How do I use Windows Update?

Category: Geeks r Us

Post 1 by Knaught_JDD (Newborn Zoner) on Wednesday, 07-Jan-2009 19:21:53

I've never used Windows Update. A couple of times over the last few weeks, Windows has told me it's recovered from a serious error, so I'm hoping Windows Update helps.
I run Windows Update from the Start menu.
The eContent frame says quote
The website uses ActiveX controls to determine which version of the software your computer is running. If you see an ActiveX warning, make sure the control
is digitally signed by Microsoft before installing it or allowing it to run.
end quote
I don't see what to do next.
I'm using Internet Explorer 6.0, and I have the Internet Security zone set to default.
I'm using Windows XP.
I'm open to hand-holding or reference material suggestions.
Thanks for thoughts.

Post 2 by Knaught_JDD (Newborn Zoner) on Sunday, 11-Jan-2009 11:58:47

JAWS-key+Escape to refresh the screen turned out to be the answer to that problem.

Now I'm getting quote
Directory Listing Denied
This Virtual Directory does not allow contents to be listed.
end quote
My hosts file doesn't mention update.
So my Windows Update trouble has changed.

Post 3 by Big Pawed Bear (letting his paws be his guide.) on Sunday, 11-Jan-2009 14:11:30

fire up windows update from the windows start menu, run any active exe it wants you to, then click on express install, wait for updates to be found, then install the lot. this might take two or three restarts as new updates are installed.

Post 4 by Polka dots and Moonbeams (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Monday, 12-Jan-2009 1:04:13

I hope it is ok to add a side question to this windows update thread.

I haven't updated my desktop in a really long time and windows update doesn't seem to work anymore. Any suggestions on how I can get it working again. We're talking years. I got this desktop in 2004 and back then, I was very much a computer newby. Help appreciated. smile

Post 5 by rat (star trek rules!) on Monday, 12-Jan-2009 15:09:12

i'd go to the windows update site manualy and see what it does. don't use the windows update shortcut
go to update.microsoft.com i believe is the address you want.

Post 6 by Knaught_JDD (Newborn Zoner) on Tuesday, 13-Jan-2009 12:14:08

Thanks lots for the responses.

Rebooting a couple of times seems to have been the answer.
Now I go to Windows Update from the Start menu and activate the Express button on the resulting Web Page at WWW.Update.Microsoft.Com
I'm told quote
No high-priority updates for your computer are available.
end quote.
Since I heard from a friend that Windows Update has changed to Microsoft Update, now I'll activate the
Microsoft Update
hyperlink found in the eToolbar frame and see what happens.

Post 7 by blindndangerous (the blind and dangerous one) on Tuesday, 13-Jan-2009 16:17:42

If their r no high priority updates avilable, then don't worry about that. Your computer is up to date.

Post 8 by jeffreyshockley (the Zone BBS remains forever my home page) on Tuesday, 13-Jan-2009 19:47:05

I agree, but it's a good idea to at least check and see what the Optional ones are and install the ones you want to.
Microsoft Update updates Windows as well as other mS products you have on your system. That does include Windows Live Messsenger and MS Office.
HTH