Updates/downloads

[Guest]

Whilst upgrading from AOL 8 to 9, via CD Rom, a message popped up from Microsoft aferwards, directing me to a "critical upgrade". This has been installing now for nearly 6 hours. Every time I cancel, I get a warning that my previous files/installations may not work. Why is this happening? I'm clearly not particularly IT literate, but I know what I use, in terms of what I use the applications for, ie, I'm not a technical user. Is it ok to a) ignore this now and cancel in any case, or b) let it run overnight? I don't know what's happening here, and am exhausted waiting!! Why did Microsoft give me a "critical" alert to download to windows xp express, with a download time of 7 minutes, only for it bordering on 7 hours???? My PC is litererally only 1 year old and I clearly am not experienced in dealing with these technical matters, so any assistance would be appreciated. Mrs.D.B.

 

[roger]

Dbeuth,

Microsoft doesn't send pop ups directing to 'critical upgrades.' If
you have checked the option to download updates automatically, an icon
appears next to the clock, indicating the computer is downloading the
update.
As far as I know, no pop ups are sent to direct to updates. You either
go to Windows Update center or the icon appears, the machine downloads
the update, and then informs you that it has an update and asks your
permission to install.

Also, in all my updates, never have I received a message warning that
the previous installation may not work. I strongly suspect some ugly
scheme.

Do you have a firewall activated? It is imperative that you do.
I would suggest interrupting this 'download.' Restoring to the day
before, implementing a firewall and checking for viruses or spyware.

And going personally to Windows Update.

HOW TO: Enable or Disable Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;q283673

Zone Alarm firewall at www.zonealarm.com

Free antivirus in www.grisoft.com

Try downloading, installing and updating the
spyware removers from the links below. Run both of them.

Ad-aware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/download/

Spybot S&D
http://www.safer-networking.org/index.php?lang=en&page=download

Download this update
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS04-011
Security Update for Microsoft Windows (835732)
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/MS04-011.mspx

MORE ON SECURITY:

Three steps you can take to improve your computer's security:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

321050 Description of a Personal Firewall
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=321050

Good luck