Figured out Windows Update

[D-Dan]

Now, as most of you know, I don;t use Windows at home, though I do still have a Windows 7 VM, fully and independently licensed. I finally figured out how to ensure a successful Windows update.

1. Start the update. During the download stage, don’t look at the screen, except for the odd fleeting glance to check progress. If you watch it, it will stick at the same percentage ad-infinitum. On no account leave the room. When you return it will have failed.
2. Let it update. Exactly the same rules apply as to step 1.
3. The system will want to reboot. Do so. Whilst it is shutting down it will configure Windows update. However, it will configure exactly 30%, no more, and no less. Anything else will be a failed update.
4. Whilst restarting, it will continue configuring. It will start at 35%. I have no idea where the missing 5% goes, but it doesn’t seem to be important.
5. As with step 1, if you leave the room it will fail. If you watch it will carry on forever. Fleeting glances seem to be allowed.
6. Your system is updated.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[Dave Rice]

It’s far too easy to get all wound up about Windows updates, the cure is easy. Get it on W10 and leave it alone.

As you’ve heard me mention I look after a small charity with 20 PCs now and keep an eye on them remotely with Syspectr. I pop in every 2-3 days and if I see an update that needs doing and the PC is on I will force it because I might as well. Leave it to it’s own devices and the next time I look it’ll be sorted.

[D-Dan]

My work machine is Win 10, and I have to be extremely careful about updating that. The last three full updates have left the machine in a non-booting state and forced a rollback, which means attended updates only for that one.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[Dave Rice]

It’s funny how this happens for Linux fans ?

[Ed P]

Slight divert, but it does not warrant a full thread. Microsoft have just issued patches for XP, Windows Server 2003 and Vista! El Reg has the details

[D-Dan]

Not always. I had updates at work today that made it through. Took an hour, but hey, free hour at work.

However, I’ve had to pin it at 1507. Anything later honestly refuses to boot. I’m sure my machine doesn’t know about my disdain for Windows (I certainly haven’t said anything within earshot of it), and the H/W is much the same as others. The only differences will be in software, since I’m the only one doing my job, I’m the only one with specific (expensive) commercial software, so it could be that. However, software by Thomson Reuters, I expect to not be a problem on Windows. The only other unique software would be Moneysoft Payroll Manager which will, honestly, run on a calculator if you put the effort in.

 

EDIT: And for the record, as long as I looked at it, the percentage update stayed the same. Gaze out the window and glance once in a while, it had progressed. Watch it again, and nothing.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[Ed P]

Dan, it is often drivers that cause the sort of problem you are seeing.

Intel mobo chipset and network drivers are often the ones that cause problems. They do not show the yellow flag in the Device Manager but nevertheless  cause update problems. If you have either Intel chipset or network cards I would recommend installing the Intel Update Advisor and take it from there.

The other problem areas are graphics cards – ditto on updating and vm drivers.

 

[D-Dan]

The work machine is not a VM. It could, potentially, be an Intel driver issue. My issue is, if I update my Linux system, and I have a failed update, I can see exactly what failed, and concentrate in fixing that. MS, OTOH, has been hiding more and more of the system behind a pointless progress bar, meaning debugging failures is practically impossible.

Arch Linux, on a Ryzen 7 1800X, 32 GB, 5 (yes -5) HDs inc 5 SSDs, 4 RPi 3Bs + 1 RPi 4B - one as an NFS server with two more drives, PiHole (shut yours), Plex server, cloud server, and other random Pi stuff. Nice CoolerMaster case, 2 x NV GTX 1070 8GB, and a whopping 32" AOC 1440P monitor.

[Dave Rice]

It’s usually there if you look in the system logs. Most people never do.

[The Duke]

Since moving to 10 I really notice updates. A Couple  of the early ones messed up my sound input set up, but it’s not the run of the millet up. It’s made so my boy can record multiple inputs, his mic, games sounds, and Skype input on another channel. All running through a video capture software.

Windows decided to jumble the inputs up, and with one being a vertical input, it went to pot. Bit I didn’t blame ms, as it’s not a typical set up. And once I fixed the first time,the second tome a few weeks later took just minutes.

Though if it happens today, It would take me a good hour, as I can’t remember  how it’s set up.

Bit over all I’m happy with how ten performs. And if you leave your pc’s on, you never see the updates.

[Author]

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