Chapter 36: Other Windows XP Resources

Updating Your Computer with Windows Update

Windows Update examines your computer and gives you a list of device drivers and other files that can be updated. When the scan is complete, a list of available updates is presented, and you can choose which update(s) you want to install., Windows Update includes a Restore option that returns your computer to its condition prior to the update, in case you install an update that is not what you expected or does not work properly.

You can run Windows Update at any time to see whether new updates are available. It is especially important to run Windows Update after you install a new piece of hardware or a new software program to be sure you have the drivers and files that you need on your system.

Windows Update uses a wizard that guides you through the screens to complete the setup information. The first time you run Windows Update, you may be asked to register as a Windows user and supply some personal information, such as your name, location, and e-mail address. Windows Update uses Internet Explorer and your Internet settings to connect you to the Microsoft site on the Web. Before you start Windows Update, be sure your computer is connected or is ready to connect to the Internet. Also, close all your other programs, since some updates require restarting Windows.

To run Windows Update and update your Windows installation, follow these steps:

1. Choose Start | All Programs | Windows Update, or run Internet Explorer and choose Tools | Windows Update. The Help And Support Center home page has a link to Windows Update, too.
2. If your computer is not already connected to the Internet, you may see the Dial-Up Connection dialog box; if so, enter your user name and password and click Connect. Windows Update connects to the Microsoft server over the Internet and displays a Web page like the one shown in Figure 36-1. The Windows Update page shows options that you can use to update Windows, get answers to technical support questions, or send your feedback about the Update page to Microsoft. (Since this page is on the Web, Microsoft may change its design at any time, but similar options will probably be available.)

Figure 36-1: The Windows Update Web page

1. Click the Scan For Updates button to check for updates. You see a catalog of available updates from which you can choose those appropriate for your system.
2. Click the Critical Updates link in the Task pane section of the Web page. Be sure to download all the Critical Update items. Windows Update lists the items it found, as shown in Figure 36-2.

Figure 36-2: Click Add to download this update.

3. For each update you want to download, click the Add button.
4. When you've chosen the updates you want, click the Review And Install Updates link in the Task pane section of the Web page. You see a list of the updates you've selected.
5. Click the Install Now button to download and install the updates.
6. If an update requires you to agree to a license, you see a dialog box with the license agreement. Click Accept if you agree to the license agreement.
7. Windows displays a status dialog box like this, to let you know about its progress:

8. Some updates require restarting Windows: if so, Windows Update asks before restarting.