Scheduling Automatic Updates with XP Pro

[Guest]

I went into the control panel and then into the
scheduling tasks icon. I double-clicked the "scheduling
tasks" icon and then double- clicked the "add scheduled
task" icon.

I chose updates to occur automatically at 3am and every
day. I chose this time because I didn't want the computer
doing updates every time I connected to the internet.

Can I do my automatic updates in this manner if I always
shut my computer off after using it? In other words, will
my computer automatically start itself at 3am to do the
updates?

Is there another way to do all of this? How do I know if
my computer is doing the updates automatically?

Robert

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Not if you switch it off. It will simply roll past the schedule time.
Scheduling a time for updates via Windows Updates option allows the updates
to be installed at a specific time. It does not, as i wrongly assumed, allow
your pc to access the update site, download and then install. The updates
themselves will simply download when you are online at anytime. It will only
be at the tiem you specified, i.e., 3am that they will actaully install.
Now to another point. You say you turn your pc off. As i have explained the
'install time' will simply roll over and you will not install anything.
However, say you leave your pc running, simply to install the updates. If
you normally turn your machine off after use what happens when you have left
it on till 3am, and the updates have installed. Either your pc will reboot
to finish off the install or the pc will sit there doing nothing. It needs
you to disconnect the internet connection, unless you are on broadband and
it also needs you to turn it off.
Personally i much prefer the option whereby the updates are downloaded
automatically and then i am notified when they are ready to install.