
You prevent the updates we already know about from installing/re-installing themselves. The GWX Control Panel gets rid of the get-Windows10-malware that has been downloaded and installed on your computer. It helps prevent known bad updates from re-installing. It DOESN'T prevent them from appearing in the new updates list(s), but it will uncheck them so that you don't just install them. This is why it is critical that you disable "Install Updates Automatically (recommended)," and review pending updates yourself. I then hide any updates that are on our known bad list. The GWX Control Panel page explains everything it does in great detail. BTW, I spent today going through four computers and uninstalling every known bad update that had been previously installed -- as the GWX Control Panel does not uninstall updates. Rather, it uninstalls and/or controls the get-Windows10-malware that the known bad updates have downloaded and installed on your computer. These had been downloaded to my computer(s) -- and most likely any computer running Windows 7 or Windows 8 -- BEFORE anyone knew what they were and what they were doing. It was the appearance of the "Get Windows 10" nag, on start-up and sitting in the lower-right area of the Taskbar, that brought everyone's attention to the forced migration to Windows 10 situation (beginning around May 2015). Based on my uninstalling updates work Saturday, I have been thinking about posting some very extensive info and links, but now I'm thinking "why bother" When you wake up one day, and your computer is running Windows 10, you'll remember this thread
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Feb 16 2016 : 7:04PM
Here we go again... 29 Non-security Patches Just Released Posted on February 16th, 2016 at 13:57 Most of them appear to be targeting Windows 8/8.1 -- you guys need to be very careful as which, if any, you install! REMEMBER, none of these are security related patches, so you can easily not install them and wait a few days for the tech geeks to start commenting. At least two of them are targeting Windows 7 machines. They have been appearing on all my Windows 7 machines as "Optional" updates. My advice is to not install them -- as they appear to offer nothing and look suspicious to me -- and to "hide" the updates (I describe how to do this elsewhere in this thread). The two updates are: KB 3118401 - Update for Universal C Runtime in WindowsPuhleeeze! KB 3121255 - " hex 00000024" Stop error in FsRtlNotifyFilterReportChange and VSS backup of PI Data server fails in WindowsWell, I'm not having any of these problems. And, it will require a restart (i.e. it wants to make system changes). I don't think so... Next! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT When I tell you to "hide" an update, this is not a permanent thing! You can always choose to install any update that you have hidden by doing the following: Start >> Control Panel >> Windows Update >> click on "Restore hidden updates" Goldstein would never tell you to do anything that could harm your computer. And, remember -- I have personally done everything I recommend here to you -- on my five personal computers running Windows 7 -- before I post here and suggest you do the same. I've also serviced multiple friend's computers the same way -- ALL without any problems or negative issues whatsoever.
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Feb 16 2016 : 7:34PM
This is a very interesting post I just came across, and makes some interesting and informative reading. I have not tried anything described in the following post -- other than things I've described above -- and am not suggesting that anyone here plunge ahead and do things described in the "KILL Windows 10 (permanently)" post at this time! KILL Windows 10 (permanently) I'll report back here after I've had a chance to fully check this guy's post out. Capice?
Fat bottomed girls make the rockin' world go round! 1551 Posts 5/09
Posted - Feb 28 2016 : 1:19PM
I appreciate the work Goldstein has done regarding GWX nagging by Microsoft. Even the logoff screen for my Outlook email nags me. When Bill Gates says he supports the government's side in the Apple I-phone/terrorist controversy, we know why Windows 10 is designed the way it is. "Big Brother" is here in Windows 10.
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Mar 11 2016 : 4:24AM
^ I had a bad feeling about KB 3139929, and chose to hide it instead of installing it. (1) Internet Explorer 11 is, essentially, a dead-ended program. It's the "latest" IE browser that you can install and run on Windows 7, and all development for it is really over. Just another way that MS is trying to rope people into migrating to Windows 10 -- "Ooooo, I can get MS' latest browser if I'm running Windows 10." But, but, but... the MS Edge browser helps us spy on you, harvest your personal preferences and information and sell it to whomever we please. Just read your EULA I feel like I'm on a mission from God, already (2) I no longer use Internet Explorer 11 for anything, I use Firefox.
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FlacFan Deactivated User
10088 Posts 8/15
Posted - Mar 11 2016 : 5:12AM
^ Had installed and uninstalled it. Chrome for me with FF back up. Silicone Is Evil, Razors Aren't Much Better
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Jun 28 2016 : 5:51PM
Unfuckingbelievable! Windows 10 upgrade: How-to information on scheduling and notifications https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3095675 Just in case they change this notice, take a look at this "When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less." "The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many different things." "The question is," said Humpty Dumpty, "which is to be master—that's all."
That box isn't new I was getting them back in December. Microsoft apparently decided I was never going to upgrade because they upgraded my laptop one day, in the middle of the day, in I believe March without asking me at all.
Long and Cursive road to the Ivory Pagoda in the province of Loraine 4076 Posts 12/03
Posted - Jun 29 2016 : 12:43AM
I still have 7 running on this laptop but I will have a new computer soon with 10 Pro on it. The reason I have resisted the upgrade is Alienware said this laptop MAY NOT be compatible and the hard drive on this laptop is about to die. I don't want to push this hard drive anymore than needed. I have located the bad sectors on the drive, its in the middle of the Diablo 3 game install. Well, at least one group of bad sectors anyway. I saw the court case Microsoft recently settled that paid a woman 10 grand after updating without permission and destroying some of her business files.
Fat bottomed girls make the rockin' world go round! 1551 Posts 5/09
Posted - Aug 6 2016 : 1:35PM
After a year of Windows 10 nag screens and Windows 10 pop - up prompts at log -off of Outlook email accounts, Microsoft has finally stopped the relentless mission to force Windows 7 users to Windows 10. They're confident that more folks will make the switch. After all that arm - twisting you did, Microsoft, good luck with that.
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Aug 6 2016 : 4:08PM
I just had a bizarre thing happen on one of my Windows 7 Pro computers. I had NO updates selected, and there was NO "yellow triangle" warning on the Shut Down command (i.e. no updates were selected and none were going to be installed). THEN, when I shut down the computer, the following appeared: "Updating Windows Features" do not shut your computer off. It looked just like updates were being "configured" -- both on shutting down and booting back up -- yet it was not updates, and Windows Update did not show that any updates had been installed. WTF? I friend of mine told me that he had the same thing happen to him a few weeks ago. I tried searching the Internet for "Updating Windows Features," yet could not find anything that remotely resembled what happened to me, and really nothing that applied to Windows 7 or that was remotely recent. Anyone know anything about this?
Fat bottomed girls make the rockin' world go round! 1551 Posts 5/09
Posted - Aug 7 2016 : 11:53AM
No. Several months ago, I turned off all Microsoft updates because of the sneaky way they tried to install Windows 10, via an update. I still get updates from my other vendors; Norton, Malwarebytes, CCleaner, and Radeon drivers as needed. I was a bit concerned that turning off the Microsoft updates would cause a problem So far, it hasn't caused any problem.
"You have sacrificed nothing and no one." 3689 Posts 8/10
Posted - Aug 7 2016 : 2:24PM
^ You seriously need to install the Microsoft updates that are Security updates. You can safely ignore all the updates that present as "Update for Windows 7...", although there are many that are beneficial. As a rule, I also recommend installing pretty much all the updates for Microsoft Office 2010 -- as so many businesses still use Office 2010 -- that Microsoft wouldn't dare fuck them over and brick their computers with Windows 10 and related malware via Office. So, two points: (1) What happened to my computer was not Microsoft updates. And, other than it being unusual, nothing "bad" has happened or manifested itself. (2) I have made an enormous effort to keep Windows 10 off of all my Windows 7 machines, as well as those of friends (at least 10 machines). So far, entirely successfully. I'd say I've gotten it down to a science. Now that July 29th has come and gone, things should become less dangerous. I intend to keep my seven computers running Windows 7 operating on Windows 7 until the Extended Support End Date (which is 2020-01-14). So, by 2020 Microsoft will either have settled on an acceptable OS, or I will seriously be looking into Linux at that time.
"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less."