IE patch KB 3139929: When a security update is not a security update

Topic

New Reply

This is a new low, even for Microsoft’s much-maligned “Get Windows 10” campaign. InfoWorld Woody on Windows Can any of you get the blue banner to trig
[See the full post at: IE patch KB 3139929: When a security update is not a security update]

Reply | Quote

Replies

They’re even lower than you give them credit for Woody it appears they made another one of those “mistakes”.

When I click on “More information” the link to KB3146449 redirects me to KB3144523. And simply hovering your cursor on the 6449 link shows you it’s redirecting you to another KB number.

These “mistakes” all seem to have a common denominator… you WILL install Windows 10!

Reply | Quote

It’s a nice little touch, isn’t it?

Reply | Quote

The correct link is: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3146449

Reply | Quote

The Moat is full, the Draw Bridge is up, the ramparts are manned, and the Ion cannon (a recent castle addition) is charged. WINDOWS 10, YOU WILL NOT ENTER !

Reply | Quote

Not wanting the adware installed resulted in missing out on critical security patches in IE. Now Microsoft will of course say it’s my fault. Then again, if I want a cup of coffee I want it without a giant wad of spit in it. Same thing. They should at least offer a clean version for offline install or something, along with an explanation why it’s necessary to resort to dirty tricks to get people to install Windows 10. Clean but vulnerable IE or soiled but secure IE, lovely choices. Nice Richard-move once again, Redmond.. And they wonder why people don’t like their products.. Let’s wait for next months patches, they probably infect Malicious Software Removal Tool, IE, .NET Framework, Flash for IE and MSE definitions by then. Things people normally install without any thought of being sold short. One can almost recommend not updating Windows 7 at all anymore, well done Redmond, well done.

Reply | Quote

I find it funny how they are ‘forcing’ win7 users to upgrade to win10 when service for win7 doesn’t end for another 4 years. I can understand in 2018, them forcing win7 users to upgrade, but come on, win7 still has 4 years left.

Reply | Quote

When I saw the IE11 cumulative security update non-security fixes description, I got that funny feeling that MS seems to uniquely inspire these days. I thought to myself; would they really start the Win 10 nonsense within a security update for IE11 or have I joined the tinfoil hat club. If this proves true, it seems to illustrate that MS is acting like the Win 7 and Win 8.1 EULAs can be abused in the same manner as with Win 10. A very sad direction indeed, if proven to be true!

Reply | Quote

Can’t make it happen on any of my machines. Thought Pro/Business/Ultimate might be exempt, but not on 2 Home Premiums either.
Maybe GWXCP disabling OS Upgrade keeps it out? All mine have OS Upgrade blocked.

Reply | Quote

Exactly correct. That’s a long time to go without a revenue stream. Every machine updated to Win 10 is now a revenue producer for MS.

Follow the money, it always leads to the truth.

Reply | Quote

I suspect some of that has happened already. Last night I realized I had not updated my workstation with Feb security updates. WU failed, I think because BITS service was stuck. I used the WU fixit and then (carefully!) installed only the security updates, hiding our friends 2664, etc.

All appeared well and nothing unsuspected was in the installed list. But later, looking at scheduled tasks, I saw two new tasks running gwx (which I was careful not to install). GWX control panel put a quick end to it, fortunately.

But where was the vector of infection. I can only suspect the WU fixit app. Of course, the NTSB may yet rule “pilot error” on this one.

Thanks Woody!

Reply | Quote

Oops, forgot to say target machine was Win 7 Pro, notify but let me decide.

Reply | Quote

Well, it’s time. Time to migrate everything I use Windows for to Linux. Time to port any VBA scripts I have in Excel over to Gambas and spit out CSV files I can open in Libre Office. Time to find other software to replace anything else I use Windows for. Either that, or unplug my cable modem every time I boot Windows. Thanks, Micro$oft. Now I can’t even do security updates in Windows without getting hit by malware. Enough is enough. It’s time to say goodbye.

Can’t wait for the day when I can give up using MS products at work, too. That day will come after I go into business for myself.

Reply | Quote

Woody,
I want to thank you for all the GREAT work you do that helps us Windows users prevent our laptops from getting bricked, BSOD, snooped-on, or upgraded not at our request.

MS has become such a misguided bunch that has no concept of being in touch with their customers.

I’m seriously considering moving to Apple with my next purchase. Yes, I know they are more expensive, BUT not having to spend hours each month figuring out what to install on my Win 7 machines would be time well saved.

We all owe you a sincere debt of gratitude.

Thanks again,
BG

Reply | Quote

I will not be installing this trojan. I will take my chances with the other hackers. For all I know, there is no security fix, it is only advertised as such so it can deliver the real payload. I think that it is designed to circumvent GWX Control Panel.

Still on Windows 8.1.

Reply | Quote

Currently windows 10 only have slightly more market shares than windows XP.

proof:
URL=https://www.netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx

So therefore M$ is aggressively trying to push 7 users to downgrade to windows 10.
I think it is mostly because M$ want to:
1) Sell windows 10 phones.
2) Getting Ads integrated in the OS.
3) Selling windows 10 phone apps on computers via M$-Store. Closing the open system that windows was.

And I think it likely will result with end for Microsoft. I see more and more people at my work shifting to different IT solutions than windows computers. And the trust in M$ seems to be almost completely gone by now.

Reply | Quote

This whole thing seems like a pretty clear-cut case of fraud, actionable in a court of law.

It’s been nice knowing ya, IE.

Reply | Quote

No on can accuse them of not committing to this shark jumping exercise.

It’s sad.

Reply | Quote

It’s a strategy that seems completely at odds with their mission statement

“Our vision is to create innovative technology that is accessible to everyone and that adapts to each person’s needs. Accessible technology eliminates barriers for people with disabilities and it enables individuals to take full advantage of their capabilities.”

—Bill Gates, Chairman, Microsoft Corporation

Reply | Quote

Good question – and I have no idea as to the answer.

I keep trying, sporadically, and haven’t come up with an instance yet.

My prediction: One of the Microsoft-connected bloggers will post something shortly that says it was all a mistake.

Reply | Quote

Woody
May I safely assume that when it comes time to run the monthly updates you will tell us what to do with KB3139929.
By that I mean should we leave it checked and run the update with it or uncheck it and hide it so it doesn’t get in with the updates?
I wonder because if we don’t update it we will be vulnerable to problems with Int Ex 11. I never use it but Windows does use it for some applications.
Thanks
Sam

Reply | Quote

I’m still weighing that. No rush – there are still no known exploits for the problems patched in that particular KB.

Reply | Quote

Woody could you help,
Just found out I have 13 Updates.
Security,.Net Framework.
Checked them out and the KB3139929 is at the top and the KB890830 is on the bottom. When viewed all updates are checked to be downloaded and installed.
You can Un-check them all only, or their all checked!
Tried to check and install just one update.It won’t let you just check one to be downloaded and installed. It’s all or nothing?
Is there something wrong my PC or is it me?
I use to be able to download and install what I selected. Is this W.10 again???
Thanks,
D.J.

Reply | Quote

Not sure why you’re in an all-or-nothing quandary, but we’re still at MS-DEFCON 2. It’s still way, way too early to install any of this month’s patches.

There are no known exploits for any of the patches. Sit tight, and don’t let Microsoft stampede you.

Reply | Quote

Woody, thanks for being the ultimate source regarding Microsoft’s sliming of W-7 users. You’d probably never get an answer, but I wish you’d ask someone at Microsoft why they are forcing W-10 down the throats of people who have hardware which will never support it. Intel support has stated many times in its forums that the graphics of Sandy Bridge (2nd Generation Core) and older will never be supported under W-10, not to mention that Intel left the motherboard business and is not planning to support W-10 on them. Microsoft should have made this an opt-in proposition or at least employ an upgrade advisor to verify if hardware will support it. It’s time to move to Linux.

Reply | Quote

Thanks Woody,
Did you look at the KB890830 ? That was an update from over a year ago and is not installed on this PC.
Do you think the GWX is not allowing the single selection??? We can hold out allot longer than most, Not installing anything!Just used as needed basis.
NOW THAT IT’S TAX TIME! Should the People be concerned about this??? When they load their Tax software and it always checks for updates??? If the Win. Download/Install auto updates are Off??? will it find the updates needed??? Are we now vulnerable???
Thanks,
D.J.

Reply | Quote

No idea what might happen around tax time. Of course, we’ve had blow-ups many times:

http://www.infoworld.com/article/2889295/microsoft-windows/20-epic-microsoft-windows-auto-update-meltdowns.html#slide4

http://www.infoworld.com/article/2889295/microsoft-windows/20-epic-microsoft-windows-auto-update-meltdowns.html#slide8

http://www.infoworld.com/article/2889295/microsoft-windows/20-epic-microsoft-windows-auto-update-meltdowns.html#slide13

Reply | Quote

Woody,
To let you know,
Just after sending that last post ( THEIR WATCHING )
For some reason all of a sudden,
I now can check just one update to install.
D.J.

Reply | Quote

Woody…

Since this malware came in a CUMULATIVE Update would I be correct in thinking every CUMULATIVE Update for IE going forward will contain it?

Isn’t that how CUMULATIVE updates work?

Reply | Quote

Highly likely. I’m hoping Microsoft will back off with the next CU but, as you say, it would mean that the next CU is not, literally, cumulative.

Reply | Quote

Is it safe to install any of the .NET FRAMEWORK 3.5.1,4.6.1
And the Malicious removal tools???
Thanks,
D.J.

Reply | Quote

The MSRT is always safe, as are the Windows Defender updates.

I wouldn’t touch any other March patches yet. Give them time to simmer.

Reply | Quote

How long is usually enough?

Reply | Quote

“The Internet is the computer” (Scott McNealy 1989)

Iran thought their air-gapped Uranium enrichment facilities were safe too… Until Stuxnet…

Reply | Quote

Michael,

Windows 10 phones are going nowhere, sure MS will push some ads through the OS and probably be as (un)successful as they were with Media Center. Their store will probably fail like their previous attempts in Media Player…

But the real money will come from selling your data to other advertisers.

I read from a reputable source (which alludes me now) that MS selling user data is worth $800+ per user, per year versus selling an operating system once every 3 years for $150. Hey they don’t care if you lose privacy or get spammed to death. They’re leaches and they suck! I can’t understand why anybody would move to 10.

Reply | Quote

I only ever use IE using https situation, so if I never update it again is it still a security risk?

If so maybe it’s the perfect time to remove the IE shortcut.

Reply | Quote

We need Gandalf”you shall not pass!”

Reply | Quote

An interesting one for the Office 2013 and Office 2016 updates this month, March 2016. Only the Security Updates are ticked by default, while the ‘other’ updates, which means the Critical Updates are not ticked and there are many of them. They do not get ticked even after installing the Security Updates, which means it is not an issue related to the installation order and dependencies. Again, this is only about Office updates.
It is something to raise an alert even for the early adopters of the updates. Here is once again best to follow Woody’s advice, if it is not ticked, don’t override and install.

Reply | Quote

So…how do I determine which 8.1 KBs are Windows Defender updates, which you’re saying are safe to download/install? Also, not to seem paranoid, but I’ve had to change my settings on my anti-virus program (McAfee) and delete Dell’s online store to avoid accidentally installing Windows 10 crap ware. I wish it were possible to successfully carry out a class action lawsuit against Microsoft about the forced/coerced updates, but from what I’ve read, anyone using Microsoft products has already agreed to arbitration. Regarding 10, as Sarah Connor said in “The Terminator”: “Look, I didn’t ask for this ‘honor’ and I DON’T WANT IT!”

Reply | Quote

Someone commented on this at ghacks, saying the malware patch won’t be installed if there’s a a no-upgrade entry in the registry. http://www.ghacks.net/2016/03/09/security-update-ms16-023-installs-new-get-windows-10-functionality/#comment-3833207
That would explain why it didn’t show afterwards on my computer, but I won’t try it again. Not worth the hassle, they baked it in there and a little registry entry is no match for the mighty Windows 10. I will wait for a clean security patch.

Reply | Quote

As previously noted, I’ve already given up on Microsoft & Windows. I keep checking in here because it’s like watching a Greek tragedy.

Just a thought but … Maybe the community of Windows users could get someone like Donald Trump interested in this ?

Reply | Quote

HA! My hands are small, but I still give a good hug….

Reply | Quote

You don’t need to download, install, or even touch Windows Defender and MSRT updates. They install themselves, even if they appear in the Windows Update listing.

I don’t have a very high opinion of McAfee. The software. McAfee himself is a fascinating, if somewhat deranged, fellow!

Reply | Quote

Yes, it’s a security risk. Even if you never touch IE, there are parts of it baked into Windows. You have to upgrade to IE 11 (if you’re using Win7 or 8.1) and keep IE patched, to protect your machine.

Reply | Quote

That’s what the “MS-DEFCON” rating on this site is all about. When it goes to 3 or 4 or 5, you should read the caveats, and then install outstanding patches.

Usually by the end of the month we have a pretty good idea what’s screwing up and what’s working OK. You need to patch every month, but you don’t need to do it by Microsoft’s timetable.

Reply | Quote

If you do not have KB3123862 installed, you do not get the blue banner in IE11 after installing KB3139929. If you have KB3123862 installed I’d say uninstall and hide it now because we do not know what else MS has in mind for this code.

The elephant in the room is MS embedding KBs inside other KBs. A security KB Trojan is an unsavory act. Is this an attempt by MS to make scripts like GWX Control Panel ineffective?

Reply | Quote

“McAfee himself is a fascinating, if somewhat deranged, fellow!”

Hahahah! Have you seen his YouTube video on how to uninstall McAfee A/V? Hysterical!

Reply | Quote

‘You need to patch every month, but you don’t need to do it by Microsoft’s timetable.’ that is precisely why patch tuesday needs to be abolished. No other os maker, that I know of, updates using the ‘patch tuesday’ style anymore. Seriously the way I see it, there is one day going to be one heck of a vulnerability, & microsoft will be like, “Nah, we’ll wait till patch tuesday.” While all the windows users get all sorts of problems.

Reply | Quote

Sorry Woody but can you clarify that please?

Are you saying that the regular MSRT update that appears every month in the important updates list can be ignored and presumably hidden, because it will be installed automatically anyway? Is that the case with Windows 7?

Reply | Quote

It’s also suggested on Windows 7 Help forum that the offending banner will only pop up if you have KB3123862 installed in addition to KB3146449 via the IE11 security update.That’s an update that most who have studiously avoided the W10 nagware will have hidden.

http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/392894-beware-kb3139929-2.html

Reply | Quote

I don’t know what happens if you hide MSRT or Windows Defender updates. Never tried it.

What I do know is that unchecking the “install” box on either or both doesn’t stand in the way of their getting installed – they install whether the box is checked or not. I also know (from personal experience) that disabling Windows Update does NOT prevent the MSRT or Windows Defender updates from installing. That’s good news.

What I don’t know – and I’m very concerned about – is whether disabling Windows Update entirely has some other, unknown (possibly undocumented) ill effect.

Reply | Quote

Ya gotta… I want to say “like the guy” but I don’t think “like” is quite the right word.

Reply | Quote

Has anybody taken a screen shot of the banner? I’d sure like to see it.

Reply | Quote

Today is a dark day for me, because my ultimate OS contingency plan has failed. Linux Mint 17.3 Cinnamon updated to the latest patches (and absolutely not the hacked and trojaned ISO; I know because I in-place updated from 17.1), installed on a high end Dell Windows XP laptop (that once was my insider Windows 10 testing machine until Windows 10 updates would no longer install–probably a deprecated driver issue) crashed solid while trying to use the machine to run school curriculum software.

It should be obvious to the people in the know, especially after Ed Bott’s Microsoft earnings report, that Windows is not as important to Microsoft as it once was. Microsoft’s focus and values have changed over the years.

It feels to me that Microsoft is behaving like every other sysadmin that I’ve ever known. (For those who don’t understand what I’m getting at think of the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland.) Like dumb terminals connected to the mainframe, like nodes on a LAN, like VPN connections to an IaaS, cable boxes on a cable network, Microsoft is treating our machines as their machines in the same way a sysadmin views every node a part of their network.

You can fire a sysadmin for not following best practices, but the only way to fire Microsoft is to change to a competitive OS and ecosystem. And I thought I had found my Nirvana in Linux Mint, but its failure has wrecked my world in an unspeakable way.

(FYI: I think the crash in Mint is due to Flash, but since it’s required by the curriculum I have to make Flash work.)

Reply | Quote

Daniel,

The last OS Bill oversaw was the launch of XP in 2001. He no longer has any say in the direction of Microsoft although I’m sure he retains the key to the executive restroom for posterity. Original founder Steve Ballmer took over after Gates and retired in 2014. Microsoft’s current CEO is Satya Nadella otherwise known as Satin.

Quote something more relevant.

Reply | Quote

(Correction) Satan

Reply | Quote

I haven’t seen it in the wild, and haven’t received a screenshot from anyone else.

It’s possible that Microsoft has yet to pull the trigger.

No reason to install 3139929 yet! There are still no known exploits for it.

Reply | Quote

Just passing this along for what it is worth; Susan Bradley in her “patch management” letter is recommending that KB3139929 be installed when offered by WU. She does note the Win 10 malware payload that might be included in the Cum IE11 security update but seems to feel the security patch is more important. Personally, I think she is being a bit too casual about this as without any real documentation regarding the Win 10 non-security bits being installed, I prefer waiting and watching for info about what might occur. I also feel that MS is really crossing the line here to the point where I may start reviewing the EULA for Win 8.1. MS is denying users the “quiet enjoyment” implicit in the licensing of their OS for personal use. Tucking adware or a Win 10 installer initialization in a cumulative security update for the browser is a sure sign that they will push the envelope as far as they think they can get away with legally.

Reply | Quote

Susan’s observations are directed at a different audience from mine. We routinely disagree on all sorts of things. (She’s usually right, I’m usually wrong.) That said, I agree with you – I haven’t seen any pressing reason to install 3139929 and even if something should come up, I’d have to think long and hard before recommending it for installation.

Reply | Quote

Woody, I have sent you an email where you will see a screenshot of the blue banner on IE11. Scroll down a bit in the link I provided and you will see it.

Reply | Quote

In Windows 10 earlier version 10240 Windows Defender definition updates were in the history list of updates. Now in 1511 and after they are not there even if the definition updates are still installed behind the scenes.

Reply | Quote

@woody ‘Susan’s observations are directed at a different audience from mine’
This is the relevant phrase. Otherwise you are both right 🙂

Reply | Quote

Woody…

Reading through the posts in the ghacks link Bobo provided there’s mention that the Win 10 banner that gets added to IE is listed as an Add-on that can be disabled. If that’s the case installing the CU may not be such a terrifying option.

If you ever receive a screenshot Woody please ask the sender if they’re able to disable it from the Add-ons… I’m fairly sure I’m not the only one interested in that answer.

Reply | Quote

Will do. I’ll see if I can get the ghacks trick to work.

Reply | Quote

Thanks!

Alas, it’s a shot of msn.com. The folks at msn.com have been showing banner ads for Windows 10 since last August, if memory serves.

I’m looking for a different kind of ad. It appears in blue at the top of new IE tabs. Still haven’t found one yet. I’m starting to think that Microsoft built the technology into the 3139929 patch, saw the overwhelmingly negative reaction, and decided not to use it.

Reply | Quote

I’d like to know if this list of MS ‘patches’ to not install(or hacks, whatever you want to call them) is complete, or too many:

2952664, 2976978 2977759, 3021917, 3022345, 3035583, 3068708, 3075249,3080149, 3083324, 3090045, 3112343, 3136449, 3123862, 3146449

Reply | Quote

I’ve tried hard to avoid recommending any specific list. Why? Most people don’t have the time or the interest to go back and fix what’s been broken – and there are varying perspectives as to what is “broken” anyway.

My approach is to go forward with just a few simple rules:

1. Wait. Don’t install any patches until there’s been a sufficient time to see if they’re causing any problems. That’s what this site is all about – and has been for many years.

2. In the future, only install security patches for Win7 and 8.1. Don’t install optional patches. Every time I change the “MS-DEFCON” level, I include detailed instructions.

3. Run GWX Control Panel frequently.

That’s pretty simple, and it’s a formula just about anybody can follow – along with a few nudges when the MS-DEFCON level changes.

That said, other folks with “bad patch” lists should feel most welcome to post them here. I’d be happy to pass them on.

Reply | Quote

@Pronounce,

My sympathies re: your crashed Linux system. What you are experiencing is what keeps a lot of ordinary users awake at night, literally, every time patch tuesday approaches (W7 and W8.1, forget about auto updates in W10): a work dependent OS just imploding. Not good.

That said…without being too paranoid, just allowing MSFT access to your high end Dell previously with W10 insider, I just wonder what background role they may have played in causing the Linux crash? Does any system ever get wiped clean? Or, how safe is a “safe VM environment”?
Given MS’s recent ad ware inclusion in their security updates the door is now wide open regarding speculation.
MS has brought this on themselves, but more importantly, it’s users that are paying the price.

Reply | Quote

I never use IE or MSN, so when I saw the article and the screenshot I assumed (incorrectly) that it was it. I read a few posts where small businesses said they got hit by the ad for W10 in IE11 (alas no screenshots though) so maybe they were the only target group this time around. The KB does state ‘some computers’.

You are probably right about it being a ‘watch this space’ type of patch. Their first trial balloon just got shot down so it will be interesting to see if they continue as is.

Reply | Quote

Check for effects on updating Windows Store Apps.

Reply | Quote

My opionion of Linux Mint has been posted elsewhere at AskWoody.

Bottom line is, Linux Mint is inherently unstable, does not have the latest kernel and security updates, routinely blacklists important stability and security updates, and has other unnamed issues (in the articles I’ve read).

I have the resources in my laptop to run a dual-boot of Widnows 10 Pro 64-bits and 64-bit full Ubuntu Linux, and despite vexing hybrid graphics issues, I can keep the system fairly stable with most apps not crashing (inclufing Flash Player and plugins for Chrome Browser and Firefox Browser) for months at a time.

In the event of catastrophe, I always do biweekly backups (images) of the Linux partition using bootable Clonezilla Live, so I never lose much work when/if things go south with Ubuntu.

Mint users should take such precautions even more seriously, as that fork of thwe Ubuntu branch of Debian Linux tends to be more unstable than full Ubuntu.

Reply | Quote

Sorry, I don’t quite understand. What should I check on Windows Store Apps?

Reply | Quote

Is there any information about the Office 2013 updates for Marc 2016 available? As mentioned in the previous post, the Office Update are not ticked and I am wondering if it is only throttling on Windows Update or there are doubts about their reliability within Microsoft. I don’t remember seeing this behaviour recently.

Reply | Quote

Woody, Following your earlier recommendation I downloaded GWX Control Panel and selected the option to have the GWX Control Panel Monitor enabled and running. Subsequently you have urged frequently “running the GWX Control Panel”. I don’t see an option to “run” it when I open the program. What am I missing here?

HT

Reply | Quote

Woody, I’ve been catching up on your posts and found the answer to my question! TY.

Reply | Quote

Woody, I’ve been catching up on your posts and found them very useful. I’d like to known if I only use IE to open one site that I know is safe every month, is it ok to not install the KB3139929 or any other that may have another “improvement” inside when MS relase the next updates?

Thnx

Reply | Quote

You need to keep IE 11 updated because Windows uses it for things other than browsing. That said, we’re still on MS-DEFCON 2, and there’s no reason to install any of the latest patches.

Reply | Quote

I’m running Win 7 home premium SP1. I just ran IE to verify that I have IE 11 (I never use IE, so I wasn’t sure what version was installed). I do have IE 11, but before I could exit the browser, I got a full page ad for Windows 10. I’ve had GWX Control Panel running in monitor mode for weeks, so I checked it. It shows no trace of any of the Win 10 paraphernalia. I also searched my installed updates for 3139929, and it’s not installed. I follow the articles on your website carefully, but don’t remember seeing anything like this reported. Thanks for keeping us informed about MS’s shenanigans, and your other articles as well.

Reply | Quote

99.999% chance that the ad you saw was on msn.com – the default home page for IE. That’s generated by msn.com, not by IE.

Reply | Quote

Woody,

Susan Bradley’s article (paywall, really?) states in part, “(Note: Even with March’s cumulative IE update installed, the GWX Control Panel Tool (site) will still block the Win10 update.)”

She is clearly referring to her first paragraph.

Do we know that GWX-CP is capable of disbling/removing KB3146449? How do you pull off something like that: an embedded KB that doesn’t register itself? I don’t recall seeing anything new from JM or you in the past week.

The possibility of ads via IE isn’t nearly as onerus as avoiding a forced “upgrade”. That’s rightly the focus right now. Evidence hasn’t surfaced that 3146449 might be a hassle. Maybe MS changed their end of the “telemetric waveform” last weekend on that one, too. Certainly, the immediate feedback was clear and should have been expected.

How hard would it be to put a nice little banner or popup into the next “security” upgrade to Windows Media Player or Microsoft “Security” Essentials? Care to change your home page? We can do that, too!

Reply | Quote

Now that I think of it, you’re right. Since I never use IE, I wouldn’t have changed the homepage. Thanks.

Reply | Quote

What Susan says is quite correct.

GWX Control Panel sets the proper bits in the registry to prevent installation of Windows 10.

The IE patch doesn’t install Win10. All it does is (reportedly) put an ad for Win10 at the top of new tabs. That’s it. And we haven’t even seen the ad yet.

The IE patch isn’t an installer. It doesn’t even change the Windows Update channel to make it easier to install Win10. All it does is show an ad. That’s preposterous for a security update, but GWX Control Panel can handle it.

Reply | Quote

OK, I’m a little late to the party on this update. When I discovered it, I went back & uninstalled it. Sometime last month. Today I’m scrounging around & noticed that it is listed as successful in windows update history. However, it is not listed in installed, nor hidden.

HDD search shows these two files of interest:
1) C:WindowsSystem32catroot2dberr.txt
The above file looks like a log file of sorts. I am not remotely familiar with it. This line is the part that mentions 3139929. There are 27 more listed of similar nature. “Package_for_KB3139929~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~6.3.1.1.cat.”
2) C:WindowsservicingSessions30505906_2322238793.xml
above file lists 3139929 as absent.

I almost never use IE. I’ve kept it around because I might use it when FireFox acts up, which is rare. I also have AdBlockPlus installed on it as the only add-on.

Running on Win8.1 64-bit home.

Any feedback would be much appreciated, thanks.

Reply | Quote