TweakHound

Computer stuff...

Eric (a.k.a. TweakHound)

Windows 7 BSODs From Latest Updates

By

I few days ago I warned folks not to run Windows Update because of the possible dangers of the latest round of updates. One reader reported a BSOD here.
Over at AskWoody there is a post and running comment section full of reports of BSODs:
Multiple reports of blue screens (BSODs) 0X000000C4 when installing the January Win7 Monthly Rollup KB 4056894
“AMD machines are being pinpointed.”

 
I have autoupdate disabled on all my machines. 5 of my computers are running Windows 7. KB4056894 is only showing up on my laptop (Haswell). The rest of my Win7 PCs are Ivybridge or older. I’m not about to install this update.
As of yet none of my manufacturers have an update for Meltdown/Spectre.
I installed the latest update on my Win10 rig because I need to watch the effects so I can relay them to you.

Win10 January 3, 2018 Updates And AV Software

By

Important information regarding the Windows security updates released on January 3, 2018 and anti-virus software
Microsoft has identified a compatibility issue with a small number of anti-virus software products.
The compatibility issue is caused when anti-virus applications make unsupported calls into Windows kernel memory. These calls may cause stop errors (also known as blue screen errors) that make the device unable to boot. To help prevent stop errors caused by incompatible anti-virus applications, Microsoft is only offering the Windows security updates released on January 3, 2018 to devices running anti-virus software from partners who have confirmed their software is compatible with the January 2018 Windows operating system security update.
If you have not been offered the security update, you may be running incompatible anti-virus software and you should follow up with your software vendor.

Intel CPU Fiasco – More Info

By

last updated: 0838EST, 04JAN2018

Full breakdown: https://meltdownattack.com/

iVerge – Microsoft issues emergency Windows update for processor security bugs

Google: “These vulnerabilities affect many CPUs, including those from AMD, ARM, and Intel, as well as the devices and operating systems running on them.”

AMD says, “near zero risk”

CERT: Vulnerability Note VU#584653 – CPU hardware vulnerable to side-channel attacks

WARNING – Do Not Run Windows Update

By

Patches will be rolling out today for the Intel CPU Fiasco.
(See below for the email I woke up to this morning.)
I highly recommend you pause, disable, stop, do not run Windows Update.
Full details have not been released as of this writing. These updates will at the kernel level. For the non-Geek that means at the core of Windows. I am not trying to play chicken little (henny penny for my U.K. friends). IMHO these updates are being rushed out and will be altered over time. They could slow down or even hose your PC. Let someone else beta test this stuff.
[Read more…] about WARNING – Do Not Run Windows Update

Intel Says It Is Not A Bug

By

Intel has just released an official statement in the newest CPU fiasco. Basically they just said it’s nothing, isn’t unique to Intel CPUs, and that performance impacts “should not be significant”.
OK. But if there is a performance impact of more than a percent then I want in on the class action lawsuit.
Intel Responds to Security Research Findings
I’ve saved this web page so we can see how their statements change over time.
BTW, has anyone got the full low-down of Intel’s CEO selling stock? I mean in light of all this news?