Vista/W-7 update

[Valorie *~]

I did a System Recovery on the Vista desktop and it now gets online with the
dial-up ISP. That was the only thing left to try.
We wont go through this with the Vista laptop since we mostly use it when
traveling. But we will bypass MS updates from now on.

As for W-7. My husband was on the phone for hours with our ISP and HP yet
again. W-7 still cannot detect the modem to get online but sees it when
queried. Our ISP is sending a CD that may or may not help. This happened
after a MS update. Two other PCs with XP were not affected.

 

[Muad'Dib]

I did a System Recovery on the Vista desktop and it now gets online with
the dial-up ISP. That was the only thing left to try.
We wont go through this with the Vista laptop since we mostly use it
when traveling. But we will bypass MS updates from now on.

As for W-7. My husband was on the phone for hours with our ISP and HP
yet again. W-7 still cannot detect the modem to get online but sees it
when queried. Our ISP is sending a CD that may or may not help. This
happened after a MS update. Two other PCs with XP were not affected.

One thing; Never, ever, let Winders updates do it's own driver updates.
If say, Nvidia has a new driver, then go to Nvidia's site, get the
driver, and install it. NEVER let Winders do ANY driver updates! ..EVER
They have a pathetic record of fowling their own operating system with
driver updates. ..Don't let anyone else tell you different. I personally
have suffered a complete OS crash over letting MS do it's own driver
update. I now NEVER, EVER, let MS Updates do a driver update. If I feel
I need say, a video driver update, I go the the video manufacturer's
site, download the driver and install it myself. Lord only knows why MS
STILL can't get it right, but let them do the driver install, and you
will have nothing but problems as a result, most likely. ..And as I have
been sorely burned, wind up, of course, reinstalling the OS over it.
(Black screen of death)

My God, how MS Os's SUCK! Really, one MUST consider trying out Linux! Go
to http://www.ubuntu.com/ download a copy of Ubuntu, burn it to a CD,
and boot it on your machine. ("Live CD") Try it out and see what you
think. It CAN'T catch a Winders virus, is WAY more secure and stable
than Winders, and well, just works. It does require just a bit of "Grey
matter" but not nearly as much as it used to. Give it a try, and see
what you think. I, personally, will NEVER use an MS OS as my MAIN stay,
well, unless they pull their heads outta their arse! Why risk security,
and reliability? ..Not a chance!

Can't make the change, or at least try it? Then SUFFER.. Only by trying
something different, will you be set FREE.

G'day

 

[John Aldred]

Muad'Dib wrote:

One thing; Never, ever, let Winders updates do it's own driver updates.
If say, Nvidia has a new driver, then go to Nvidia's site, get the
driver, and install it. NEVER let Winders do ANY driver updates! ..EVER
They have a pathetic record of fowling their own operating system with
driver updates. ..Don't let anyone else tell you different. I personally
have suffered a complete OS crash over letting MS do it's own driver
update. I now NEVER, EVER, let MS Updates do a driver update. If I feel
I need say, a video driver update, I go the the video manufacturer's
site, download the driver and install it myself. Lord only knows why MS
STILL can't get it right, but let them do the driver install, and you
will have nothing but problems as a result, most likely. ..And as I have
been sorely burned, wind up, of course, reinstalling the OS over it.
(Black screen of death)

Speak as you find I guess.

In my case I've installed Vista on 2 machines, and Windows 7 on 3 machines
and never had a problem with letting Windows Update find and install all the
necessary drivers.

In fact with my old Hewlett-Packard Laserjet printer, I had no option but to
get a driver from WU as the HP website no longer supplies drivers for some
older printers.

 

[Alex Clayton]

On 10/17/2010 11:15 AM, Muad'Dib wrote:

It won't solve her modem problems. Win modems don't work with Ubuntu.

I have not used dial up in years, but are joking here? I always thought the
Fax modem was just a modem and it did not matter what OS was on the machine?
Do they actually have different dial up modems for different OS's??

 

[Alex Clayton]

I did a System Recovery on the Vista desktop and it now gets online with
the dial-up ISP. That was the only thing left to try.
We wont go through this with the Vista laptop since we mostly use it when
traveling. But we will bypass MS updates from now on.

As for W-7. My husband was on the phone for hours with our ISP and HP yet
again. W-7 still cannot detect the modem to get online but sees it when
queried. Our ISP is sending a CD that may or may not help. This happened
after a MS update. Two other PCs with XP were not affected.

Every now and then a MS update will screw things up. Some times minor stuff
other times major trouble. I long ago learned to keep auto updates turned
off. When they release a new one I watch the "tech news" for a few days to
see if anything pops up. If it does then I wait till they announce they
fixed it, then take the updates. I would not recommend just skipping the
updates.
I just typed into Yahoo "dial up modem will not work after Windows update"
and a lot of articles popped up. I would try this and do some reading, see
if someone has figured out what MS did, and how to fix it.

 

[Nil]

I have not used dial up in years, but are joking here? I always
thought the Fax modem was just a modem and it did not matter what
OS was on the machine? Do they actually have different dial up
modems for different OS's??

Kinda. There were the cheap "Winmodems" which replaced most of the
device's internal logic in favor of a software emulation program that
only ran on Windows.

 

[Seth]

I have not used dial up in years, but are joking here? I always thought
the Fax modem was just a modem and it did not matter what OS was on the
machine? Do they actually have different dial up modems for different
OS's??

Yeah, Win modems only work with Windows cause rather than putting an actual
(modem version of) a CPU on the device, they offload that work to the OS and
main CPU. That requires specialized drivers and a certain level of kernel
access that a *nix machine just won't allow for.

A modem not listed as a Win modem (either internal or external) will work
just fine.

 

[John Aldred]

Alias wrote:

[snip]

Yep and the only ones I've found that worked with Linux are modems that
connect via a serial port.

Used to be so, but no longer apparently.

http://www.zoom.com/products/dial_up_external_usb.html

http://uk.startech.com/product/USB56KEM2-External-V92-56K-USB-Fax-
Modem?tab=tchspcs

Above URL will be split due to line wrap I expect.

 

[Lewis]

I have not used dial up in years, but are joking here?
Nope.

I always thought the Fax modem was just a modem and it did not matter
what OS was on the machine? Do they actually have different dial up
modems for different OS's??

Manufacturers came up with the "winmodem" back in the 90's. It was not a
real modem, but rather it was the essential hardware of a modem, but
Windows had to do all the work. They only worked with Windows, were
marginally cheaper than a real modem, flaked out all the time, were a
massive pain in the ass to support (as I had to support them) and are a
dark chapter in the history of computers.

I bought a box of winmodems at a garage sale for $5 just so I could have
the pleasure of destroying them.

 

[Lewis]

I have to say it but I have never had problems with Windows Updates or
Microsoft Updates. Never, and I've been using Windows since DOS.

I just installed Win7 on my HTPC. Everything worked fine. I then let
win7 install all its critical updates, at which point the Ethernet would
drop and then reconnect every couple of minutes or so.

Went in and rolled back the driver that had somehow gotten updated and
the Ethernet was back to working again.

Before installing Windows Updates, I do use Crap Cleaner to get rid of
temp files and, if needed, defrag the hard drive. With XP, I would set a
restore point (which I never had to use), although with Win7 MS has it
set it automatically before installing updates. I also disable my anti
virus before installing *anything*.

er....

NM, not even going there.

--
"I don't care if Bill Gates is the world's biggest philanthropist. The
pain he has inflicted on the world in the past 20 years through lousy
products easily outweighs any good he has done.... Apple is as arrogant
as Microsoft but at least its stuff works as advertised" -- Graem
Philipson

 

[John Aldred]

Every now and then a MS update will screw things up. Some times minor
stuff other times major trouble. I long ago learned to keep auto updates
turned off. When they release a new one I watch the "tech news" for a few
days to see if anything pops up. If it does then I wait till they announce
they fixed it, then take the updates. I would not recommend just skipping
the updates.
I just typed into Yahoo "dial up modem will not work after Windows
update"
and a lot of articles popped up. I would try this and do some reading, see
if someone has figured out what MS did, and how to fix it.

I tried a very similar search on Google, but came up with nothing of direct
relevance to this particular problem.

I've just entered your search terms into Yahoo and don't see anything
relevant there either. Perhaps I have missed something. Could you point me
to the particular article that you found please.

I am also interested in this problem as I use dial-up as a back-up to my
broadband. So far mine is still working.

 

[Valorie *~]

One thing; Never, ever, let Winders updates do it's own driver updates. If
say, Nvidia has a new driver, then go to Nvidia's site, get the driver,
and install it. NEVER let Winders do ANY driver updates! ..EVER They have
a pathetic record of fowling their own operating system with driver
updates. ..Don't let anyone else tell you different. I personally have
suffered a complete OS crash over letting MS do it's own driver update. I
now NEVER, EVER, let MS Updates do a driver update. If I feel I need say,
a video driver update, I go the the video manufacturer's site, download
the driver and install it myself. Lord only knows why MS STILL can't get
it right, but let them do the driver install, and you will have nothing
but problems as a result, most likely. ..And as I have been sorely burned,
wind up, of course, reinstalling the OS over it. (Black screen of death)

I've heard the above before online. I try to keep up with PC news both
online and with Smart Computing magazine as time permitted. The PCs were
set to auto-update. I didn't look to see exactly what MS was updating. I
assumed the were more of the endless security updates.

My God, how MS Os's SUCK! Really, one MUST consider trying out Linux! Go
to http://www.ubuntu.com/ download a copy of Ubuntu, burn it to a CD, and
boot it on your machine.

I can't so that myself and I can't locate any techs that come to the house
where I live. Also, my software wont work on UBantu. That's software for
techie-types and I'm far from that. If I did find someone to install it it
would negate the year warranty on this W-7 machine.

("Live CD") Try it out and see what you

think. It CAN'T catch a Winders virus, is WAY more secure and stable than
Winders, and well, just works. It does require just a bit of "Grey matter"
but not nearly as much as it used to. Give it a try, and see what you
think. I, personally, will NEVER use an MS OS as my MAIN stay, well,
unless they pull their heads outta their arse! Why risk security, and
reliability? ..Not a chance!

Does all your Window's software work on it? What email program does it use?

Can't make the change, or at least try it? Then SUFFER.. Only by trying
something different, will you be set FREE.

I may suffer a lot more losing my warranty and having to buy all new
software that works on a different OS.

 

[Valorie *~]

Every now and then a MS update will screw things up. Some times minor
stuff other times major trouble. I long ago learned to keep auto updates
turned off. When they release a new one I watch the "tech news" for a few
days to see if anything pops up. If it does then I wait till they announce
they fixed it, then take the updates. I would not recommend just skipping
the updates.

And sadly, removing those MS updates doesn't reverse the problem.

I just typed into Yahoo "dial up modem will not work after Windows
update" and a lot of articles popped up. I would try this and do some
reading, see if someone has figured out what MS did, and how to fix it.

I haven't seen anything like what we have or what the 3 techs already
covered.

 

[Alex Clayton]

I have to say it but I have never had problems with Windows Updates or
Microsoft Updates. Never, and I've been using Windows since DOS. I was
pissed off when they claimed WGA/N was a "critical" update when, in fact,
it's spyware but, other than that, MS does a good job with updates. I
prefer Ubuntu/Mint updates because everything you've installed from the
repositories are updated from one place and one doesn't have go round and
update different programs like you have to do in Windows.

Before installing Windows Updates, I do use Crap Cleaner to get rid of
temp files and, if needed, defrag the hard drive. With XP, I would set a
restore point (which I never had to use), although with Win7 MS has it set
it automatically before installing updates. I also disable my anti virus
before installing *anything*.

I have a couple times, but it was normally something minor. A couple times I
read about something that did not effect me since it was some program I did
not use. IIRC the times I had "trouble" with an update it was because the
update work not play well with some 3d party software on my machine. A
couple times it was with antivirus. One time I could not connect at all to
the net and was having a fit till I got on line on another machine and found
out it was Zone Alarm. MS had let out an update that made it block me
connecting at all.
It was stuff like that, that made me just turn off the updates and wait
till after they have been out for a while, then if I do not hear any
problems I take them.
Stuff like this and how much of a "problem" it is also has a lot to do
with how well someone knows how to use their machine. While I am far better
these days, than I was many years ago when this was happening I still think
of myself as very much an amateur at all things PC.

 

[Char Jackson]

I have a couple times, but it was normally something minor. A couple times I
read about something that did not effect me since it was some program I did
not use. IIRC the times I had "trouble" with an update it was because the
update work not play well with some 3d party software on my machine. A
couple times it was with antivirus. One time I could not connect at all to
the net and was having a fit till I got on line on another machine and found
out it was Zone Alarm. MS had let out an update that made it block me
connecting at all.
It was stuff like that, that made me just turn off the updates and wait
till after they have been out for a while, then if I do not hear any
problems I take them.
Stuff like this and how much of a "problem" it is also has a lot to do
with how well someone knows how to use their machine. While I am far better
these days, than I was many years ago when this was happening I still think
of myself as very much an amateur at all things PC.

When a security exploit is discovered, there's a relatively short time
during which the bad guys can take advantage of it. It's a short time
because AV updates and Windows updates are provided to close the newly
discovered hole. By delaying or avoiding the updates, you simply
extend the window of opportunity for the bad guys.

 

[Alex Clayton]

When a security exploit is discovered, there's a relatively short time
during which the bad guys can take advantage of it. It's a short time
because AV updates and Windows updates are provided to close the newly
discovered hole. By delaying or avoiding the updates, you simply
extend the window of opportunity for the bad guys.

Again this is just me, but I don't lose any sleep over some "hacker" getting
my machine. I don't have anything on it I would lay awake nights if it was
all out there.
I pay for monitoring of my credit so if someone tries or does open an
account in my name I will know in days. If someone uses one of my credit
cards I just call the bank and say "not mine" and they take care of it. In
the 12 or so years I have been shopping on line this has happened one time.
Looked at my MasterCard and someone had used it at a train station in India.
Interestingly enough when I called them to ask about it I was calling India.
She asked my if I had been to some city there, and if I had my card in my
possession. They said sorry and sent me a new card free.
Now I guess if I kept Government secrets, bomb formulas, Kiddie porn or
such I would probably buy a Mac, but since I don't I don't sweat it.

 

[Char Jackson]

Again this is just me, but I don't lose any sleep over some "hacker" getting
my machine. I don't have anything on it I would lay awake nights if it was
all out there.

I guess that's the selfish way to look at it. The other view is that I
don't want any of my machines used without my permission, period. I
don't want it to be part of a DDOS attack or any kind of botnet, etc.,
so I keep it updated. I consider it to simply be part of responsible
computing. If you don't, I guess that's ok.

I pay for monitoring of my credit so if someone tries or does open an
account in my name I will know in days. If someone uses one of my credit
cards I just call the bank and say "not mine" and they take care of it.

Interesting that you mention credit monitoring because just yesterday
there were news articles pointing out that credit monitoring is mostly
a waste of time and resources because the things that typically happen
don't affect a person's credit right away and may not affect a
person's credit record at all. It's mostly peace of mind rather than
actual protection. But again, you're obviously doing what you think is
important and what makes you comfortable.

 

[Alex Clayton]

I guess that's the selfish way to look at it. The other view is that I
don't want any of my machines used without my permission, period. I
don't want it to be part of a DDOS attack or any kind of botnet, etc.,
so I keep it updated. I consider it to simply be part of responsible
computing. If you don't, I guess that's ok.

That's me all right. I subscribe to the old WIIFM big time. When I turn on
my computer I want it to work, and not have to try to figure out why the
hell it does not all of a sudden. Now days I am a little better at figuring
things out when it pops up, but I still don't like to have to. If waiting a
week to take the MS updates makes me selfish and irresponsible computer
user, well I own that. I guess if I ever start feeling like this is going to
cost me sleep or keep me out of heaven I will do as so many have suggested
and buy a Mac

I pay for monitoring of my credit so if someone tries or does open an

Interesting that you mention credit monitoring because just yesterday
there were news articles pointing out that credit monitoring is mostly
a waste of time and resources because the things that typically happen
don't affect a person's credit right away and may not affect a
person's credit record at all. It's mostly peace of mind rather than
actual protection. But again, you're obviously doing what you think is
important and what makes you comfortable.

To me it's worth the $10 a month to be able to see all 3 credit reports and
see if anything is going on. It's not for everyone.

 

[Alex Clayton]

I guess that's the selfish way to look at it. The other view is that I
don't want any of my machines used without my permission, period. I
don't want it to be part of a DDOS attack or any kind of botnet, etc.,
so I keep it updated. I consider it to simply be part of responsible
computing. If you don't, I guess that's ok.

That's me all right. I am big into the WIIFM.
If that makes me a selfish and irresponsible computer user I own that.

Interesting that you mention credit monitoring because just yesterday
there were news articles pointing out that credit monitoring is mostly
a waste of time and resources because the things that typically happen
don't affect a person's credit right away and may not affect a
person's credit record at all. It's mostly peace of mind rather than
actual protection. But again, you're obviously doing what you think is
important and what makes you comfortable.

As for credit monitoring to me it's well worth the $10 a month to be able to
see all 3 of my credit reports any time I wish for me. They also let me know
as soon as someone sets up any account, so if someone gets a line of credit
in my name I will know about it in days, not years later when the collection
people come looking. It's not for everyone. Since I am big on WIIFM, it's
something I use.

 

[Valorie *~]

One thing; Never, ever, let Winders updates do it's own driver updates. If
say, Nvidia has a new driver, then go to Nvidia's site, get the driver,
and install it. NEVER let Winders do ANY driver updates! ..EVER They have
a pathetic record of fowling their own operating system with driver
updates. ..Don't let anyone else tell you different. I personally have
suffered a complete OS crash over letting MS do it's own driver update. I
now NEVER, EVER, let MS Updates do a driver update. If I feel I need say,
a video driver update, I go the the video manufacturer's site, download
the driver and install it myself. Lord only knows why MS STILL can't get
it right, but let them do the driver install, and you will have nothing
but problems as a result, most likely. ..And as I have been sorely burned,
wind up, of course, reinstalling the OS over it. (Black screen of death)

How would I know if it's a driver update?

My God, how MS Os's SUCK! Really, one MUST consider trying out Linux! Go
to http://www.ubuntu.com/ download a copy of Ubuntu, burn it to a CD, and
boot it on your machine. ("Live CD") Try it out and see what you think.

Sorry but since my software wont work with Ubuntu and I have no PC tech to
call anymore I'll pass on a new OS.

It CAN'T catch a Winders virus, is WAY more secure and stable

than Winders, and well, just works. It does require just a bit of "Grey
matter" but not nearly as much as it used to. Give it a try, and see what
you think. I, personally, will NEVER use an MS OS as my MAIN stay, well,
unless they pull their heads outta their arse! Why risk security, and
reliability? ..Not a chance!

Can't make the change, or at least try it? Then SUFFER.. Only by trying
something different, will you be set FREE.

What good is an OS that wont work with my software? I'd suffer more.