Microsoft Updates Are Starting to Piss Me Off

So, I have my still brand new HP laptop (read Once You Have Good Lap, You Don't Go Back) and as usual I got the highly secretive Microsoft XP update.  Now, while you might think I'm a techie person, I am not.  I used to be but that was circa Windows 3.1 (yes I just dated myself).  So when I try and do the customized install to see what is being forced onto my PC all I get is Microsoft speak as to why Security Flaws 1-999 need to be installed.  Next up, I try and research these patches but once again I get dumped into some giant search results page that requires a PHD in Computer Science to even navigate myself to some crappy answer.  In the end like most people, I shut down and forget to hit the link that says shut down without installing the latest patch, and wham I get this security patch jammed down my throat.

So, this morning when I turn on my laptop what happens with this great and needed Microsoft patch?  First, my sound card doesn't work and this seems to happen every single time one of these crappy patches comes through.  After slogging through Microsoft's unhelpful knowledge base, I turn to Google to find other people with the same problem.  My fix?  I have to go into device manager, find my sound devise and restart it. 

Next up the colors on my screen are all screwed up.  See this screen shot.  The toolbars are greyed out and my fonts are messed up.  Of course both of these problems probably have to do with updating the drivers, but that's not my point.  Why shouldn't I be told in my patch that I'll need to update drivers?  And remember this happens everytime Microsoft sends out a new update and its not right that I'm left to fend for myself with no direction or help.  All I can get for free from Microsoft is their inconvenient, jargon laden, un-knowledge base.   

And, do you know what my only quick fix is for the color?  Rebooting before I can download new drivers.  Seriously.  Why can't Microsoft provide better free support for the legion of Windows owners in the world. All it would take would be better search results powered by community folks, but maybe Microsoft has caught onto the search strategy yet.

PardonMyFrench (I need to reboot),

Eric

Comments

[Mack Collier]

"After slogging through Microsoft's unhelpful knowledge base, I turn to Google to find other people with the same problem."

Notice how today the best customer support usually comes from other customers?

[PardonMyFrench]

Mack, good point. I'm still pissed off...