Re: Automatic updates

Tech-Archive recommends: Fix windows errors by optimizing your registry

Rock-

Thanks for the excellent information and advice! I've saved and printed it
for my regular maintenance procedures.
I feel better now.

-Bobbi

----------------
"Rock" <Rock@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:ujBCOYhTHHA.3980@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Bobbi" <bobbi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote> Thanks, Rock. Now I see how it
works. (In fact, there appears to be no
advantage to downloading the updates before installing them because I
might not install them all. I changed the option to notify only).

Now, can you recommend some websites that alert users to the problems
which some patches cause?

"Rock" <Rock@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote

"Bobbi" <bobbi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote

Thanks, Rock, I see that folder. I also see some inscrutable file and
folder names like 3cdc3c7c0a6415....
How do I find information on exactly what each file does and how to go
about installing the ones I want?

"Rock" <Rock@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote

"Bobbi" <bobbi@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote

I have my system set to "download windows updates for me but let me
choose when to install them."
Where are they being downloaded to?

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

Through the automatic updates downloads icon in the notification area it
displays info about what updates are there.

You're welcome. Yes I think that's the best if you use automatic updates,
notify but don't download, then you choose. I personally don't use AU, I
go to the windows update site on an occasional basis and do a custom scan.
I read the info on each update and decide. If I want it I download the
update from the KB or security bulletin links and save it, then install
one at a time to see the effects. It's not too burdensome when you keep
up with it.

Most updates come out once a month on the second Tuesday, called patch
Tuesday, though occasionally ones will come out in between if it's
important enough. MS has bulletins you can subscribe to that will notify
you when updates will be released, and to advise of any new security
problems. Here's a link with info on it and how to subscribe.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/advance.mspx

There is a newsgroup for windows update issues,
microsoft.public.windowsupdate. If there are problems with an update it
will show up there.

Never get hardware driver updates from windows update unless it is for MS
manufactured hardware. Only update a driver if there is a problem that
the update will fix or the new driver has a must have feature. Otherwise
leave things be. If a driver update is needed get it from the hardware
manufacturer's web site if it's a retail device, the computer OEM's site
for the major ones such as DELL and HP, or the motherboard manufacturer's
site if it's an on board device.

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]


.

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