Microsoft has begun patching files on Windows XP and Vista without users’ knowledge, even when the users have turned off auto-updates.

Scott Dunn, of Windows Secrets, has noticed that Windows Update (WU) has recently started altering files on users’ systems without displaying any dialogue box to request permission.

Nine small executable files on XP and Vista have been altered so far in what Dunn dubs a stealth move by the Vole. What is strange is that the updates were carried out while the automatic Updates dialogue box in the Control Panel was set to prevent updates from being installed automatically.

The Vole has previously pushed updates out to users who prefer to test and install their updates manually, but at that time Vole notified them first. This time the update was a complete surprise. The Vole’s website does not mention the update at all.

So far, there is no indication what the changes actually do either. There are no software conflicts caused by the patches and no reason to kill them off.

However as Dunn said it is more of a concern that Microtus Sneakicus thinks it is allowed into your computer to tinker with files without asking. You never know what they could get up to.

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