Microsoft Windows Updates

Windows Update is used to download and install updates to the Windows operating system. This includes critical security updates and other updates Microsoft believes you may want. Installing critical updates as soon as they are available is crucial to protecting your computer from attacks over the Internet.

Automate Windows Update to Download Critical Updates & Notify

This option will automatically download all Windows Critical Updates automatically in the background when your computer is connected to the Internet and will notify you when the Critical Updates are available for installation.

Requirements

• To modify Automatic Updates settings on Windows XP and Windows 2000, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.
• Windows might prompt you to restart your computer after certain components are installed. Please restart your computer when prompted; otherwise, your computer might not work properly.
• Windows ME users can use the Automatic update feature but will need to first install the 'Automatic Update' patch by manually running Windows update and then configure Windows Update using the Windows update icon in the Control Panel.

Automating Windows Update to Download Critical & Notify for Windows XP/2000

1. Make sure you are logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
2. In Windows XP, select Start > Control Panel from the Windows taskbar.
   In Windows 2000, select Start > Settings > Control Panel from the Windows taskbar, then double-click Automatic Updates.
   
3. In Windows XP, click on Performance and Maintenance.
   (If the Control Panel is set to Classic View or if you are using Windows 2000, skip the next 2 steps).
   
4. Double-click the System icon.
5. Click on the Automatic Updates tab.
   
6. Check the box next to Keep my computer up to date.
   (Skip this step, if you do not have the Keep my computer up to date check box option).
   
   
   
7. Check the radio button next to Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed.
   
   

   Newer Version of Automatic Updates	Older Version of Automatic Updates

   
   
8. Click the Apply button.
9. Click the OK button.
10. You maybe be prompted for by Windows to update your PC.  Choose “Custom” instead of “Express” and install updates except for “Security Update for Windows XP (KB911280)”.  Make sure this update is NOT checked and do not install it.  If this update is re-installed, the removal process will have to be repeated.
    
    

How the Automate Windows Update to Download Critical Updates & Notify Process Works

After you set this option, Windows finds updates on the Windows Update Web site that apply to your computer and downloads them automatically in the background (you are not notified or interrupted during this process). When downloading is complete, a message appears in the status area so you can review the updates for installation.

Windows Update icon appears on taskbar when downloading Windows updates.	A message appears briefly when updates have finished downloading.

If you choose not to install at that time, you will be given the option to Remind Me Later and to select a time when you would like to be reminded.

• If you choose to install updates when notified, you must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group.
• Some updates might require that your computer be restarted to complete the installation. If you are logged on to your computer, Windows notifies you and gives you the option to delay the restart. Be sure to save any work prior to the scheduled installation time.