Samsung ATIV XE500T1C Tablet will not run Windows Update and its looking like Samsung disabled them on purpose...

Question

Hello everyone,

I've never made a post here before so I apologize in advance if I break any etiquette rules.

I've got a Samsung ATIV XE500T1C tablet computer running Windows 8.1 on an Atom Z2760 with 2 GB memory.  It's snappy enough with the little SSD and rather practical with the keyboard dock.

But here's the big problem... It hasn't been able to run Windows Update since the upgrade to Windows 8.1 and I think Samsung has something to do with it.

I decided to update the computer with the Samsung SW Update Utility.  Got plenty of driver updates and a BIOS one too.  Sitting at the bottom of the list is this "Windows Configuration Update."

I figure why the hell not install.  It fails and downloads an installation package.  I get into the folder and now I'm just plain pissed off.

The stupid executable is named "Disable_Windowsupdate"

...

I've tried many, many tools and Microsoft fixes at this point to get updates working.  I ran Tweaking.com - Windows Repair, TechWARU and its aggressive Windows Update fix, the Microsoft DISM tool and the restore health option, and a pile of other Microsoft patches.

Is there anything I can do to get Windows Update working properly?  I really don't want to keep using this machine in its unpatched state.

I'm more than willing to provide whatever files or logs you guys need.

Here is a zip of the Samsung update in question.

http://goo.gl/XhINsO

Answer 1

Maybe Samsung Suypport can help you with your problem.

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/owners/product/XE500T1C-A01US

See if you have a file in  C:\ProgramData\Samsung  called  "Disable_Windowsupdate.exe".   If so, rename or delete it.

It may be necessary to uncheck "Hide known file types" in Control Panel/ Folder Options/ View, to see file extensions.  It may also be necessary to show both Hidden, and System Files.

See if there is any Scheduled Task running, or set to run,  that might be launching the "Disable_Windowsupdate.exe".  It might be necessary to disable or delete any such Task?

I am looking at these following lines in your inst.ini file but in all honesty they don't mean much to me.  It is just an impression that they give me suggesting the "Disable_Windowsupdate.exe" might be running at Startup or Login.

 [64Win8]

Setup1=xcopy 64\Disable_Windowsupdate.exe "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Samsung" /y

Setup2=schtasks /create /XML "%CD%\Dis_AU.xml" /tn "Dis_AU"

You could also look to Clean Boot starts on your machine to see if you can do Windows Updates.

How to perform a clean boot in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135/en-au

How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929135

If you are having a problem with Windows Updates you could try the Fixit Tool from this article?

How do I reset Windows Update components?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

Most new machines come with a recovery partition allowing you to go back to the time of purchase, you will have to check your user guides (or the manufacturer's Web Site) for instructions.  Choosing that path requires you to save all valuable data first.  Unfortunately upgrading to Windows 8.1 may lose such Recovery Partition.

These options are built-in to Windows 8 also.

How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

Windows 8.1 Update Leaves OEM Owners With Broken Restore Function

http://www.technologytell.com/gadgets/133905/windows-8-1-update-leaves-oem-owners-with-broken-restore-function/

Warning! If You Upgrade to Windows 8.1 Through Windows Store, You May Loose The Ability to Refresh and Reset

http://mcakins.com/2013/10/18/warning-if-you-upgrade-to-windows-8-1-through-windows-store-you-may-loose-the-ability-to-refresh-and-reset/

Update to Windows 8.1: FAQ

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8