Access to Vista 64-Bit Computer Updates

[Tom461]

I recently installed a Windows Vista 64-bit HP Pavilion CPU, and I checked
for windows updates several times the day of installation. It took me two
more days to find out the hard way that I needed two available updates, one
for IE8 on Vista 64-bit and an SP-2 for 64-bit as well. I wonder why I had to
work so hard to find out about these updates, why the ordinary Windows Update
feature did not work as expected for me. For the future, where do I need to
go to check for Vista 64-bit updates? Alas, another assumption bite the dust:
The Windows Update page reliably tells you what you need to know about
updating Windows.

 

[AJR]

Windows update will automatically provide updates for both 32 and 64 OSs -
designation of the OS installed is not necessary. Some updates, such as IE8,
will download but not install without a specific OK.

 

[Tom461]

I formerly believed what you write below. But Windows Update on this new
computer twice indicated that there were no further relevant updates, other
than two optional and unimportant ones, but that was false. I still needed an
IE-8 update for 64 bit and a 64-bit SP@ for Vista. My question was why
Windows Update did not tell me this, so you have no answered my question.

 

[Al and Darlene]

What can I say? - I have 64 XP Pro, Vista Ultimate and Windows 7(RC) and
"updating" is as noted in my first response! Microsoft update process does
not mention a specific requirement of indicating OS type.

Regarding " I still needed an .IE-8 update for 64 bit and a 64-bit SP@ for
Vista. ..." - how were you made aware of the need for the updates?

 

[Al and Darlene]

BTW - do you have Vista set to automatically download updates and notify
you?