Is this true? must use IE for Windows Updates?

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Is this true? must use IE for Windows Updates?

by Foolworthy May 3, 2014 5:45AM PDT

I just had my laptop in for repair at an independent shop and I didn't have Flash installed and had Chrome installed and Malwarebytes installed. This repair man removed Malwarebytes as he said it doesn't remove viruses;(he installed a free trial of Norton) then he installed Flash cause he said I needed that & removed Chrome because he said I must use IE if I want my Windows Updates to be installed and for everything else to work right. Is this true?? Well, I didn't do what he said. I came home and reinstalled Malwarebytes (free version) & Chrome and uninstalled Flash as I have never had a problem NOT having it. And it's a good thing I installed Chrome again since this new problem with IE popped up. I don't think I will take my computer to this repairman again. (I am still using Norton AntiVirus tho) Any opinions on all of this???

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Thanks for your reply.

by Foolworthy May 3, 2014 12:54PM PDT

I plan on uninstalling Norton and knew about their un-install tool. Question: Should I uninstall it in my "uninstall program" first and then go to their site and use theirs, or just jump right to using theirs? Funny that you recommended Avast. That's the one I was planning on installing! Yea, I figure I will just install Flash on an as-needed basis since like I said, I haven't run into problems not having it, as yet. As I see it, I should use IE only to do the Windows updates. Thanks for quick responses to all!

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You want...

by Willy May 4, 2014 2:57AM PDT

Get the un-install tool and use it 1st. It makes easier or does is allow any other Norton product present to possibility be un-installed also. Understand, more than one product could have installed if for anything to ask you to buy or try. Just use the Norton tool 1st. You can reboot and then check for anything left over, then use the add/delete pgms. un-install to see if takes works. if you try it the other way, more than likely even if successful you may find harbinger hang-ons still posts "unable to load" or displays suggesting some Norton error or worse, the boot cycle gets hosed. -OR- you don't have rights to proceed and un-install unless administer, etc. which many find confusing or just won't un-install period correctly. Then you have to re-install just to set it right in order to use the Norton tool.

good luck -----Willy

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Willy,

by Dafydd May 4, 2014 3:09AM PDT

I used the Norton uninstaller once and it took out the driver for my CD/DVD drive.
Question for the OP. Which AV do you intend to use in place of Norton?

Dafydd.

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Dafydd's reply

by Foolworthy May 5, 2014 4:15AM PDT

I plan on using Avast if I can get Norton to uninstall correctly. But after reading about the Norton uninstall problems, I'm wondering if it is worth it because actually so far I think Norton has done a pretty decent job and I've had no problems with it, just seems rather expensive and for the fact that the computer tech I took it to installed it, just makes me feel leery about it. But thanks to all of you that replied. It gives me a place to start!

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You're welcome.

by Dafydd May 5, 2014 4:33AM PDT

Avast is pretty good.

Dafydd.

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Driver?

by Willy May 6, 2014 12:33AM PDT

If it took out a driver then that suggests early win9x or XP OS. Anything later doesn't need a driver, unless its some burner pgm.. I wouldn't think that's a issue now. However, like I offered Norton has a tendency to get hosed one way or another, if anything using the tool they provide is about the best way to do this, anything else is bound to cause issue(s). As always you take your chances, IMHO though the tool has provided good service. ------Willy

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Answer

Not a tech I'd use again.

by Dafydd May 3, 2014 5:52AM PDT

Was the MBAM he removed a paid version? If so, take it back and demand it be reinstalled.
You do need IE for certain things but I use Firefox. Norton will likely block your internet when it expires.

Dafydd.

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Thanks for your reply.

by Foolworthy May 3, 2014 12:48PM PDT

MBAM is the free version. I plan on uninstalling Norton. Didn't want it to begin with!

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Answer

I agree with Dafydd

by Jimmy Greystone May 3, 2014 9:26AM PDT

I agree with Dafydd, don't use that person again. They're so full of it that it's difficult to pick a point to begin. Up until Vista, Windows Update was run through IE, with Vista now it's still the same basic ActiveX control, but it's wrapped in a native shell so most people aren't even aware it's using IE in the background. Of course even in the NT4-XP days, you could have any number of other browsers installed if you wanted, you just wouldn't expect the Windows Update site to work with anything other than IE.

I could go on at some length, but let's just boil it down to the person you took your computer to is a complete quack who makes life difficult for the people out there who actually have the knowledge and are honest in the application of it. Because of nitwits like you ran into, legitimate businesses have to work twice as hard and frequently fail because people have a couple of bad experiences with morons like that and stop trusting anyone in that line of business.

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Thanks for your reply

by Foolworthy May 3, 2014 1:02PM PDT

Yes, I'm beginning to think that he un-installed and installed things that would just give me viruses or problems in the future so that I would have to bring the computer back in to him! Will do better research before I take my computer anywhere again. This was a small 'mom-pop' shop and I like to give my business to 'locals' but I can see where I need to do more research!

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Willy · Accepted Answer · May 3, 2014 6:37AM PDT

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Look into...

by Willy May 3, 2014 6:37AM PDT

You can use Norton until it asks for you to register or buy, it is a trailware offer. The problem is Norton has atendency to cause problems one way or another if it expires or un-installed improperly. I suggest you use the Norton un-install tool available at their website. FYI- I use the free Avast A/V and oes quite well at least for my needs.

Next, the free Malwarebytes works decent but its not "pro-active" s/w it has to be manually on or updated etc., in other words its not the paid version. It certainly helps to be there though when it does detect anything. You have to scan manually.

IE, is required for MS own updates if for anything to reduce any issues. Other than that you can use any other browser, just don't un-install IE.

Flash and its ilk are required if any website need flash interactive action. This is what makes many websites have animated or lively display of sorts and also if you response in some way to a website. Its NOT absolutely needed but it doesn't hurt(cross-fingers) to be installed.

For any of the above, the support or Q&A on each is usually available for review, check the topic and google for it.

tada -----Willy

Is this true? must use IE for Windows Updates?

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