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Windows Update

This is a web site that provides updates for Windows operating system software using direct internet connection. Updates address known issues and help protect against known security threats.

How does Automatic Updates work?

When you turn on Automatic Updates, Windows routinely checks the Windows Update Web site for high-priority updates that can help protect your computer from the latest viruses and other security threats. These updates can include security updates, critical updates, and service packs. Depending on the setting you choose, Windows automatically downloads and installs any high-priority updates that your computer needs, or notifies you as these updates become available.

How are updates downloaded?

When you connect to the Internet, Windows sends data to the Windows Update Web site about the way your computer is set up so the service can determine which updates your computer needs. Windows does not use your name, address, e-mail address, or any information that can be used to identify you or contact you. For details, see the Windows Update privacy statement.

It makes no difference whether you use a dial-up or broadband connection; important updates are downloaded behind the scenes and do not interfere with other downloads. If you disconnect from the Internet before updates are fully downloaded, nothing is lost. The download process will continue the next time you connect to the Internet.

How are updates installed?

You do not have to be connected to the Internet for Windows to install new updates. But updates must be installed, not just downloaded, before they can help protect your computer. If you use the Automatic (recommended) setting, new updates are installed at 3 A.M. However, you can change the time or frequency of scheduled updates to best suit your needs.  We would recommend 1 P.M. would be the best time as most user would we away from their desk having their lunch break.

windows automatic update

Note:  Installing updates before you shut down your computer is another way to keep your computer up to date and more secure. This option is available only in Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and only if important updates have been downloaded but not yet installed. Do not turn off or unplug your computer while updates are installing. Windows will automatically turn off your computer after the updates are installed.


commentPost your comment

I had the same bug.I restored a Ghost copy on my computer without Norton Security 2004,and now it is ok.

In reply to Al Bayless:
Six months later (April 05) I am having the same problem. Got the message "installing 1 of 6 updates" alternating with "do not turn off or unplug your computer it will turn off automatically". It never happened. I fixed the problem by going to the updates list. The very first one was an update to Service Pack 2 (for Windows XP) released 4/15/05. I unselected it and installed successfully the other 5, one of which was a Windows Installer update. Then I went back and selected and successfully installed the SP2 update. Everything is fine now!

bob
8/13/2005 7:49:00 PM - CA  | commentreply


Six months later (April 05) I am having the same problem. Got the message "installing 1 of 6 updates" alternating with "do not turn off or unplug your computer it will turn off automatically". It never happened. I fixed the problem by going to the updates list. The very first one was an update to Service Pack 2 (for Windows XP) released 4/15/05. I unselected it and installed successfully the other 5, one of which was a Windows Installer update. Then I went back and selected and successfully installed the SP2 update. Everything is fine now!
Al Bayless
4/25/2005 3:43:35 AM - US  | commentreply


Everyone please go to the Microsoft update service web site and submit a trouble report. Maybe if they get enough requests they will get the message out how to fix this problem!
Rich Medina
10/15/2004 2:45:06 AM - US  | commentreply


I turned my PC off and then back on again and its destroyed my registry and buggered the FAT on my C Drive. Drive was a bit flaky anyway, so im not sure if it was switching off of the PC of the HD dying. Any road up its forced my hand and Ive just purchased a new disk for my OS.

Bummer though.

Phil Hubbard
10/15/2004 1:00:41 AM - UK  | commentreply


I am having the same issue with two of the computers at one of my client´s offices. Apparently it started around 10:00PM on 10/13/04, and ended around 11:30AM the next day! I´m trying to figure out what type of update would take over 12hours to work!! =)
Alex Nicoletti
10/15/2004 12:28:51 AM - US  | commentreply


Just happened to me too. I turned off the computer and then ran the update clicking on the shield in the icon tray. It looks like you have to agree to the update licenses and then answer any question it may have about security. Basically, it looks like the automatic update requires user intervention, so the shutdown keeps timing out while waiting for user intervention that is impossible to give. (Maybe someday MS will actually test some of this stuff and use their brains...)
Anyway, after doing the update manually, I was able to shutdown and run normally.

Steve Viotti
10/14/2004 10:13:16 AM - US  | commentreply


Boy, it happens to me, too after the latest XP sp update. Please post information if anyone has a way to resolve it. Thanks.
Floopy
10/14/2004 9:51:18 AM - US  | commentreply


Microsoft just (12 Oct 2004) released their monthly update. Read this... You should visit WindowsUpdate to verify that all the patches has be installed correctly by clicking Tools Menu on Internet Explorer window then select Windows Update and follow the instructions on the page.

In reply to Brenda Majors:
For six hours, my HP ZD7000 has been showing this message: "Installing update 1 of 2." alternating with the message: "Do not turn off or unplug your computer. It will turn off automatically." What will happen if I turn it off?

Peter Tong
10/13/2004 4:25:04 PM - SG  | commentreply


I´ve had the same problem - eventually I just turned it off and rebooted. Only problem is the automatic update option means that unless I consciouly avoid it it keeps trying to do the update. Still looking for a solution

In reply to Brenda Majors:
For six hours, my HP ZD7000 has been showing this message: "Installing update 1 of 2." alternating with the message: "Do not turn off or unplug your computer. It will turn off automatically." What will happen if I turn it off?

MR
10/13/2004 3:16:15 PM - AU  | commentreply


I had the same thing happen to me earlier today with my Gateway! After 8 hours of the same stupid message, I contacted Gateway and they said it was probably "due to corrupt installation of Windows XP" and that I should do the following: Shut down the computer >> Restart it >> "Keep pressing F8 key immediately after the computer starts >> Select "Last Known Good Configuration" >> Press "Enter" -- (to restart, I had to press and hold the power button until it went into restart mode, since it was already in the middle of a shut down when the problem started). Anyway, this seemed to work for me. We´ll see if it remains true once the Windows Automatic Update thing starts up again. *fingers crossed*
Brenda G
10/13/2004 11:24:07 AM - US  | commentreply


For six hours, my HP ZD7000 has been showing this message: "Installing update 1 of 2." alternating with the message: "Do not turn off or unplug your computer. It will turn off automatically."
What will happen if I turn it off?

Brenda Majors
10/13/2004 9:08:10 AM - US  | commentreply


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