[vhfpmr (OP)]

I switched my old laptop on for the first time in a year or so and it booted up with

"Installing Windows Updates, Do Not Turn Your Computer Off"

and this with my router switched off.

[Eternal Student]

Hi.

1.   From what you're describing, that was finishing up an update that was downloaded from the last time you switched the computer on  (a year ago etc.)

2.    Microsoft didn't actually stop all updates.   They merely didn't guarantee to provide any more.   However, your computer is still going to look for updates unless you specifically switch that feature off.   If it's in Microsoft's interests then they can continue to provide updates.     For example,  it is in their interests to collect data they can use.  So running their anti-virus tool on your computer and collecting data is something they are likely to do.

3.     The Windows Operating System is a collection of programs rather than one just program.   For example, you can probably run the .NET framework which is still used by Windows today.    If there are updates for any bits of Windows that you can use, it's likely that your computer will still get those updates.

- - - - - - - -
    As you probably know, the main problem is just that Microsoft don't guarantee to provide updates, which means they don't guarantee to fix or patch exploits that might have found since support for the Operating System was discontinued.   As such it's not particularly safe to connect your old computer to the internet.   You may also want to switch off any wireless connections to the outside world  (e.g. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi if it has that).    However, if you do keep the computer isolated ("air-gaped") from any external networks then the computer can go on being used for ever more.   Indeed you can connect it to the internet if you wish - just be aware that it isn't safe, you could be handing information out to anyone  and/or  receiving information that has been maliciously corrupted.

Best Wishes.

[vhfpmr (OP)]

it's not particularly safe to connect your old computer to the internet

As above, I switch the router off before I put the computer on, which is why I'm wondering where it's getting the updates from.

[Origin]

I'm wondering where it's getting the updates from

Microsoft.

[Eternal Student]

Hi.

I switch the router off before I put the computer on....

    It could be an old one your computer downloaded sometime ago.    It may be a failed update - something went wrong.     Rather then just break or stop everything completely, the system is designed to roll-back to the state before it attempted to install the update and then it will re-attempt installation at a later time.   Microsoft often end up releasing patches for their patches and/or replacing a patch with one that actually works.   Therefore, your computer might try and install the (presumably old and faulty) update several more times (maybe once a week for ever more).   Sadly, it may never find a later update that actually works because Microsoft are under no obligation to make one any longer.
    If it's annoying you can probably roll back your system to an even earlier state, where it was stable and did seem to have all the latest updates (at that time), then switch off the automatic updates completely.   BEFORE you start experimenting make a System restore point now,  (see for example:  https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-uk/000132661/system-restore-in-windows-7     an old help page that told you how to create a Restore point in Win 7) so you can get back to what you have now.  With some hours of work you can probably identify exactly which update is the one causing a problem BUT it's probably not worth the time - it will be quicker to just keep rolling back a bit further and trying it until the problem is gone.   You have an outdated system anyway, it hardly matters if you roll it back another month or two.

Best Wishes.

[Zer0]

it's not particularly safe to connect your old computer to the internet

As above, I switch the router off before I put the computer on, which is why I'm wondering where it's getting the updates from.

Perhaps then You do not use any Flash Drives, USBs or External HDDs either.

Good!
Better safe now than Sorry later.

ps - Great Advice from Eternal.
Appreciated!

[vhfpmr (OP)]

Perhaps then You do not use any Flash Drives, USBs or External HDDs either.

So you're suggesting that whenever I plug any memory into my current computer, Microsoft put an update for Windows 7 on it just on the offchance that the memory later gets plugged into a disused computer with no internet access running an obsolete operating system?

[Zer0]

Perhaps then You do not use any Flash Drives, USBs or External HDDs either.

So you're suggesting that whenever I plug any memory into my current computer, Microsoft put an update for Windows 7 on it just on the offchance that the memory later gets plugged into a disused computer with no internet access running an obsolete operating system?

lol Nope!
That would be really Silly, won't it.

I was trying to imply on the importance of Eternal's AdWise.

An old outdated OS without Updated safety & security features, won't stand a chance against trojans/malware/viruses.

It might be a Good step to Not expose it to External devices which at any future point in time, were Connected to the Internet.