Came home today to find that Microsoft commandeered my computer. They replaced windows 8.2 with 10.

So I declined the terms of service and 8.2 was restored after about twenty minutes.

It's MY computer and I don't want windows 10!!!

So my next computer will be a Mac. I don't care how much they cost.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

Not a problem with Microsoft, but I have burned up a heck of a lot of hard drives on my laptops. I often looked at Apple, but the software I use only runs on Windows of one version or another.
My son, who works for Apple, told me that I could get a Mac with a solid state drive and partition it with Apple on one side and Windows on the other.
I have done it. Works like a champ. I did load Windows 10 and have found nothing obnoxious about it. However, I only run the one program and my e-mail account.
I am going to be spending more time on the Apple side to learn what their software can offer me.
Long story short, whatever system you run, look into the Apple Macbook with the solid state drive. It's a wonder.

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and what his trumpet saith

Windows 10 installation on 4 of my computers was flawless. The only thing you must remember is to review the 18 items during setup that opens your computer to the world. Outside of that Windows 7 will or has lost support as well as the future of Windows 8. In the long run you may have no option.

The damn thing installed itself on my computer as well and I had to back it out to get back to Windows 7. From what I saw of it in the brief time it was on my computer I don' t want anything to do with it and that's the consensus among everyone I know with a PC. I tried to call the idiots at Microsoft to read them the riot act but naturally they don't take calls.
Jim

Obviously that's not the point. I'll install when I want to. Not when they want to. I'm tired of big business thinking that they know whats best for me. And there is another option. Mac.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

I got up a few minutes ago to go relieve myself and came back to see 10 trying to download on to my computer. Lucky I wasn't on line at the time but the bug is already in my computer and I didn't even know it. I like 7 that is what is on my pc and I want to keep it until they stop supporting it. I have 10 on my laptop, I had 8 and hated 8, 10 is a lot better than 8 so I down loaded it myself on the lap top.

I do have another pc and have Linux Mint 17.5 I think it is and I like it. When Win 7 goes away I will either go to Linux on all or maybe get a Mac not sure yet. Linux is good and it's free and there are a lot of free down loads for various software on line.

Without a doubt they'll do what they can up to and including setting you adrift for not playing ball with them. I suppose that by the time my win 7 computers are replaced the new ones will only be available with win10. I bought a computer for a friend a couple of years ago and had to dig for one that had Windows 7 on it. MS treatment of customers has been extremely linear since day one. You connect the data points and extend the line and you can tell just what they'll do and it won't be what you want.

I was stuck with Windows in my working career because my CADD system required it. But after many years I find that I'm not running proprietary programs and most are available free for Windows or Mac. I may seriously consider going that way.

Internet
Email
letters and docs
Google Earth
Audacity music editor (free either way)
Some video editing, I've had several and probably should get back into some again.

If I do any spreadsheet at all, it's simple. I've only used databases a little in my time.

This is just about ALL that do on my computer these days. I don't really need proprietary anything.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Apple products have a premium fit and finish that more than justifies the price, but it is the integration of the UNIX based software that makes using Apple's computers, phones, and iPads such a joy.

I would no more consider buying a cheap Windows based clone than I would consider buying a Saturday night special for personal defense.

You get what you pay for and that is never more true than with computers.

Digiroc

Windows 10?
I'm still runnin' XP on my confusor

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Jamie wants big boom

Be sure and keep your data like pictures and documents backed up. 12 years is a long time for a hard drive to be spinning.

Microsoft's attempt to force 10 down the throats of thier PC customers sounds like to me more about trying to convince same to buy 10 Mobile phones and tablets. I think Microsoft is desperately trying to catch up with Apple's reputation for ease and simplicity of integration across all devices.

Wife and I began using Apple products 2009-10. It soon became clear the advantages of going with Apple for everything... desktop, laptop, phone, tablet, Apple TV, iTunes and iTunes Match. Everything works seamlessly together with no fuss, and that seamless integration has only improved with each new OS X and IOS update that we look forward to installing upon release. A refreshing change from the reluctance and skepticism of the value of installing whatever Microsoft was hyping as new and improved.

I have both Apple Macbook Pro 13" with Retina display and a custom built high end gaming computer with Windows 10 64 bit. I am happy with both. I use my Macbook Pro for mostly online Internet browsing. For my gaming I use it for mostly gaming online and chatting during game play it's fun.

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Shoot like a pro!

Downloading software that takes over your computer sounds criminal. A MicroSoft virus is a virus.

Self-employed computer tech. Looks like I'm going to be swamped for a few weeks. I've had about 20 calls within the last two days where the Win10 upgrade was automatically installed and certain things not working like they used to or people not knowing how to work it.

I've gotten it down to where I can take a newly unwanted Win10 upgrade, put in a Win7-style menu, Windows Media Player Codecs, 3rd party image viewer, change default programs, test common file types, turn off Microsoft's analytics/biometrics/telemetry garbage, remove the shortcut to Edge and bring out shortcut to IE (or whatever), test system and train the owner in about an hour.

I had better stay caught up - it's going to be like Lucy and Ethel at the candy factory. Doing 3 residential onsites today, 2 tomorrow.

Gotta go - phone's ringing. I love this job.

I run 4 operating system drives on my desktop computer, and found out that accepting the upgrade to 10, on one of those drives does not affect the activation of earlier versions on other drives. I use a drive switch panel to keep everything isolated.



For those considering Apple, the product replacement cycle is accelerated in comparison to Windows. Be aware that they update their operating systems approximately annually. They only support the last two versions. So you will be forced to upgrade to maintain a supported operating system. At some point, Apple decides to not offer the upgrade to certain older hardware configurations.
My husband's MacBook was forced into this unsupported status after only five years. The hardware still functions but because the OS is forced into obsolescence, an increasing number of programs were out of reach. This forced him to buy a new Macbook, even though the old one was fine mechanically.

Windows operating system support is predefined and for Win7 extends to January 14, 2020.

Apple offers no time frame to support of their operating systems, meaning your forced to replace relatively modern, functioning hardware (forced obsolescence) at their whim. That's not a commentary on the product, but it chafes if your someone who takes pride in keeping your tools in good shape and functional for the long term.

Must be something going around, as I had the same issue when I turned on my computer this morning.
I declined it and it took about 20 minutes to revert to my old Windows.
What a crock!!

My 27-inch iMac is a late 2009 model and is using the current OS X, El Capitan. Love it. I wonder when I'll be forced to replace my iMac? It's working great, better than the day I bought it. And of course the 2560 x 1440 display is as stunning as ever. But hey, I wouldn't mind a good excuse to buy a new 27‑inch iMac with Retina 5K display and flash drive. That "forced obsolescence" would be the perfect excuse to give wife.

20 years ago new computers would be obsolete by the time ya got the thing home and plugged in. The entire industry has come a long long way.

tcon, is there any sign (process, file) we could look for on our computers indicating the pending virus attack?

I looked at my task list, and I don't see anything unusual. GWX is there, but I have never heard it was a Trojan horse.

After I retired and no longer had a need for Microsoft/Windows I got a MacBook Pro....I couldn't be happier... No virus's, no malware, or BS from Microsoft.

Don

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Laus Deo! <><

That's the point, you don't know where they will draw the line when you buy the hardware. On hubby's MacBook, they drew the OS upgrade line at the very next CPU bump on the same model, which came out 3 months later, limiting him to Snow Leopard. I upgraded the RAM and installed an SSD, and he was very happy with it, but some programs are not written for Snow Leopard, hence the "obsolescence".
Saying " I wouldn't mind a good excuse to buy a new 27‑inch iMac with Retina 5K display and flash drive" means your exactly the customer with excess disposable income, that keeps Apple awash in cash. God bless you, and may it always be so.

GWX is the process that is responsible for the tray notification. If you want to remove the threat of a forced upgrade to Win10, you need to uninstall KB3035583. Follow teh instructions I wrote here a few months ago: http://smith-wessonforum.com/138970865-post5.html

When the update uninstalls, it can take some time. Don't get impatient. Reboot when prompted, and this stage can take some time. I did one last night and it was over an hour configuring during shutdown and configuring while rebooting. One period it was a black screen for 15 minutes. But follow those instruction and that will get rid of the update. At the part after the uninstall where you are looking to hide KB3035583 so you aren't offered it again, also hide the one that actually has the name Windows 10 if that one is also in your queue list.

Questions, PM me.

Here's a warning in regard to Apple computers. Any hardware issues need to be taken care of by an "approved" service center even after the warranty expires. Make sure it is an approved service location by checking with Apple. Because if you have a problem with your $3000 laptop that does require Apple and they see that someone else has opened the display enclosure or the case, they will refuse to touch it.

Windows downloaded on My computer yesterday WO My permission. I run windows 7 home. Took almost an hour to figure out how to get it out and another to restore 7. Next computer will be a MAC.

I got a notification just a few minutes ago that Windows 10 would be
installed starting in about 15 minutes. There were links to postpone it
that I followed and got a button to cancel the upgrade which I hit. So
I am assuming that 10 will not be automatically installed without my
asking for it, correct? It had a note that said that it would only be
free until July something or other.

Auto download is definitely not cool, nice way to tick off your customer base Microsoft! That said, for those that downloaded M 10, how do you like it...?

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NRA Life Member

I don't particularly like it, but I'm using it. I had an operating system that worked for me namely XP. About 6 years ago I got a free copy of WIN7 and eased into it as it wasn't a quantum leap from XP. I never bothered with WIN8 or 8.1. Beginning with WIN8, MS changed terminology calling programs "APPS" (applications) and moving stuff like control panel to new locations. You may has well download it and try it as while I expect MS will support WIN7 for quite some time, any new and shiny new stuff which would be nice to have will only be developed for WIN10. Keep in mind that everything is on the internet. Once you've downloaded WIN10 and can't figure something out just Google your question and you'll get the answer. As mentioned before MS wants an operating system that will work on PC'S, Tablets, and Cell phones seamlessly. For $50 can get an external USB hard drive and save your current hard drive to it. If there's any problems with WIN 10 you can use it to roll back to your old system.

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SOS USA

I also woke up to my comouter changed to Windows 10. They tryng to force this on us. After about 15 minutes I was able to change back to my previous Windows. Just goes to show how they are watching us 24/7. Hard to accept how they can take over our computer !!

If you are running a Windows 7 system, do not feel like you are missing out by taking the safe route and staying with what you have - especially if things are working as they should. Windows 10 will not be faster on your machine and Windows 7 will be supported with updates for at least another 4 years. Your 5 year old computer will be almost 10 years old by then and you can buy a new computer with an advanced processor running Windows 20.

One of the issues I took care of yesterday involved an expensive 4 year old laser printer/scanner/fax where the customer was getting a scanner communication error after his involuntary upgrade. He was livid. This customer works from home and scans and emails forms several times a day. He was looking down the barrel of needlessly replacing a $400 color laser printer where he had just bought extra toner.

After some systematic trial and error, I solved it by completely removing all software, drivers, registry entries associated with the printer, reinstalling the full software package, manually removing the 64-bit Win 7 scanner drivers and separately installing the 64-bit Vista drivers I discovered that worked which by the way was written for a different HP business-class laser printer.

More emails this morning from people needing help.

Take a look at this info

How to Stop Windows 7 or 8 from Downloading Windows 10 Automatically

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SOS USA

I got tired of the Windows 10 nagware and downloaded GWX Control Panel to eliminate the issue. Worked perfectly on both a Windows 7 desktop and a Windows 8.1 Laptop.

Ultimate Outsider - Software Downloads

I forget the precise name of the setting, but I have long had Windows 7 Update configured so that I manually download and install updates. Nothing gets downloaded automatically, including any Windows 10 update attempt.

Same here. "Patch Tuesday" is given to the day of the month that MS typically releases their new updates. I always let updates wait for 2 weeks before installing them. The one you want to be on the look out for Win 10 and rt-click/hide is KB3035583

Everyone has their own budget and priorities, so it is what it is for each person. But here's the way I look at it.

I bought my 27-Inch iMac about 7 years ago for $1500. Just for giggles I looked up how much on-line companies offer to buy outright. For my iMac $260. It still looks and operates wonderfully, but if I got rid of it today the net cost would be about $15/mo. And even if I just threw it in the garbage today it would be about $18/mo. Actually I'd give it to the kids... but anyway... Of course there are less expensive iMacs today like the 21.5-inch for $1,100 or if someone wants to use a monitor they already have then a MacMini for $500. What's a cheap Windows machine sell for, $250-300? So on balance the cost of an iMac compared to a Windows machine over the period might be as much as a Happy Meal every month or two.

I mean really.... there's more to enjoying a computer than squinting in front of a 12in monochrome CRT and typing DOS commands while the dial-up modem screeches.... then declaring frugality as the measure of happiness.

Yep,this is the way I did it too.

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NEVER GIVE UP YOUR GUN

Got me, now when I log into this Forum I get READ careen warning telling me Microsoft say I will lose my personal info if I continue !!!!

Liberals trying to scare us away from Gun Sites???!!!

Upgraded my Win7 to Win10 not too long after it came out and nary a problem. My wife has a laptop with Win 8.1 and I won't touch that piece of garbage, it ranks right up there with WinME!!

It downloaded while I was asleep. By the time I got to it, it was too late.

Windows 10 acted more like a virus or malware than an operating system to me. I attempted to back out of it using the tool Microsoft provided...the result was the blue screen of death and almost $250 worth of repairs to the damage it had done...and I wasn't the only person who experienced this. I am still in recovery mode as I wrote this.

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The Last Standing Knight

I'm still getting calls asking what to do. I'm telling people whose systems have started the upgrade to ride the wave and I'll pick up the pieces. $250???? I'm definitely not charging enough!

Same here, I have an older system and a lot of legacy software that took me years to make operate on Windows 7. The last thing I want is an upgrade, but they are not giving me a choice. All I can do to stop the Windows 10 Virus when it tries to download is shut off my computer and lose everything since my last save. Any have a solution to stop the automatic downloads?

GWX Control Panel as has been posted several times.

Every morning when I start up my computer a little blue box pops up on the right side of it asking if I want to download Windows 10. I keep declining it but it still keeps popping up. So far I guess I've been lucky it hasn't started to download by itself like it has for others.

If you don't want it, you should remove the queued update. http://smith-wessonforum.com/138970865-post5.html

By you seeing what you're seeing, the update is locked and loaded and aimed right at your foot.

Since you are seeing the blue notice you need to hide the "Windows 10 Upgrade" before you do the steps in the link. Go to Start>All Programs>Windows Update and you will see the huge Windows 10 Upgrade thingy. Click the small blue link under it to show available updates. Under optional updates you will see Windows 10 Upgrade and it will already be checked. Uncheck it and then right click on it and choose Hide. Then follow the steps in the link above to remove the update that is responsible for the notice..

That #$@%^&* Windows 10 downloaded itself on my 1.5 year old Windows 7 Professional Dell laptop without me knowing about it. It tried to re-start and ended up freezing my computer with the black screen of death. My IT guy now wants me to pony up with my "boot disk". Disks!?!? What disks? I don't have any stinking disks.

My computer was hijacked by Microsoft, is now wrecked and apparently I have to jump through a bunch of hoops to get it working again. Someone ought to thinking of a class action on this one.

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Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Quit turning it off; let it run.

Eeek! What about your data? Pictures, documents, taxes, etc? You need to find a new IT guy. If you are in Lexington, I can fix you up.

If your computer was purchased new with Win 7 Pro, you should have a 25-digit Product Key on a greenish label on the underside. Your tech can go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...nload/windows7

Enter the product key and download the iso for your version (probably Win 7 Pro SP1 x64), burn the DVD, boot to the disk, reinstall your version of Windows, and get what hardware drivers are missing from the manufacturer web page pertaining to your model and then force-feed Windows updates until it's all caught up. Watch for KB3035583 and hide that thing so that it doesn't install.

People who normally don't mess with this will find it daunting and I understand that but someone who repairs computers should be able to do this. Find someone who knows what I'm talking about above. Doing it this way leaves off the manufacturer's gobblygook and that's a good thing. Clean install with drivers only - no unneeded programs swirling in the background.

Then you need to install Adobe Reader and Adobe Flash Player from the Adobe site (opt out of the McAfee, Google etc scams that are already checked). If you don't have Microsoft Office disk or someone who can put it on, LibreOffice is a free and good alternative.

Antivirus? Bit Defender Free (you'll need to create an account but it's as good as any and is non-intrusive).