Adding fuel to the fire of the 'reasons not to use Windows Vista' debate, the October security updates issued by Microsoft are wreaking havoc on some unsuspecting Vista users.

AeroXperience has reported problems that began occurring when Windows Vista users noticed that Windows Update had automatically changed their Automatic Update settings and rebooted their machines automatically with no user intervention or consent, raising more complaints and accusations of Microsoft's use of stealth.

How Rafael Rivera, Administrator of AeroXperience explained the malfunction:

"Woke up this morning to a Windows log in screen? Swear you set that option 'Download updates but let me choose whether to install them?' We did too.

In what appears to be a major glitch at Microsoft, Windows users are trickling in from across the globe reporting that their machines downloaded and installed updates they did not consent to. Rubbing salt in the wound, machines were also automatically and forcefully rebooted at the default 3am time frame."

Once again, as noted by Rivera, serious questions about usability, legal ramifications and more arise when Microsoft starts doing things behind everyone's back.

How many Windows Vista users have been affected by this Windows Update is unknown. According to posters in the AeroXperience forum, users running the beta version of Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) don't seem to have been affected adversely, although it hasn't been completely verified yet.

It's also unknown whether or not users obtaining their updates through the Windows Software Update Services (WSUS) or if Windows XP have been affected.

According to an update in the article from AeroXperience, a Microsoft spokesperson said the issue "regarding machines that are re-starting and having automatic updating settings set back to 'Install Updates Automatically,' despite having selected to be notified before installation of updates" is being investigated.

Microsoft suggested that users who have encountered the problem contact Microsoft Security Help and Support for Home Users.

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