one thing to be aware though , windows update does on occasion throw that validation tool into its critical updates , so if your adamant you dont want it then check em all before you download em.
do you have IE7? (you cant without the validation tool ((i dont think
)) )
windows as yet arnt allowed to use the validation tool for critical updates , but it is in the pipeline , maybe they will make it more secure first.
just out of interest , why are you so set against it? when basically its only gathering exactly the same info from your pc as is gatehered from the windows update site when its
"checking if your system is running the latest version of windows update" you do realise that dont you???