undoing a mistake in Windows 10 Update,

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Hi–

I got a very clean Windows 10 computer several months ago in order to painfully make the switch from Windows 7. For awhile I let it sit. I got some help here and tried to follow the directions I received on 2/7/21. I made a mistake and clicked on something I thought was information only, but it started updating. In desperation I put it into airplane mode. One Drive was installed before I stopped the process. Now I have decided to bite the bullet and try to do some intelligent updating. I think that as soon as I try to connect to the internet, updating will resume. Supposedly Windows 10 has built in security so perhaps I won’t get any malware, etc. But I am always concerned. To save time, here are the updates on the computer:

5/27/20 KB4557968

9/12/20 Security update for Adobe Flash Player, KB4577266, KB4576478, KB4571756

Any advice on how to proceed from here is much appreciated. I know that a good thing to do is to back up the computer first. I could use more detailed help with that also. So far I have done nothing I wish to save.

By the way I have my doubts about OneDrive in general and haven’t used it for my Windows 7 computers.

Thank you! Heather

Windows 10 Pro 64 bit

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I dont think I can help you much but  if you DONT want those updates you can try using Wushowhide to hide  updates   and you can clear the Windows Update’s cache that are in this folder:

C:\<b>WINDOWS</b>\SoftwareDistribution\Download

after that you can try again Windows Update and see if it helps you.

This of course in case you haven’t installed those Updates you mention.

Just someone who don't want Windows to mess with its computer.

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hjf wrote:

I know that a good thing to do is to back up the computer first. I could use more detailed help with that also.

I would suggest that a good backup regimen (one that will completely restore your system) is your first priority.  Many here use drive imaging, as do I.  There are some very good free drive imaging programs available, which have the capability of creating a rescue disc/USB.  Macrium Reflect is one such, and there are more.

I use a Terabyte’s Image for Windows, which is not free, but regular drive imaging is something I highly recommend.  Do that before you start any updating.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We were all once "Average Users". We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do to our systems, we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

Computer Specs

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From what I can tell, those updates are for Sept. 2020, probably Win10 v2004.
One Drive is a built-in part of Win10, on every version. You can turn it off, choose not to use it.

If you disconnect the computer from the network, can you access the Desktop?
If so, in the search bar type winver and hit Enter.
Tell us what Edition (Home or Pro) and the Build number “nnnnn.xxx”
What recommendations we offer will depend on that.

It would also be helpful if you can give us the specs on the computer (CPU. RAM, Graphics, drive size, etc)

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to zaphyrus: Thank you for your thoughts. The updates I mentioned were installed before I bought the machine. I don’t know if there is a problem with them or not. I will leave them as they until I know more.

to bbearren: Thank you. In order to download an imaging program I think I would have to connect to the internet. I am afraid that my computer will continue to update as soon as I connect. Perhaps I will just have to do it anyway and take my chances. Is there any way to make a backup without having to connect to the internet? Even for a temporary backup?

to PKCano: Thank you too. I will just ignore OneDrive or turn it off.  I typed in winvir and unfortunately I am told that I must connect to the internet. I looked at system information, which says Windows 10 Pro copyright 2020 Microsoft Corporation. I just sent a message to the person I bought it from and perhaps he can figure out. Let me know if you have any other thoughts. I will also let you know if I hear anything from the person I bought it from.

Thank you again,

Heather

 

 

 

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hjf wrote:

to bbearren: Thank you. In order to download an imaging program I think I would have to connect to the internet. I am afraid that my computer will continue to update as soon as I connect. Perhaps I will just have to do it anyway and take my chances. Is there any way to make a backup without having to connect to the internet? Even for a temporary backup?

You’re connecting to the internet to post and reply.  Are you using a phone, or another PC?  If you’re using another PC, you can download something like Macrium Reflect to a USB drive, then plug that into your Windows 10 PC to install it.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We were all once "Average Users". We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do to our systems, we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

Computer Specs

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winver is a local command and shouldn’t require internet.
[ ‘i’ before ‘e’, except when checking Windows versions ]

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hjf wrote:

I typed in winvir and unfortunately I am told that I must connect to the internet.

Open a Command Prompt, type

slmgr /dlv

and hit Enter. You’ll get a popup with all sorts of info.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We were all once "Average Users". We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do to our systems, we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

Computer Specs

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(It would also be helpful if you can give us the specs on the computer (CPU. RAM, Graphics, drive size, etc)

Here are the specs on the computer: (BTW I am almost positive it was a Windows 7 computer with a changed-out OS).

Lenovo ThinkPad x201 Release Year 2010

CPU: 2.13 GHz
Processor: Intel i5
Ram: 4GB
HD: 500GB
Graphics Processing Type: Integrated/On-Board Graphics
GPU: Intel HD Graphics 4000

Not sure what  a drive size is. Happy to provide more info if needed.

Thank you,
Heather

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PaulK and PKCano: –winver worked!

Microsoft Windows 2004 (OS build 19041-508) copyright 2020

bbearran: I am on a different computer to post and reply. I will see about downloading  Macrium Reflect to a usb drive and uploading onto the Windows 10 computer.  I don’t know anything about imaging programs so I will use the one you suggest. Thanks!

Heather

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hjf wrote:

I will see about downloading Macrium Reflect to a usb drive and uploading onto the Windows 10 computer. I don’t know anything about imaging programs so I will use the one you suggest. Thanks!

Although I personally don’t use Macrium, I suggested it because many here do, and you can get plenty of excellent help on how to use it from AskWoody members.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We were all once "Average Users". We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do to our systems, we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

Computer Specs

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Update: I have to take a break now. Will let you all know how things progess. I am very hopeful! Sorry about spelling your name incorrectly, bbearren.

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To avoid problems from early versions of Microsoft patches, but still be relatively secure, since you have Windows 10 Pro, you can tell it to delay security patches by either 21 or 30 days. Never manually click “check for updates” instead let it take care of itself.  https://winbuzzer.com/2020/08/07/windows-10-how-to-pause-defer-or-delay-quality-and-feature-updates-xcxwbt/#How_to_Defer_or_Delay_Windows_10_Quality_Updates_for_the_Semi-Annual_Channel_with_Group_Policy_Editor

Windows 2004, 20H2 and 21H1 are all almost the same so I would use any of them without worry.

-BR

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AKB2000016 Guide for Windows Update Settings for Win10
Section 1 is General. The settings you will need for v2004 are in Section 5. There are screenshots below to show you where the Group Policy settings are located.

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Perhaps I am mistaken and if so I hope someone will correct me…

I do not think windows will resume a download that was interrupted by airplane mode (disconnect from internet ) if my assertion is correct, you are in no danger and can reconnect.

Just DO NOT click on “Check for updates”

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As you are mid-update, reconnect to the internet and let Windows finish updating. You won’t get any malware by allowing Windows to do this.

Backing up the computer is simple:
Buy a USB hard disk – like a Seagate One Touch 1TB.
Plug it into your PC.
Install one of the free backup apps. Try MiniTool ShadowMaker
Backup (image) to the USB disk.

cheers, Paul

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