If you already have the Win 10 icon in your Win 7 system tray, look for "View installed updates" and follow the instructions to TRY to uninstall it. More on uninstalling it, if this doesn't work, is given in various places on the net.

Useful advice. If you want to uninstall something, look elsewhere for help.

On Windows 7:
Start->All Programs->Windows Update->View updates history->Installed Updates, wait for the screen to populate, type in the KBxxxxxxxx number in the search bar. Type it starting with KB. When the correct update shows in the screen, click it to uninstall it. You can do multiple after each other, just click that you reboot later between uninstalls.

Windows 8.1 probably has it the same way. You'll just have to search for Windows Update.

---

KB3083710 is a re-release of KB3065987 on Windows 7, which enables you to block Windows 10 upgrade updates via group policy.

Last week, KB3083710 showed up as an Optional update. I didn't install it. This morning when I checked for updates, it showed up as an Important update. Guess Microsoft didn't get enough takers when it was only optional. ;^) (And I'm still not gonna bite unless they expand their KB description!)

---

More of the same... Beware, beware...


In 2015, your Windows PC can be owned by opening a spreadsheet

Patch your Microsoft and Adobe software today – like, right now...

... Don't forget to check to see if your Microsoft Windows patches include KB3035583, KB3083710 and possibly others, which will try to get you to install Windows 10 by stealth.



Move along?

IT is what we choose it to be,
Martin

---

See new freedom: Mageia Linux
Take a look for yourself: Linux Format
The Future is what We all make IT (GPLv3)

Thanks Rob for the update removal batch file, works like a charm and saves my failing eyesight sorting through 200 installed updates.

---

"Sour Grapes make a bitter Whine." <(0)>

[quote]If you already have the Win 10 icon in your Win 7 system tray, look for "View installed updates" and follow the instructions to TRY to uninstall it. More on uninstalling it, if this doesn't work, is given in various places on the net.

"Useful advice. If you want to uninstall something, look elsewhere for help."

Sorry you took offense at my post intended to help prevent a Win 10 icon from being installed on Win 7. I posted what I KNEW would work to help others as I went thru it myself step by step. I did NOT post "uninstall" info as I could not verify it would work. I think THAT is a good policy. :)

---

River Song (aka Linda Latte on planet Earth)
"Happy I-Phone girl on the GO GO GO"

Great news! Windows 10 updates are now being enforced on people's systems.
From GHacks.net:

****
Two new types of Windows 10 upgrade messages appeared lately on systems running previous versions of Windows. The first displayed as a timer counting down from 60 minutes giving users options to start the upgrade process or reschedule it (but not disable it).

    It's almost time for your upgrade

    Save your work and leave your PC plugged in and turned on. Your PC might restart several times during the upgrade and it might take a while. We'll let you know when it's done.

    Starting the upgrade in

The second displayed only the option to start the Windows 10 upgrade process after searching for updates using Windows Update (again with no option to stop the process).

    Your upgrade to Windows 10 is ready.

    You need to restart your Pc to being the installation. This might take a while, but we'll let you know when it's done.

Both are reported by the creator of GWX Control Panel, a free program for Windows to block the upgrade to Windows 10 on user systems.
****

****
Workarounds

There is a couple of things that affected users can do to prevent the upgrade from happening in first place.

1. Stop the Windows Update Service. While this blocks the upgrade for the time being, it is not the best solution as it blocks you from receiving updates for your operating system.
2. Use System Restore to revert back to a previous system state. This is one of the better options provided that a System Restore point is available. To run System Restore, tap on the Windows-key, type cmd and hit enter. Type rstrui.exe and hit enter again to open the System Restore interface on the system. System Restore is not turned on by default on newer versions of Windows.
3. Restore a backup or system snapshot that you have created with third-party programs.

So why is this happening?

It is unclear right now how widespread the enforcement of the upgrade is and whether it is a bug, test or on-purpose turning of the screws by the company in an effort to get more systems upgraded to Windows 10.

To give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt, it is possible that this is a bug that is affecting only some systems. While that is not really reassuring to affected users, I find it unlikely that Microsoft enforces upgrades to a new version of Windows without user consent.
****

Also at ZDNet:
I've come across unconfirmed reports that using System Restore to take the system back to a point before September 15 will get people out of the jam, although the fly in the ointment here is that Windows 8.1 no longer generates automatic restore points by default, and they can only be created manually.

Only last month it was revealed that Microsoft was quietly downloading the Windows 10 installer files -- many gigabytes in size -- to users who had not asked for the, just in case they decided they wanted to upgrade.

It seems that Microsoft is desperate to get laggards who are still running Windows 7 and Windows 8 onto Windows 10, but there's a fine line between being enthusiastic about a new operating system and behaving like you own every PC running Windows, and I think that in this case that line has been crossed.

---

Do not install (KB3035583) (GWX), again, or it will change back the regkeys to allow W10 upgrade again.

Actually, half of those registry keys aren't installed by KB3035583 but by others. I know, because even though I have the 11th version of KB3035583 installed, I have nothing in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade

I do have OSUpgradeState (value 1) and OSUpgradeStateTimeStamp in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade\State

Also, if you truly do not want to have the Windows 10 installation, you'd better use KB3083710 (update for KB3065987) on Windows 7 or KB3083711 (update for KB3065988) on Windows 8.1 to add the Turn off the upgrade to the latest version of Windows through Windows Update option in Local Group Policy Editor->Computer Configuration->Administrative Templates->Windows Components->Windows Update.

Enables or disables the upgrade to the latest version of Windows through Windows Update.

If you enable this setting, Windows Update will not offer you an upgrade to the latest version of Windows.

If you disable or do not configure this setting, Windows Update might offer an upgrade to the latest version of Windows.

But then, this is Microsoft who ignore what your preferences are. You have not reserved Windows 10 but will get it anyway. Do you really think they'll let one or two register keys, or lack thereof, be in the way of the Windows update that you know you won't be able to say no to?

---

OMG, this Win 10 "force it down your throat" is getting totally out of hand! Time for a different OS?

---

River Song (aka Linda Latte on planet Earth)
"Happy I-Phone girl on the GO GO GO"

OMG, this Win 10 "force it down your throat" is getting totally out of hand! Time for a different OS?

I've converted from Win10 to Linux Mint on 4 out of my 5 crunchers. One machine is Win10 only because my kids use it for gaming.

---

Great news! Windows 10 updates are now being enforced on people's systems.
From GHacks.net:

****
Two new types of Windows 10 upgrade messages appeared lately on systems running previous versions of Windows. The first displayed as a timer counting down from 60 minutes giving users options to start the upgrade process or reschedule it (but not disable it).

    It's almost time for your upgrade

    Save your work and leave your PC plugged in and turned on. Your PC might restart several times during the upgrade and it might take a while. We'll let you know when it's done.

    Starting the upgrade in

The second displayed only the option to start the Windows 10 upgrade process after searching for updates using Windows Update (again with no option to stop the process).

    Your upgrade to Windows 10 is ready.

    You need to restart your Pc to being the installation. This might take a while, but we'll let you know when it's done.

Both are reported by the creator of GWX Control Panel, a free program for Windows to block the upgrade to Windows 10 on user systems.
****

****
Workarounds

There is a couple of things that affected users can do to prevent the upgrade from happening in first place.

1. Stop the Windows Update Service. While this blocks the upgrade for the time being, it is not the best solution as it blocks you from receiving updates for your operating system.
2. Use System Restore to revert back to a previous system state. This is one of the better options provided that a System Restore point is available. To run System Restore, tap on the Windows-key, type cmd and hit enter. Type rstrui.exe and hit enter again to open the System Restore interface on the system. System Restore is not turned on by default on newer versions of Windows.
3. Restore a backup or system snapshot that you have created with third-party programs.

So why is this happening?

It is unclear right now how widespread the enforcement of the upgrade is and whether it is a bug, test or on-purpose turning of the screws by the company in an effort to get more systems upgraded to Windows 10.

To give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt, it is possible that this is a bug that is affecting only some systems. While that is not really reassuring to affected users, I find it unlikely that Microsoft enforces upgrades to a new version of Windows without user consent.
****

Also at ZDNet:
I've come across unconfirmed reports that using System Restore to take the system back to a point before September 15 will get people out of the jam, although the fly in the ointment here is that Windows 8.1 no longer generates automatic restore points by default, and they can only be created manually.

Only last month it was revealed that Microsoft was quietly downloading the Windows 10 installer files -- many gigabytes in size -- to users who had not asked for the, just in case they decided they wanted to upgrade.

It seems that Microsoft is desperate to get laggards who are still running Windows 7 and Windows 8 onto Windows 10, but there's a fine line between being enthusiastic about a new operating system and behaving like you own every PC running Windows, and I think that in this case that line has been crossed.

Greetings Jord,

My original speculation:

Micro$oft: ALL PCs in the world running Window$ now belong to us. If you want to continue using 'OUR' PCs then you will be required to open an account with us using a valid credit card*. We will take your money once a year so you can continue to use 'OUR' PCs. This is not optional, this is mandatory.
* Cash, debit and gift cards will not be accepted. Credit cards only.

Hmm Looks like my speculation was a bit closer to reality than I suspected... :)

Keep on BOINCing...! :)

---

CAPT Siran d'Vel'nahr - L L & P _\\//
Winders 11 OS? "What a piece of junk!" - L. Skywalker
"Logic is the cement of our civilization with which we ascend from chaos using reason as our guide." - T'Plana-hath

My original speculation:

Micro$oft: ALL PCs in the world running Window$ now belong to us. If you want to continue using 'OUR' PCs then you will be required to open an account with us using a valid credit card*. We will take your money once a year so you can continue to use 'OUR' PCs. This is not optional, this is mandatory.
* Cash, debit and gift cards will not be accepted. Credit cards only.

As one who doesn't have a credit card then that will mean I say "Bye Bye Windows". That being the case it would be "Hello Linux". But I will cross that bridge when it has to be crossed - although I may set up a test rig just to see what issues I will encounter (I can see one just now, and that is the lack of a decent 3d CAD system that runs under reliably under Linux, and picks up native Acad & SolidWorks models properly)

---

Bob Smith
Member of Seti PIPPS (Pluto is a Planet Protest Society)
Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?

OMG, this Win 10 "force it down your throat" is getting totally out of hand! Time for a different OS?

I've converted from Win10 to Linux Mint on 4 out of my 5 crunchers. One machine is Win10 only because my kids use it for gaming.

A smart man you be... :) May I ask, I'm totally unaware of how user friendly Linux is or the availabliity of software for it. Any help on that? Others here may be thinking as I am. :)

---

River Song (aka Linda Latte on planet Earth)
"Happy I-Phone girl on the GO GO GO"

Some advice to anyone considering upgrading to Windows 10 - DON't! Last night, while I was doing some accounting, I got a critical error message (start menu and Cortana have failed, restarting the system and will try to recover). Thing is I've gotten that message 3 times before on all three of the systems I upgraded to Windows 10. When you try to repair the installation, it errors out with different "critical errors" but doesn't give any detail so you can look for solutions on the Microsoft forums. After 9 repairs, on 3 machines, I'm done with Microsoft. I've run Windows since version 3.0 but no more. Apologies to my wingpersons, but I've download SUSE Linux and will be upgrading all my machines as time permits. No way to save the BOINC directory under Windows as Linux won't recognize the data.

Bill Gates needs to come out of retirement and take his company back from the pin heads who now run it. I've gotten tired of speaking with some Indian/Pakistani at Microsoft who can't fix the problem and you have a hard time understanding their broken English. Worst part is, they get mad when you ask them to repeat their statement because you're having a hard time understanding what they're trying to say.

---

If you can grab the data SETI data folders from your PCs, you may be lucky and be able to re-instate it on them after you do the change to Linux.

Good luck.

---

Bob Smith
Member of Seti PIPPS (Pluto is a Planet Protest Society)
Somewhere in the (un)known Universe?

May I ask, I'm totally unaware of how user friendly Linux is or the availability of software for it. Any help on that? Others here may be thinking as I am. :)

Well, installing something like Ubuntu or Mint is very simple. There are thousands of software packages available for Linux, and if your needs are simple like mine, the transition is pretty painless. If you're into gaming or need specialized software, things can get a bit dicey. As far as SETI, there are several very knowledgeable and helpful people here who have helped me to get things running smoothly.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2918397/how-to-get-started-with-linux-a-beginners-guide.html

If you can grab the data SETI data folders from your PCs, you may be lucky and be able to re-instate it on them after you do the change to Linux.

No, that won't work. Because of the change of the operating system all tasks registered under Windows will be discarded of and new work will have to be downloaded.

He'll more than likely will get new hostIDs as well, with new names. More than enough reasons for BOINC to issue new work.

---

From this Arstechnica article, Windows 10 upgrade installing automatically on some Windows 7, 8 systems, an answer by Microsoft:

For the first year of its availability, Windows 10 is available for free to most Windows 7 and 8 users, and Microsoft has been trying to coax those users to make the switch by delivering the operating system through Windows Update. Until now, the OS has been delivered as an optional update; while Windows Update gives it prominent positioning, it shouldn't be installed automatically.

This system has already generated some complaints, as Windows Update will download the sizeable operating system installer even if you don't intend to upgrade any time soon, but, over the last couple of days, the situation seems to have become a little more aggressive. We've received a number of reports that people's systems are not merely downloading the installer but actually starting it up.

Our own testing shows that, yes, the optional update is getting chosen by default, and that's not supposed to happen to optional updates.

For those not wanting to make the switch to Windows 10 just yet, all is not lost; the installer does require human intervention to actually proceed, so you won't run the risk of waking up to find your PC running a different operating system. If you're not paying attention, though, you may find yourself upgrading sooner than you expected.

We've asked Microsoft what's going on, and the company tells us that enabling the update was done accidentally:

Microsoft wrote:

As part of our effort to bring Windows 10 to existing genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 customers, the Windows 10 upgrade may appear as an optional update in the Windows Update (WU) control panel. This is an intuitive and trusted place people go to find Recommended and Optional updates to Windows. In the recent Windows update, this option was checked as default; this was a mistake and we are removing the check.

Uhuh, a mistake. But it probably got a couple of thousand unsuspecting people more to turn.

---

Many thank yous, Mr Fawkes, and a long distance hugg. :) I wonder if its possible to buy a new Linux based PC like you can with Windows or Apple?

---

River Song (aka Linda Latte on planet Earth)
"Happy I-Phone girl on the GO GO GO"

Many thank yous, Mr Fawkes, and a long distance hugg. :) I wonder if its possible to buy a new Linux based PC like you can with Windows or Apple?

There are companies that build and sell computers pre-loaded with Linux, though I have no experience with them. http://linuxpreloaded.com/

Installing Linux Mint is very easy indeed, but beware a hardware upgrade.
Installing new graphic drivers is a pain in the a**.

As i knew it before, i have disabled updates last year on my Win 7 partition.
I will use it as long as it works.

---

With each crime and every kindness we birth our future.