Install all Upgrades???

[Gery]

Hi tu all,

Im got a new PC with XP on it.

Every time I get on the net, a message box is urging me to download
the 20 plus upgrades.
I ask the (good) pupil at the PC Store about it and the adwise was not
to bother as every upgrade would change how the Pc is working.
Also I noted a few messages on NG's asking for help after an upgrade
got wrong.

My question is:
Is it usful or even necessary to use the upgrades and if yes would I
use only the last one or all.
Regards Gery

Tanks for any replay

 

[IFixEm]

Yes!!!

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Install updates identified as critical. Do only a few at a time. If there is
an issue, you will already know which may have caused it. Keep in mind that
these groups are for those who have problems. No one posts here to state
that all updates downloaded and installed without a hitch. Those comprimise
the vast majority of users, and we never hear from them. FWIW, I've rarely
actually encountered a problem with installing any of the publicly released
updates.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Win9x
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Due to the nearly infinite number of possible combinations of
hardware, device drivers, and applications on any given PC, it's
impossible to guarantee that all patches will be 100% harmless. In a
very small number of cases, patches and hotfixes can cause conflicts
or other problems. So, as with all changes to an OS, caution is
advised.

All "Critical" updates should be installed. These address serious
issues that can affect a large number of computers. There will be
only rare occasions when a Critical update will not apply. Of special
importance are those that address security vulnerabilities. If people
had installed the available critical updates in July, the Blaster and
Welchia worms would not have spread throughout the Internet the
following month. In the unlikely event that problems do develop, you
can always use the Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs applet or a
System Restore Point to uninstall the troublesome hotfix.

For the "Recommended" updates, simply study the information
provided to see if these updates apply in your specific situation. If
they don't apply, or you're not experiencing the problem(s) addressed,
you needn't install them. For instance, I have no use for WinXP's
MovieMaker, so I ignore any updates to it. Again, in the unlikely
event that problems do develop, you can always use the Control Panel's
Add/Remove Programs applet or a System Restore Point to uninstall the
troublesome hotfix.

In general, though, I've found it best not to download the
"Driver" updates from Windows Update, unless they're for a hardware
device originally manufactured by Microsoft. Device drivers provided
by each component's manufacturer's web site are likely to perform
better and offer more features than will the watered-down, "generic"
drivers that those manufacturers provide to Microsoft for distribution
via Windows Update.


Bruce Chambers
--
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