Update Extras - Win XP Service Pack 2 & later

Aren't automatic Windows Updates sufficient?

• Automatic Windows Updates helps you obtain critical security patches and bug fixes.
• However, automatic updates do not include new Windows drivers and non-critical bug fixes. You obtain those manually. Examples include new video, sound, and network hardware drivers. There may also be non-critical fixes of programs such as Outlook Express or new versions of Windows Media Player. Caution: Some updates are too large to download by modem.

How do I check for additional, non-automatic Windows Updates?

1. Go to the Windows Update site by either of two methods:

1. Run Internet Explorer and choose Windows Update from the Tools menu or
2. Look at the top of your Start menu or at the top of the Programs menu for Windows Update and choose it.

2. The welcome screen presents two choices: "Express Install" and "Custom Install." Choose Custom.

3. In the left panel there are 3 categories: "high priority updates," "optional software updates," and "optional hardware updates."

a. You should have automatic updates turned on which causes the high priority updates to download automatically. Ignore that category for now. If you need help with automatic updates, please contact the help desk.

b. Look at the number in parentheses to the right of optional software and optional hardware. If a number is greater than zero, you have possible downloads in that category. In the following example, there are three software and three hardware updates available.

OK, I see that updates are available. How do I get them?

1. Pick a category with available updates; in this case, either software or hardware.

2. In the main section of the screen, to the right, check the boxes for the updates you want to install. Go ahead and choose everything under hardware. If you have trouble selecting among software updates, contact the help desk.

3. Single-click the link "Go to install updates" which is high and to the right.

4. Review your choices and click the Install button.

5. From this point, follow the directions on your screen.

Return to Top

Great! Are there other overlooked updates?

Microsoft Office also has known security flaws and bugs. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

If your Microsoft Office CD is available, consider running Office Update. If you don't have the disc, you may not be able to complete the installation process.

1. Close all programs and save your work.

2. Use IE to go to http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdate or click here

3. Click the link Check for Updates which is near the top.

4. Follow the directions on your screen and be prepared to insert your Microsoft Office disc.

Questions?

Email: help@skidmore.edu
Help Line: 518-580-5900
This page is maintained by B. Muller, CITS Help Desk. Last update: 01/03/2005

Click to Print This Page

Return to Top