Windows 7: Third Party automatic updates...

I have gone to my MSConfig and I only let my AV, my KB & Mouse start. I have also gone to Services to check that only what I want starts. Finally, I have gone to Startup and that is empty.

Yes, from time to time, Adobe updates (Flash player and what have you), Jave, etc. will pop up alerting me of new versions and while that is fine and dandy I would like to do so at my own accord so... where are this files hidden? can I stop this from happening? if so... how?



Thanks

Are you browsing the net or using Adobe Viewer at the time that these update appear?

If so then the update signal is being sent bu the active application. In the case of Java it will be anytime you visit a site that has embedded java script.


OS

Have a look at your start-up with Autoruns

and see if that shows anything, MSconfig can miss some items which will show up on the startup tab in autoruns

Good call Nigel, I couldn't remeber the name of the app LOL

If you right click any Flash video and go into global properties-- you can disable update checking for Flash there ("Check for updates every 7 days".) For Java, go to the control panel, open up the Java CP item and disable update checks.

1) You can disable adobe updates normally through the Update tools preferences screen, but that tool doesnt work without an internet connection. So just disable them via this registry edit.

Disable automatic updates | Acrobat, Reader

2) To disable java update notifications, follow the steps here.

How to Get Rid of Java Update Notifications | eHow.com

You can also do a registry edit. See here.

Mark Minasi's Reader Forum - Disable Adobe & Java Update pop-up

For the Flash updates you have to go here,

Adobe - Flash Player : Settings Manager - Global Notifications Settings Panel

Would also be a good idea to go through all the rest of the settings while you're there.

WOW, lots of things to test... Thanks, I'll try them one by one and see if that help.

Once Again Great post Stormy,

Many people overlook this as there not aware that adobe flashplayer is logging and saving info just like a cookie. Only unless you visit the "settings manager" will you be able to clear out everything. I've tried at times setting the amount of space to "0" not store common local files and what not, but there are sites that need flashplayer user space. But I visit the settings manager at least twice a week and clear it out.

Here's an interesting experiment regarding local-shared-objects "LSO's". Go to the site linked below and Follow the instructions about moving the box and refreshing the page. Then go to flashplayer manager and clear all sites from the "Website Storage Settings panel" then return to the linked LSO webpage and the blue box will be restored to the upper left corner.

Flash Cookies: Local Shared Objects Tutorial

I have to chime in that it's a bad idea to turn off these updates. These "tools" are frequently found to have security holes that can result in a compromised workstation. Many times, the purpose of these updates is to secure a hole that has been found. Why would you want to turn them off?

If your machine is so fragile that it can't handle the very small "update checkers" running...then you have much larger issues to contend with.