System Firmware Update - 12/10/13 fails to install

I found with sites IE11 hates with win7 64 - I do tools->compatibility settings->"then add the url to the list" and then it works

had this problem with battle.net and others - although your one seems to work ok for me

It is odd that Microsoft URLs would not work with the current version of Internet Explorer on the most common Microsoft operating system, Windows 7.  It is good to know that there is a way of patching this problem. but if Microsoft can't make its own URLs work with its own key software, it is not very focused on a basic part of interaction with customers. 

In the golden age of Microsoft there used to be multiple ways of giving Microsoft a heads-up about a problem, and one frequently got an immediate appreciative response.  There is the charming story of the (now) Melissa Gate describing her first date with Bill Gates being at a later hour than she expected in the evening because Bill was going to a user group meeting.  She found that a bit geeky, but that was a big part of the spirit that made Microsoft great.  Today much of such activity is relegated to these forums, and there is almost no feedback as to whether Microsoft is paying any attention. 

If I were advising the next CEO of Microsoft how to regain the magic of the golden age, a key part of that advice would be to have some real Microsoft employees with actual authority involved in these forums.  I've seen and written about such a model working in medicine, and the added value is tremendous.

Well said. However you (and I) are living in a world that has run its course. Here I am writing this on a device that cost almost £1K whose life expectancy is determined by the  longevity of its battery... Which, if past experience with lithium batteries is anything to go by isn't too long - at least if I want to use it untethered - which is more than half the raison'd'etre of the Surface. 

So I'd guess that within about 3 years it's only going to be useful when connected to mains power. Worse, judging by the posts on this thread, no one is even certain what the optimal recharging regime is, or whether or not this regime is incorporated into the Surface's obnoxious firmware.

Of course Apple started this atrocious concept of disposable, premium-priced, computing devices. But aren't I correct in thinking that at least they allow for return to base battery exchange units, even if at eye-watering prices? I've gained the impression here that the Surface is for the trash-can once the battery is clapped out. If so, I bitterly regret buying it. For the same outlay I could have acquired a decent laptop/notebook plus one of the excellent Samsung Galaxy tablets.

As for forums (fora?) like this one, it's become the absolute norm for corporations to offload support to its own customers. I'm told that Apple, a company of whose products I was an early adopter and enthusiast (from Mac Plus/SE up to the mid-90s), actually have decent customer support - as they should given their excessive pricing and ludicrous profitability.

Having used Windows in its various incarnations both professionally and domestically since NT 3.n, the mess that they've made with the Surface range dwarfs any previous blunders. I certainly can't previously recall a situation comparable to where the "updater repair tool" is itself broken. Astonishing. And their lack of clarification of the Surface update situation is simply a disgrace.

I wouldn't advise anyone to buy a Surface of any model. There is simply no compelling reason to do so and many compelling reasons not to.

Roy

Actually the surface pro 2 is a very good computer and has been very useful to me - it is the bad firmware update and lack of proper support that is killing it.  I now have two pending issues on my pro 2:  sd card causing high cpu (which i found temp workaround) 2. Wifi speed /bluetooth issue ( can only be solved if wifi is on 5ghz when certain bt devices are in use?).

The last jan firmware fixed the dec one that messed up the hibernate ..

I agree that this disposable stuff is taken too far. Gone are the days where you can just replace parts  .. but its the market that dictates that  - most people like to buy new stuff  not upgrade old stuff...

I've got a win 7 HP laptop from 2009 that runs quite well and which I plan on holding on for a while. Maybe upgrading the 4gb to 8rb ram, and getting a new battery . Its so cool that you can take the battery out ...

I have a SP2 256GB. I had the problem of the December FW which was causing it to wake up.  I received the 18th January update and installed it and now it doesn't wake up by itself.  However it now does not go to sleep or hibernate on its own

Battery settings in advance power control

Set Display timeout of 2 mins

Set Sleep after 5 mins

Set Hibernate after 10 mins

Running on battery after 2 mins the display times out but even if you leave it for an hour it hasn't entered sleep mode or hibernate. If you touch the screen (in the centre) it wakes up instantly.  If it is in sleep mode the only place you can touch it to awake it, is the Windows symbol at the bottom centre of the screen.  If its in hibernate then you see the surface screen when it start up

I contacted support and they seemed to confirm this as known and offered a replacement.  I've been following this thread but have not noticed reports of this.  Any comments ideas?

Additionally but not repeatable the display timeout does not activate.  I left the SP2 on the desk and when I came back 1 hr latter the display was still on and it has done this several times but I can't predict when it occurs

Jon

I too am in the same state.  Sleep is a problem (not personally :) ).  I had done an advanced replacement, and the device they sent me had the exact same issue.  It was a 4200.  Total time suck and waste of my time.  I've resorted to only Hibernate at this point.

I'll be getting a Dell Venue now, as this device is a total PITA.

Congrats! Dell Venue 11 sold at Microsoft stores.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805\_3-57617649-75/dells-surface-pro-2-rival-appears-at-microsoft-store/