Automatically Install Windows XP Updates
Q. I understand that from time to time Microsoft sends, via e-mail, updates and bug fixes for its operating system. How do I find out about them?
A. Windows XP has an automatic update feature. To engage it click on Start , Control Panel , System , the Automatic Updates tab, and this screen will appear:
Place a check next to the paragraph that begins “Keep my computer up to date….”
You then have three options under Settings . If you click on the third option— Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify —the dimmed text in the boxes that contain the words Every day and the time become accessible so you now can make your selections.
My preference is to check the second option: Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed. That way, while the updates automatically download, you can choose when, or whether, you want the installation to proceed. There may be times when you purposely do not want to install an upgrade, and this gives you the option to block it. Once you’ve made your choice, click on Apply and OK .
