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Critical Updates for Microsoft Windows

Last Update: 7/29/09

These instructions will show you how to download updates for Windows XP as well as how to enable Automatic Updates. Computers on the UCCS domain are already set to download the updates automatically. When notified that the downloads are ready to install, please install them as soon as possible to prevent computer vulnerabilities.

It is necessary to install all critical updates to your Windows system at least monthly. Microsoft updates their software constantly to correct problems. Inside of Windows XP, you can configure your computer to download all critical updates automatically. Instructions for downloading updates manually and enabling automatic updates are both below.

Manual Updates

1. Click on the Start button, select All Programs and choose Windows Update. (If you don't have Windows Update on your Start menu, start Internet Explorer and select Windows Update under the Tools menu or go to the following webpage: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com.) The website is a little different depending on your version of Windows.

 

Note: If asked to install Active-X, click the bar under the toolbars and select Install ActiveX Control. (Do NOT install ActiveX Controllers unless you trust the website issuing the content.)

2. At the web page, click on the Express button.

 

3. If critical updates are listed, click on the Install Updates button. Agree to terms, if asked.

Note: You may have to restart your computer after the updates are installed. Choose an appropriate time to do Windows Update when you aren't working on a project that cannot be saved and interrupted.

Some updates cannot be installed until other updates are installed. Run Windows Update until there are no more critical updates to install.

If your computer is not a part of the UCCS network, we recommend that you enable Automatic Updates for Windows XP.

 

4. Inside of windows update click on the link labeled Turn on Automatic Updates.

Each time you boot up your computer, Windows will check Microsoft for critical updates. If any exist, they will download automatically. You will occassionally see a pop-up in the bottom-left corner saying you have updates to install. Click the icon in the lower right of your screen to open a window. Click the Install button. After the update installs, you may be prompted to restart your computer.

Failure to update your computer can make your computer vulnerable to malware and other security risks.