Critical Updates-should I

[renata]

I have just downloaded a number of critical updates on
my windows xp home computer. The last one is #816093
"Security Update Microsoft Virtual Machine" (Microsoft
VM). I am new to the computer world and this is my first
time doing this. The thing that bothers me is it states
that if it is installed it can't be removed. I know I
probably would not want to remove a critical upgrade but
I don't want to install anything that will give me a
problem with my computer. Because it is on the list of
my necessary critical updates - is it ok to install?
Also, on the Windows XP installation list, do I have to
install all the recommended updates or is it ok to skip
what I don't need.
thanks, Renata

 

[Will Denny]

Hi Renata

You can install 816093 without any problems. All Critical/Security Updates should be installed. The Recommended Updates are installed if the user needs them.

Any problems, please post back.

 

[CWatters]

I believe the Windows Xp "System restore" feature can help..

This can be used to take a snap shot of your system (but not your data)
before you do the update and if the update doesn't work it can restore it to
the way it was. To create a "System restore point".......

1) Log on as administrator and select ...
2) Start -> Control Panel -> Performance and Maintenance -> System restore
(on left hand side)
3) Select "create a restore point" then NEXT
4) Enter a name for the restore point (eg "Just before Windows Update")
click CREATE
... and wait for a few mins.

Then do the Windows Update

If it causes problems

Repeat the above but select the option to restore at step 3 and select the
restore point you created in step 4).

Depending on how your computer has been set up... Restore points are also
created when your computer is started and possibly automatically when you
run Windows Update. I always prefer to create one with a name I will
remember.

You could also find a local expert to show you how to make "drive image
backups" to CDR using a third party application like Norton Ghost. They
"saved my life" when my computer hard disc failed recently and no data could
be recovered from it.

 

[Will Denny]

Hi

<snip
Depending on how your computer has been set up... Restore points are also created when your computer is started and possibly automatically when you run Windows Update. I always prefer to create one with a name I will remember.
<\snip>

Correction to your posting:

SR points are created every 10 hours when XP is being used - (if there is any 'down time') - in that period. Any program that is running in the back-ground, such as Seti@Home will not allow any SR points to be established.

SR points are not created on startup unless the PC has been turned off for more than 24 hours - then a SR Point is created automatically.

If you need to catch up on the workings of SR, please to not hesitate to contact me.

 

[Steve]

I'd love to download critical updates, but I can't get into Windows
Update. Keep getting Windows Update Error 0x800700C1.

This is a new PC, downloaded all critical updates last week, now I
can't get back in. Any ideas?