How do I get this pesky update icon off my task bar?

I have one of those Microsoft automatic update icons on my task bar. I can’t install the updates (subject of another thread), but I can’t seem to get rid of the icon. It keeps prompting me to install the updates, which of course I can’t make work. Any way to get rid of this thing?

Here you go. It’s a minor registry hack. Do back up your registry prior to proceeding.

Great site, thanks!

You could also go to the System control panel applet (Windows key + Pause/Break is the fastest way), go to the Automatic Updates tab, and turn it off from there.