Ableton Forum

I've just done a clean install of XP. It's from february this year.

I turned automatic updates ON in the set-up process. But now I'm having second thoughts.

What are the pros and cons of automatic updates? Do I really need them, or will they bloat the system unnecessarily, adding MS backdoors, whatever?

If so, can I roll the process back without re-installing the enstire system?

You better install them, they are security updates for the most part.

I don't have internet on my audio pc... don't want it.
Have installed service pack 2 and thats it

lola wrote:I don't have internet on my audio pc... don't want it.
Have installed service pack 2 and thats it

same here. all updates till SP2 and no internet/lan connection.

There is a lot of krap coming trough automatic updates, not only security patches.

Must turn it off with some other services for audio production

- Install XP w/o an internet connection.
- Disable Automatic updates.
- Connect your Ethernet.
- Run windows update until EVERYTHING is up to date.


If you get an update from automatic updates, and then go to Windows/Microsoft update, it may create some pain in the ass issues for you. Trust me on this one.

If you have already got an update from automatic updates, only use auto updates until it's done.

blank wrote:There is a lot of krap coming trough automatic updates, not only security patches.

Must turn it off with some other services for audio production

I don't understand what you're saying in the second line?

kaffein wrote:- Install XP w/o an internet connection.
- Disable Automatic updates.
- Connect your Ethernet.
- Run windows update until EVERYTHING is up to date.


If you get an update from automatic updates, and then go to Windows/Microsoft update, it may create some pain in the ass issues for you. Trust me on this one.

If you have already got an update from automatic updates, only use auto updates until it's done.

I seem to be on par now. You're saying I should turn it off?

I must admit I'd like to use the 'net while on Windows. If nothing else, it's needed for updates, confirming program installations, etc.

Use one or the other, not both together.

kaffein wrote:Use one or the other, not both together.

I'm a Windows noob (long time Mac user), so please pardon me for being slow here. 'Both' - so there are two updating systems, automatic updates and Windows update? I'm booted in OSX right now, so can't check.

One is a shell based updater like OSX has, but you can't force it to check for updates, and it will check on it's own schedule...
The other is a web based updater.

In the PC repair world, when you want to do a reinstall as quick as possible, you disable the auto updater immediately, and then proceed to use the web based updater. (Or make a fully up to date disc with all the updates slipstreamed... Of course you have to keep updating it, so for the most part have a disc with the last service pack)

it is dangerous to have it online without installing all the updates...
getting it completely up to date makes no impact on any audio program...
you might want to look at the various sites which tell you how to strip it down..
heres one http://lifehacker.com/374376/trim-down- ... essentials
a more music based one might be more helpful n all...

er nm...

kaffein wrote:One is a shell based updater like OSX has, but you can't force it to check for updates, and it will check on it's own schedule...
The other is a web based updater.

In the PC repair world, when you want to do a reinstall as quick as possible, you disable the auto updater immediately, and then proceed to use the web based updater. (Or make a fully up to date disc with all the updates slipstreamed... Of course you have to keep updating it, so for the most part have a disc with the last service pack)

Okay, to close this topic down (at least for me): are there *any* of the updates since SP2 that are to be considered bad or unnecessary when using Windows strictly for audio and internet? How about SP3?

If you are going to connect your PC to the internet or any other network as well you should load the latest Service Pack before connecting it. Otherwise, your machine is already infected. Good luck and have fun!