X-post to IE General.
Do NOT disable Automatic Updates (AU) to avoid installing IE7!
Go to
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com > Allow the initial scan to
complete > Select CUSTOM install > Scan again > Uncheck IE7 and "hide" it >
AU now will not offer you IE7;
or...
Change your AU settings to Notify Only; When IE7 is offered, decline to
install it and "hide" it.
How to configure and use Automatic Updates in WinXP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306525
NB: If the installer for IE7 has already been downloaded by AU, you will
need to stop the AU service, delete the installer (and any other updates
already downloaded but not yet installed), and then restart the AU service.
Follow these directions:
1. Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
Scroll down to and right-click on Automatic Updates service > Click Stop
(Stopping the service will take a moment) > [OK] your way out and close the
Services window.
2. Start > Run > (type in) %windir%\SoftwareDistribution > [OK]
Open the Download folder, delete its contents, then close the folder.
3. Start > Run > (type in) services.msc > [OK]
Scroll down to and right-click on Automatic Updates service > Click Start
(Starting the service will take a moment) > [OK] your way out and close the
Services window.