What is Windows Update?

I keep getting reminders about critical windows updates, but when I go the Microsoft site, I'm told that my system doesn't need any critical updates. What's going on?

This question was answered on July 14, 1999. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Windows update is one of those "helpful" utilities for Windows 98! Yes it can be helpful, but it can drive you to distraction when it doesn't work right Below you will find some Microsoft documentation on Windows Update One possibility that we found was that maybe you have recently installed a new driver for your system from some site other than the Windows Update site The identification system for this might not completely coincide with the Windows identifying number, therefore your system thinks it needs it, but when it gets to the update site, it does not Microsoft says this will be synchronized in you guessed it a further Update!

What is Windows Update?

Windows Update is the online extension of Windows designed to help your computer continue to work better and run better Windows Update has a central catalog called Product Updates that includes new product enhancements such as system files, device drivers, service packs, and new Windows features These enhancements will be recommended to you based on what is needed for your specific computer.

What is Product Updates?

The Product Updates page is a catalog of fixes, updates, and enhancements to Windows and many programs that work with Windows The catalog allows you to "shop" for components that will make your computer work better You can browse through the catalog, select as many components as you would like, and download and install them straight from the Web to your computer.

Why do I get a message saying an ActiveX control on this page is not safe?

This message is displayed when your security setting in Internet Explorer is set to High For the Windows Update site to work properly, you must change the browser's security settings for the Internet zone to Medium or lower To do so, click the Tools menu, then click Internet Options Select the Security tab and then click on Internet.

What is an ActiveX control?

ActiveX Controls are reusable software components that incorporate ActiveX technology These components can be used to add specialized functionality, such as animation or pop-up menus, to Web pages, desktop applications, and software development tools Windows Update uses ActiveX controls to check what software is installed on your computer in order to provide you with a correct list of updates and other software you may want to download.

What is the best resolution for viewing the Windows Update site?

The Web pages on the Windows Update site were designed to be viewed at a 800 by 600 or higher screen resolution To set this resolution, click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel Then double-click the Display icon, and click the Settings tab.

Does information about my computer get transmitted to Microsoft?

No Each time you go the Product Updates catalog, Windows Update uses a control to check for updates specific to your computer This check is done locally on your computer to ensure the privacy and security of your data, and does not send any information to Microsoft.

How do I send my feedback to the Windows Update team?

You can send feedback about this site to the Windows Update team by clicking Write Us, then Windows Update on the black toolbar at the top of each page.

Where can I get help on specific updates or enhancements available through Windows Update?

You can find information on the support policy for each item in our product catalog by clicking the Read this first link for each listing If you have already downloaded an item from our product catalog, you will need to click Show Installed Updates in order to see that item again After you have clicked Show Installed Updates, click the Read this first link for the item you want help with.

About the author

Posted by Ken Colburn of Data Doctors on July 14, 1999

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