Windows Update in Windows 2000
Periodically Microsoft releases security patches and updates for
computers running Windows. It is vital that you keep your computer up to
date by installing these patches and updates in order to protect your computer,
your data, and the other computers on the network. There are two options
for keeping your computer up to date:
| Option 1: Set up
Automatic Updates on your computer so that each time you connect to the
internet, your computer will check the Microsoft website to see if any
updates are available. This process runs in the background and in
most cases, you won't even know that it's happening.
Option 2: Periodically visit the Windows
Update website and manually install any available updates. This
option is less desirable because it takes longer and requires that you
remember to check the website frequently whereas with Automatic Updates,
the updates are downloaded as soon as they are released. |
Important Note:
Some older versions of F-Secure antivirus software can cause problems when
installing Windows Updates. To find out what version of F-Secure you are
running, double click the 
icon in your system tray (next to the clock). Verify that F-Secure
Antivirus is at least Version 5.4. If it isn't, you should contact the Hub
about having F-Secure updated before you attempt to run Windows Update.
Option 1 - Automatic Updates
You only have to turn on Automatic Updates once, after that,
your computer will keep itself up to date.
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You must be logged in to Windows 2000 as a member of the
Administrators group to access Automatic Updates. Click on the Start button,
select Settings, and then Control Panel.
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Click on the "Automatic Updates" icon.
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Check the box that says "Keep my computer up to date."
Under Settings, choose one of the three options. If you choose the first
option, your computer will automatically look for updates, but ask you before
downloading or installing them. With the second option, your computer will
automatically look for and download updates, but ask you before installing them.
With the third option, your computer will automatically look for and download
updates, and install them on a regular schedule that you specify.
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If you choose the first or second option, you will receive a
popup message notifying you when new updates are available. You can choose
to download/install the update now, or wait until later. If you choose to
wait, you will see the Windows Update logo in your system tray (the right
side of the taskbar, next to the clock) and can access the updates by clicking
on that icon. Windows will also periodically remind you until you choose
to install the update.
Logo that notifies you when
updates are available.
Option 2 - Manually scan for and
install updates
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In order to manually install Windows updates, you will need to
be logged into your computer as Administrator or a member of the administrators
group. You should close any open programs before proceeding. Go to
www.microsoft.com.
(You can click on this link and the site will open in a new window.)
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Click "Windows Update" in the navigation bar on the left.
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The site will check your computer for the Windows Update
software. If you are prompted for permission to download the Windows
Update software, check that the message says the certificate is signed by
Microsoft and click OK.
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Click on Scan for updates to check your computer.
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You will see the progress of the scan. It may take a few
minutes so be patient. Do not leave this webpage or open any other
programs.
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There are three categories of updates. Critical Updates
fix security problems in Windows and you should always install these. All
available critical updates will be selected by default. Windows 2000 updates
consist of recommended updates and updates that only apply to people running
certain hardware and software. It is a good idea to scan through these and
select the ones that apply to you. Driver updates give your computer
information to handle specific pieces of hardware. If you aren't having
trouble with any of your hardware, you probably don't need to worry about these.
Click on a category on the left to review the updates in that category.
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When you have selected all applicable updates, click on Review
and install updates.
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You will see a list of the updates you've selected. This
is your last chance to remove an update from the list. Click Install Now.
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Some updates have to be installed separately from others.
If you've selected an update that must be installed separately, you'll be warned
and you'll need to repeat this entire process after that one is completely
installed. When the license agreement comes up, click Accept.
Sometimes there is more than one license agreement; you will need to accept them
all.
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The status window will let you know the progress of the download
and installation. Do not leave this webpage or open any other programs
until the installation is complete.
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Depending on which updates you installed, you will probably have
to restart your computer to complete the installation.
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You should see this webpage confirming the installation right
before your computer restarts.
This page has been accessed 
times since October 1, 2003.
