Windows Update

Few days ago I posted about early beta build of Windows Vista SP2 being released to private beta testers, and as usual we now have a simple hack which allows users to get their hands on this pre-build of Windows Vista Service Pack 2 before everybody else directly from Windows Update servers.

To enable the early download access hack simply follow the procedure as described:

Microsoft has forced Autopatcher to close, but here is a little known but handy service "WindizUpdate" which allows you to update windows without visiting the MS site, I am yet to test the service but basically it allows you to update your computer without IE and without transferring any personally identifiable information from your computer, few more advantages of using the service are listed on the WindizUpdate website, in future the service plans to provide driver updates along with windows update.

Microsoft is doing it again, users are reporting stealth updates at Microsoft Windows XP and Vista forums, files are getting updated without consent and even while Windows Update is turned off.

The new update has the version number 7.0.6000.381,A user Dean-Dean at the Microsoft forum states:

"Windows Update Software 7.0.6000.381 is an update to Windows Update itself. It is an update for both Windows XP and Windows Vista. Unless the update is installed, Windows Update won't work, at least in terms of searching for further updates. Normal use of Windows Update, in other words, is blocked until this update is installed."

Dean-Dean names several files that are changed on XP and Vista as below:

In XP, the following files are updated:

1. cdm.dll
2. wuapi.dll
3. wuauclt.exe
4. wuaucpl.cpl
5. wuaueng.dll
6. wucltui.dll
7. wups.dll
8. wups2.dll
9. wuweb.dll