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General discussion

Does Vista download features, etc, from Microsoft?

by Dango517 Jan 2, 2008 3:12PM PST

Does Vista download somethings from Microsoft if you want/need them? I've noticed that some of the features seem to be downloaded from Microsoft when you enable them. This also appears to be the case with help topics and some snap-ins in computer management. Anyone know anything about this? Just curious.

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2 Posts

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Yes...

by John.Wilkinson Jan 3, 2008 12:33AM PST

Everything in Computer Management should be stored locally, but Windows Help does, be default, connect to the internet every time to look for the most up-to-date information. It's downloaded in the sense of a webpage being temporarilly stored, not files permanently added to a library of help articles, but it's downloaded just the same. Windows Update's selection of updates will also change as you enable/disable Windows features such as Bitlocker and the bundled games.

John

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depending on your install...

by ramarc Jan 4, 2008 2:24AM PST

...some windows components can be dynamically added without an install dvd. some vendors put the install on the hd so if you add components the dvd isn't needed. the only components that are truly downloaded are some of vista ultimate's extras (such as dream scene) that weren't done when vista rolled out.

all ms provided mmc snap ins are always present on disk and you're really just modifying whether or not they're visible.

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