windows update problems

[ML52]

My non gaming computer keeps trying to download internet erxplorer 11 for x64 based systems and it keeps failing. Is this really one I need?

[Skuzzy]

If you are not using Internet Exploder for your browser, then no, you do not need it.  Removing IE from my computer is one of the first things I do after an OS installation.

If you are using IE for your browser, then yes you need to keep up with the latest version as it always has things in it malware/spyware/viruses like to attack.

All that said, if the installation is failing, then you need to find out why.  It points to something else being very wrong with your computer.

[ML52]

Thank you Skuzzy. I'll be removing it today.

[Denniss]

you can't remove the IE, just hide visible links to it. You should always have the latest version installed as some of its core components are used by other windows services (AFAIR image viewer/previews and other stuff).
Without the latest IE you will have open security holes on your system (although some say the Internet Exploder is the largest security hole ever ....)

[Skuzzy]

you can't remove the IE, just hide visible links to it. You should always have the latest version installed as some of its core components are used by other windows services (AFAIR image viewer/previews and other stuff).
Without the latest IE you will have open security holes on your system (although some say the Internet Exploder is the largest security hole ever ....)

That used to be true. As of Windows 7, it is not.  The only programs it might impact are those who are hardwired to use IE as the browser.  You can always re-install it using the "Program and Features" link in the Control Panel.  However, make sure you are using the latest version of IE for the operating system as it IS a security hole looking for a place to happen.

Security is still controllable using the "Internet Options" link in the Control Panel. That was separated in Vista.

Microsoft had to separate all that when the EU forced them to remove IE from Windows 7 distributions.

[Denniss]

The N versions are without media player but always with Internet Exploder. All their "removal/deinstallation" from programs/features does is to remove links in start/program and desktop but IE is always present.
The only working option for deinstall is to deinstall IE9 or later which will then restore an older version (back down to the original IE8).