Removing Windows 7 Spyware
The ability to block Microsoft from updating users to Windows 10 probably has become all but impossible for many users. Even when users manually update systems and carefully review patch update descriptions, because the updates are closed source and almost always vaguely described, more than likely the Microsoft folks are embedding the Windows 10 updates in various patch updates and doing so without full disclosure. Avoiding being tricked into updating to Windows 10 has become a game of wack-a-mole.
There seems to be only one solution: disable updates altogether. The Microsoft folks have become the proverbial pesky fly. With Windows 10 they have crossed the boundaries of expected ethical and moral behavior.
While I do not consider myself a Windows expert, I am familiar with Windows. I have used Windows XP and 7 in job contracts. I own a license for NT4 and W2K, which I still use in virtual machines. Being around desktop computers for more than 30 years means I can find my way around. So buying a refurbished Windows 7 system was not a big deal.
Soon after buying my refurbished Windows 7 system this past summer, I disconnected the Windows 7 disk and installed a spare disk. I began testing Windows 10 on the spare disk. I performed this testing before the official July 29 release of Windows 10, which means before many online writers hopped onto the proverbial bandwagon and hoopla.
During my short time with Windows 10 I discovered the privacy nightmare. Before the first related online article. I felt horrible for all of the non technical users who eventually would update to Windows 10 because the system was “free.”
With Windows being a malware magnet, initially I had automatic updates enabled in my Windows 7 system. I thought that was the safest path of least resistance. Yet that was before the Windows 10 rollout. That was before the Microsoft folks began to backport telemetry patches to previous Windows systems.
Because of my distrust of the Windows design, I have since modified that behavior to download nothing and only inform me of updates.
Yet my modifications were too late to stop the telemetry updates.
Since the official release, many articles have been written about the intrusive nature of Windows 10. Shortly after the official Windows 10 release many users discovered that the same “phone home” telemetry that is installed in Windows 10 quietly had been backported to Windows 7 and 8.
Some Windows 7 and 8 users are seeing Windows 10 being forcibly installed on their system. Nag notices soon will become a “Recommended Update.”
Seems most of the update descriptions now are purposely obfuscated and vague. This means that even after removing all vestiges of the original Windows 10 nag notices, there is a good chance the nag notices will again be installed as a security update.
One local ISP technician informed of the nuisance that is Windows 10. When connecting new customers, the moment Windows 10 is online the operating system starts streaming gobs of telemetry and user data, interfering with the technician’s ability to test connections.
After my short exposure I decided I did not want any vestiges of Windows 10 on the Windows 7 system. The Microsoft folks decided that installing the original Windows 10 “nag” notice was insufficient arrogance. They then had Windows 7 and 8/8.1 systems automatically download the Windows 10 files even when users had not opted in and reserved a copy. The files consume up to 6 GB of space and the respective bandwidth, which many users on data caps discovered.
There are cures. Remove all of the unwanted updates. Or reinstall Windows 7 and immediately disable automatic updates. I have not powered on my system in a few months, but when I do will chose the latter option. Somehow I feel more satisfaction with this method to counter Microsoft arrogance. Like picking off flies.
Reading around the web reveals the required information for fighting the Windows 10 malware.
Unfortunately, fighting is an uphill effort. Not only must related updates be removed, but they must be hidden as well to avoid future installations.
While some of the URLs used in the telemetry and data collection can be blocked with a hosts file, there is a circulating list of certain URLs and IP addresses that cannot be blocked by any DNS lookup mechanism, which apparently are hard-coded in dnsapi.dll. These URLs have to be explicitly blocked at the router/gateway by IP address.
The Microsoft folks are aware of the overwhelming computer illiteracy of most computer users. One way or another the Microsoft folks will prey on this ignorance to get Windows 10 installed.
Perhaps the best approach is just pull the network cable.
Selling software licenses no longer suffices to make a living. The new motto for many software developers is to monetize the user. In the end, there is nothing worth this kind of invasive behavior and trouble. People should not have to expend this much effort to protect their quiet and peaceable use of their computers.
Posted: Category: Commentary, Usability Tagged: General, Windows
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