Windows 7 Updates and KB976902

[sparky]

I only run Windows 7 on a netbook, so am not too up with the changes that might be going on, but last night there seems to have been four updates, one of which KB976902 comes across unchecked. So windows keeps saying that there is a new update to install, but the default is not checked. It seems to be some kind of update to allow future updates to install correctly, it also says once installed it cannot be removed.

I have left it unchecked and uninstalled at the moment. Anyone know anything more about this and as to whether it's OK to install it? Thanks.

[D-Dan]

I just spent half an hour reading about this for exactly the same reason.

It was originally pushed out by accident at the end of October, with no corresponding kb article, causing something of a furore out in the real world, with speculation that it was almost anything from malware to WGA technology in disguise.

In fact, it's the enabler for SP1 and matches similar updates pushed out to Vista prior to the first SP.

Being unconvinced, I fired up a VM and installed it there first. All went well with no ill effects, so I've done an install on my live system, rebooted and all seems well.

If you don't install it you probably won't get SP1 when it's released.

Steve

[Rik]

Thanks, Steve.

[D-Dan]

Incidentally, back in October it acquired the unofficial name of "The Blackhole Update"

Steve

[Rik]

[DorsetBoy]

The unchecked update is unremovable once installed,they give you the choice, however........... without that update you will not be able to install some future updates.  So having read this up I installed it and now everytime the PC boots I am told I am running illegal non genuine software    Bloody M$ strike again.

[D-Dan]

System Restore apparently removes it - and it creates its' own restore point.

Steve

[sparky]

Thanks for the info guys.

now everytime the PC boots I am told I am running illegal non genuine software 

I saw on t'internet somewhere that some one had this problem. It must also be trying to validate Windows as genuine prior to SP1, perhaps they haven't got it right.

I think I'll leave mine uninstalled for now and see what develops.

[MikeSh]

I have installed this on my Win 7 Home Premium 32bit and all seem to be working fine.

[Ray]

Installed on my Home Premium 64 bit version with no problems as well.

[Lance]

I've installed it fine but not rebooted yet.

[D-Dan]

Life on the edge, eh, Lance?