The latest disturbing episode in Windows downloads to do or not to do!

[PEV]

After reading all the posts saying you obviously need to download Windows updates I have set my machine (windows 8) on HP Envy three in one to auto updates as it came from the shop with updates switched off.

Out of curiosity I just rang the shop this time speaking to the technician and not the owner who previously told me Free AV companies send you virus's.

The technician (degree + honours computing) said it's correct that you dont need updates if you are just browsing and if I keep allowing updates it will eventually slow my machine down and I like other customers will then be complaining because my machine is too slow!

I am forming the opinion that the set up I bought the machine from is a comoflaged lunatic asylum OR is every expert on this forum wrong? LOL.

When you stop laughing please let me have your thoughts :confused:

 

Ray (slowly losing the will to live:rolleyes::rolleyes:)

[Plastic Nev]

Indeed there does sometimes seem to be some conflicts of advice and information in general given between technical folks on forums against that given by technical guys in shops. Why this is so I have no idea and I have seen more than a few reports from members who have been told all sorts of rubbish by shop technicians against what we advise here, or indeed on other forums.

Regarding your question Ray regarding Windows updates, I can see some logic in the idea that after time and many hundreds of updates that the computer might slow down in operation.

However in real truth, the reasons for slower running after a period of time is usually due to how much data, how many programs running in the background, how fragmented the drive is, and a few other factors. Most certainly a nearly full hard drive can slow things down, as also a badly fragmented drive will too due to Windows having to spend time looking for files and parts of files!

 

There is a member on here who has never posted much, though I know him personally. Unfortunately I only see him around once every three to four weeks, however he is a genuine technician working in the business, and if I remember I will be asking Bill a few questions myself next time I see him to see what his views are.

 

Nev.

[KenB]

Hi Ray

I will add my two-penny worth too :)

 

XP used to get slower and slower over years. This is well documented.

In certain circumstances it would be better to re-install than mess about.

 

Win 7 and more recently Win 8 are much better in this respect.

Hard-drives are bigger, processors are faster and they tend not to slow down to the same extent.

 

To say that you do not need critical updates is pain silly.

It is like saying that your AntiVirus never needs updating.

If you are using the internet then there is always a threat. This is small if you are using safe sites - but just being on-line leaves you open.

Critical updates address problems as they arise and MS send these out specifically to update your system security.

 

I can see one possible reason why they may want you to leave updates turned off.

Sometimes installing updates causes problems.

This can be resolved by doing a System Restore in many cases .....but if you are not aware of this who do you complain to ?

The man with the degree in computer science.

They may have taken this line because they had people coming back with complaints after installing updates.

 

Either way - bad advice !!

[PEV]

I just phoned and met up with the bloke who has done all my trouble shooting over the years and he suggests reason to keep updates off is that as my machine is 2nd hand the version of Win 8 on it is probably pirated and sooner or later I'll get messages from Microsoft telling me so! He also told me don't go near this shop as they are very very dodgy (bit late for that)

I am beginning to feel like my PC is on death row!

Possibly I'm being a bit premature Ken but can you send me details on how to do a system restore that I can print off just in case?

Ray

[KenB]

Hi Ray

 

System Restore:

Hold down the Windows Key and hit the "S" key.

Type in .... restore ....

Click on "Create a Restore Point" ............this is for System Restore too.

Click on "System Restore" ........click Next

This should show the restore points available.

 

=======================

 

Regarding illegal version of Windows ....

You can find out when the OS was installed if you wish.

Windows Key + S

Type in ......command .....click on Command Prompt box.

Type in ...... systeminfo ......hit enter

You will get a lot of info ......including the install date.

 

I think you said this machine was second hand ?

The date will give you something to go on.

 

Also you can check to see if the Operating System has been activated

Windows Key + S

Type in ...system ...click on the System Box

It will tell you here at the bottom.

 

or

Windows Key + S

type in pc info ..... click on the PC Info box

It will tell you here too.

 

If Windows is not activated this is probably why they told you not to use automatic updates.

[PEV]

Hi Ken I

have tried holding down windows key +S with all your options and zilch happens!

Ipresume this is donw when I'm on desktop or am I mssing something?

Ray

[KenB]

Hi Ray .... you are not hitting the + key are you ?? :)

Hold down SHIFT and then press "S"

 

You can point to the top right corner to get the Search Box. Click on the magnifying glass.

Make sure "Everywhere" is showing [ down arrow ]

[PEV]

err embarassing this! which one is the shift key

And by the way through trollong through my sysytem I finally found that at least my Win 8 is activated.

Ray

[KenB]

which one is the shift key

Left side of keyboard ....usually between CAPS Lock and CTRL keys. It could just be an UP arrow.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1390.vB5-legacyid=2455[/ATTACH]

 

I finally found that at least my Win 8 is activated.

That is one good thing :)

You would have had problems after 30 days ....this is the period that you get to activate Windows in.