I followed the link to Microsoft and saw the article and popup box there suggesting this update was genuine. However, I received an update through the Update Tool module on 10 December:
Update for Microsoft Office 2010 (KB2883019) 32-Bit Edition
Installation date: 10/12/2014 12:09 AM
Installation status: Successful
Update type: Important
Microsoft has released an update for Microsoft Office 2010 32-Bit Edition. This update provides the latest fixes to Microsoft Office 2010 32-Bit Edition. Additionally, this update contains stability and performance improvements.
More information:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2883019
Help and Support:
http://support.microsoft.com/?LN=en-us
The popup box continues to appear and I still refuse to download it in this unusual manner given the disaster it caused last time -- having to restore the PC to original factory settings. I figure I can survive without it -- if it was that essential the
update would be offered through the Update Tool. Call me a skeptic -- but I just want to be safe.