Automatic updates

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bobbi
  • Start date Start date
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Bobbi

I have my system set to "download windows updates for me but let me choose
when to install them."
Where are they being downloaded to?

Bobbi
 
Bobbi said:
I have my system set to "download windows updates for me but let me choose
when to install them."
Where are they being downloaded to?
Click to expand...

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
 
Thanks, Rock, I see that folder. I also see some inscrutable file and folder
names like 3cdc3c7c0a6415....
How do I find information on exactly what each file does and how to go about
installing the ones I want?
 
Bobbi said:
How do I find information on exactly what each file does and how to go about
installing the ones I want?
Click to expand...

Tell Automatic Updates to inform you about the availability of
updates, then visit the site, choose to perform a CUSTOM install, then
read about each update if finds and choose which ones you want to
install.
 
Bobbi said:
Thanks, Rock, I see that folder. I also see some inscrutable file and
folder names like 3cdc3c7c0a6415....
How do I find information on exactly what each file does and how to go
about installing the ones I want?
Click to expand...

Through the automatic updates downloads icon in the notification area it
displays info about what updates are there.
 
Thanks, Rock. Now I see how it works. (In fact, there appears to be no
advantage to downloading the updates before installing them because I might
not install them all. I changed the option to notify only).

Now, can you recommend some websites that alert users to the problems which
some patches cause?

Bobbi

-----------------------------
 
Bobbi said:
advantage to downloading the updates before installing them because I
might not install them all. I changed the option to notify only).

Now, can you recommend some websites that alert users to the problems
which some patches cause?
Click to expand...

You're welcome. Yes I think that's the best if you use automatic updates,
notify but don't download, then you choose. I personally don't use AU, I go
to the windows update site on an occasional basis and do a custom scan. I
read the info on each update and decide. If I want it I download the update
from the KB or security bulletin links and save it, then install one at a
time to see the effects. It's not too burdensome when you keep up with it.

Most updates come out once a month on the second Tuesday, called patch
Tuesday, though occasionally ones will come out in between if it's important
enough. MS has bulletins you can subscribe to that will notify you when
updates will be released, and to advise of any new security problems.
Here's a link with info on it and how to subscribe.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/advance.mspx

There is a newsgroup for windows update issues,
microsoft.public.windowsupdate. If there are problems with an update it
will show up there.

Never get hardware driver updates from windows update unless it is for MS
manufactured hardware. Only update a driver if there is a problem that the
update will fix or the new driver has a must have feature. Otherwise leave
things be. If a driver update is needed get it from the hardware
manufacturer's web site if it's a retail device, the computer OEM's site for
the major ones such as DELL and HP, or the motherboard manufacturer's site
if it's an on board device.
 
Rock-

Thanks for the excellent information and advice! I've saved and printed it
for my regular maintenance procedures.
I feel better now.

-Bobbi

----------------
 
You're welcome.

Bobbi said:
Rock-

Thanks for the excellent information and advice! I've saved and printed it
for my regular maintenance procedures.
I feel better now.
Click to expand...
 
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