Windows update frightens me...

[MoonMan]

Ok.. A while back I updated Windows 2000 for the last time and turned off the Auto update. Now I went to the site because I was bored and found 4 critical updates and 5 regular updates.

I'm... I'm.. afraid. I'm afraid that I may update something that will fuck me over royally. Why do I feel this way? Because I have had some baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa a a a a a aaaaaaaaaaaad experiences with Windows (mostly from WinME).

Right now I am updating the critical ones.. and I read what they do so I'm not suckered into updated some DRM garbage or the like... but I am holding off on the regular updates until I get some advice.

- Windows Media Player 9 Series
- Windows Media 9 Series Codec Install Package
- Q322913: Recommended Update (something about fixing "WM_TIMER" messages...)
- Microsoft Windows Journal Viewer (Windows 2000)
- Microsoft .NET Framework

Most of them are self explanatory.. but I kinda don't want to mess with a good thing (I LOVE Windows 2000 if you don't know). Please help me with this.. I want to update.. but I don't.. decisions decisions...

[Krell]

These :

- Windows Media Player 9 Series
- Windows Media 9 Series Codec Install Package
- Q322913: Recommended Update (something about fixing "WM_TIMER" messages...

will integrate in to W2000, I wouldnt be concerned, the others you dont need.


So how ya doing moony?

[MoonMan]

Hey Krell! Was hoping you would see this! Thanks I'll take your advice. I just get panic attacks when Windows acts strange (WinME is almost like a torture.. I still get flash backs). Thanks.

I'm doin' great man thanks, how YOU doin'? (from Friends, yes I am a dork).

[Wings_of_Azrael]

I don't know if this will help the situation any, but here's a nice program to get Windows Updates (from Microsoft still) without actually going to the site or using Windows Update.

http://www.bigfix.com/website/index.html

[phalkon30]

Several other people including me have gone over the entire privacy policy for WMP, and currently, there is nothing there to hurt file sharers, all they do now is restrict restricted content, they won't take over your media collection like a virus

But make sure to read the privacy policy for future updates on WMP

I just do them all, what do I care, maybe I have to reload windows, its not like I don't do that a lot anyway....

And yeah, the last two dont apply to you unless you use a .net based program, or have a PDA that supports the Journal viewer

[MoonMan]

Hey guys thanks for the help but I have a little problem. I really like WMP 9, it's really nice looking and runs smoothly. There is just one problem with the "preview" feature that you use in folders. When I use it more than 3 (about) times it crashes explorer.exe and I have to wait while my computer fixes itself (ie; it hangs for a moment or two). What can I do to solve this problem?

Here is a screen shot of the preview thing:

[phalkon30]

There's a preview function?

just hit play, that works for me (yes thats a crappy answer, sorry)

Have you tried checking the MS knowledge base? maybe they have something on it, I only use it for movies, so I'm no real help here

[collideous]

Back in my ME days, Windows Update caused headaches a few times. Once I made it a habit to disable my anti-virus program, the updates typically went smoothly.

[hawkburn]

Regarding the preview option:

I dont think its available in Windows XP, as the left task pane in windows explorer is in a different format than that of earlier versions. Just to bring that to some attention. But yeah I just hit play.

[phalkon30]

That would explain why I have never seen the preview function, this is what my menu looks like for an mp3

[Mel_Smiley]

Yeah i have ME and I lost everything on my main HD after updating about 2 weeks ago! Gotta get XP but just havent got around to it yet. ME is just the worst!!!

[Wings_of_Azrael]

I had Windows ME for about a year before finally upgrading to Windows 2000. I opted for it instead of XP, figuring it must be far more solid after 3 service packs. Giving Microsoft access to my computer though the internet in any form makes me nervous, especially since they are closed source. However, I've never had a problem with Windows Update, counting all the way back to when I had Windows 98. Still, considering their virulent anti-piracy stance (with reguards to digital audio, of course... hehe), I feel I do have much to worry about. As long one is doing something "wrong", there will always be that element of nervousness, bordering on paranoia sometimes.