SDC and Windows Update

[jamshid666]

Sharing this as a learning lesson to help everyone else out. Last night, I was taking an exam on SDC, when the exam software started popping up notices about illegal processes: command console and powershell.  After several of those alerts, the exam software just closed to the desktop. Shortly after that, I received a desktop notification that Windows needed to restart to apply the new patches, which was a big clue as to what illegal processes were caused by. Obviously, I kind of freaked out about this, but I opened a ticket with SDC and explained the situation. Hopefully, I can get the exam reset and get to take the exam again without losing that credit towards the two free exams we get each month.

So, my learning lesson here is to open Windows Update and validate that there aren't any patches available prior to taking any proctored exam. And if patches are available, either apply them then or set Windows Update to delay any patching for a day or two. Fun times.

[rachel83az]

Ouch! I hope this gets resolved for you easily. I try to always remember to delay updates until specific days of the month to avoid having Windows want to restart in the middle of me doing something important. I don't always remember, though, so I've been caught off-guard a few times, though fortunately not during an SDC exam.

[jamshid666]

Ouch! I hope this gets resolved for you easily. I try to always remember to delay updates until specific days of the month to avoid having Windows want to restart in the middle of me doing something important. I don't always remember, though, so I've been caught off-guard a few times, though fortunately not during an SDC exam.

Yeah, I'm good about that on my primary desktop, but I have a separate laptop that I only use for testing.  Since it's usually powered off except for when I'm getting ready to take a proctored exam, I sometimes forget that it needs regular patching as well.  And I'm sure it will be resolved soon, SDC is usually great with their customer service.

[bjcheung77]

My old Acer & Dell Laptops have Windows 10 and reminds me to update, but I never click the restart option. It just shows at the bottom right hand corner and I only restart it when I want to. Sometimes it's best to know what update it's going to apply before updating, as I've read some prior updates crashed some peoples computer. Both of the laptops don't have anything important, but still... you want to be careful even if it's a "windows" update. I use the laptops regularly enough as a "desktop replacement", so this type of issue doesn't happen.

[jch]

The Windows update screen in settings contains an option to pause updates for seven days. I strongly recommend that everyone utilize that option to avoid interruptions during exams.
Here's the procedure I use:
2-4 days before an exam, I run Windows update in addition to updating my browsers.
1-2 days before an exam, I clean up everything on the user account and run the computer test from the exam provider. I then remediate any issues. Finally, I set a restore point and pause Windows updates.
This has successfully prevented me from experiencing any major issues during exams (except for the standard ProctorFU shenanigans)

[Nitta]

I think that dealing with unexpected Windows updates can really throw a wrench into things. I've had similar situations where updates disrupted my work or study sessions.

[Nitta]

I think that dealing with unexpected Windows updates can really throw a wrench into things. I've had similar situations where updates disrupted my work or study sessions. I recently found a platform with some windows 11 key cheap, which might help if you need to upgrade or reinstall Windows without breaking the bank. Hopefully, SDC can sort out the exam reset for you smoothly. It's definitely a good reminder to check Windows Update settings before important tasks like exams. Good luck with getting your exam credit sorted.

[bjcheung77]

@Nitta, I've updated your post and removed the fonts and link... I think for members, it's best not to use these 'keys' unless it's coming from reputable sites mentioned on Slickdeals for example, people who have 'reviewed' those sites will usually comment on those deals. This is also true for other sites that have been mentioned on this board as well... Do a search on this board and the sister board, and also Slickdeals if needed...