MANUALLY UPDATE WITH WINDOWS UPDATE

If you select not to use AutoUpdate, you need to check for updates manually with Windows Update. You may also want to periodically check for updates manually to get any optional updates, which do not show up with AutoUpdate. Optional updates might include a new version of Windows Media Player or a new driver for your video card, for example.

To start Windows Update, select Start > All Programs > Windows Update, or open your web browser and go to the Windows Update Web site.

Microsoft Internet Explorer opens and connects to the internet, and a Windows Update page displays. The first time you visit this page, you may be prompted to download and install an ActiveX control from Microsoft; if prompted, you must do this or you can't continue.

From that point, just follow the prompts. Click Scan for updates, and then review and install the updates it finds. Figure 3-3 shows an example of some updates it might find. You should install all critical updates plus any of the other updates that seem like they would be useful for your situation.

Figure 3-3: Install the recommended updates that Windows Update finds for your computer.
Figure 3-3: Install the recommended updates that Windows Update finds for your computer.

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There are three categories of updates that appear in the Windows Update page. You can view the contents of a category by clicking it in the left pane.

  • Critical Updates and Service Packs: These are the same updates that you get with AutoUpdate. You should always install these.
  • Windows XP: These are nonessential updates, such as updates to accessories including the Windows Media Player or Windows Movie Maker, or add-ons that accommodate special uses of an accessory program or support different languages.
  • Driver Updates: These are updates for the device drivers for your installed hardware. It's important to note that this is not a complete set of updates. Only certain manufacturers have made deals with Microsoft to provide updates this way. Later in this lesson, you'll find out how to get driver updates from other sources.

You may have heard in the news recently that Microsoft is getting ready to release a new version of Windows XP that it's calling "Windows XP Reloaded." It's expected to have some new features in addition to patches and behind-the-scenes improvements. It's not yet clear whether it'll be available through Windows Update or whether it'll be a retail product you'll have to buy.

You can click the View Installation History link in the left pane of the Windows Update web page to see the updates you've installed in the past.