• MS-DEFCON 3: Time to apply April’s Black Tuesday patches, but there are several caveats

    Posted on May 6, 2014 at 14:27 CDT by • Comment in the Forums

    I’ve been holding off, hoping that Microsoft would get its act together so I could give a blanket “go ahead and patch” signal. Ain’t gonna happen.

    With a few grizzly exceptions, last month’s patches look good to go. In general, now is a good time to run Windows Update and install any of the CHECKED updates, but there are exceptions.

    Windows 8.1 users: Go ahead and run KB 2919355, Windows 8.1 Update. Lots of people have problems installing the update, but it doesn’t look like a failed update causes any lasting damage. If you get an error code when installing the update, don’t get overly stressed: Look here to see if it’s been discussed, and post a comment, either on the Microsoft Answers Forum, or on AskWoody.

    Windows 8 users: You should weigh whether you want to get on the Windows 8.1 Update forced patch treadmill. If you have Windows 8, and haven’t yet installed Windows 8.1, it’d be smart to wait a few more weeks and see if Microsoft changes its mind about future patches for Windows 8.1.

    Windows 7 users: You’ll probably see KB 2952664 listed, but not checked. Unless you plan to perform an in-place upgrade from your current Windows 7 machine to Windows 8 or 8.1, I suggest that you make sure the box is unchecked, and that you don’t install KB 2952664.

    Internet Explorer 10 users: I still don’t see any overwhelming need to install IE 11. But I still see a lot of merit in using Firefox or Chrome.

    Everybody, including Windows XP users: Yes, go ahead and install the KB 2963983 patch to IE. 

    I think that covers all of the current problems. Nudge me in the comments if  you have other recommendations.

    So we’re at MS-DEFCON 3: Patch reliability is unclear, but widespread attacks make patching prudent. Go ahead and patch, but watch out for potential problems.

    Windows Patches/Security
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