"Try Microsoft Update Today"

[mbpleeuk]

I have received this invitation from MS. But I have always had "AutoUpdate" with my MS Win.XP home. I do not have Office and such like. But to use this new update facility I will have to load and I presume keep active "Active X". Is this a secure way of getting updates? I also have SP2 already?

[Emma]

If you go to Windows update now, what's the URL that you go to?

The newer version (which is what I think the message you've got is about), directs you to v6. I think that earlier ones it's v5.

To answer your question "is it secure" - yes, as long as it's a proper MS one. If you go (manually) to Windows update & you're currently on v5, it will ask if you want to install it & you'll go to v6. If you already have v6, then it's not a legitimate message.

To answer your implied question "Do I need it?"; then I suspect that it's a case of "well, we're inviting you now, but, in the future, you'll have to have it to get the autoupdates".

The alternative, long term, is most likely to have to be to turn off autoupdates, and then to rely on the Official MS notifications of updates & download them manually. The cons of that are you might forget, the pros are that you can download the install file, back it up & then install it, which can be useful if you have to re-install at any point, as you'll have a back up already.

To answer the other impliend question "Should I bother". I'd say "Yes. It will make it easier for you, and, assuming that it is a genuine message, then it's as safe (or as unsafe depending on your view point) as the autoupdates you are currently getting.

[mbpleeuk]

Thanks Emma for replying. It will take a bit of deciphering, but it is basically yes!

[mbpleeuk]

Just to let everyone know I have upgraded to the latest Microsoft Update, and also downloaded the Active X needed, and nothing exploded. Thanks Emma! Now to learn all about Active X and when and how to turn it on or off. Any discussions appreciated.

[Paul Sutcliffe]

Mbpleeuk wrote :

Now to learn all about Active X and when and how to turn it on or off. Any discussions appreciated

Well, for a kick off, the ActiveX settings are in Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Options > Security tab

Click "Internet" zone icon, then click custom settings button. I suggest you set most of the ActiveX settings to "Disable", except for two. One labelled "Signed ActiveX" (These are the safest form of ActiveX). Set the "Download Signed ActiveX" to "Prompt" or "Enable". The other one is "Script ActiveX Marked safe....". Set this to "Prompt" or "Enable"

ActiveX controls can enable useful webpage features, but they can also have a malicious purpose. Hence the advice to block ActiveX controls which are not "signed" or certified as safe.

See this link for a definition of ActiveX controls :

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/ActiveX_control.html

[Rich]

Its another icon on your already bulging Start Menu or crowded desktop.

[Frith]

This is presumably the Microsoft Update which appeared, completely unbidden, on my start menu. It brings up the v6 URL but won't open the page. The progress bar moves only a third of the way and then stops. Clicking on Refresh didn't work and eventually crashed my system. How did this get onto my Start menu without so much as a nod or a wink? Windows Update is still there and working correctly.

[Rich]

That would be it, but it wont just magic itself onto your system.

First theres a link you click on windows update 'Upgrade to Microsoft Update' then it takes you to another page with a 'Start Now' box and then it downloads some software.

So it wont just install itself without you telling it to and if you've never touched these screens, have a word with whoever did!!

[Frith]

Well, I've no recollection of clicking any link but I suppose that I must have done: nobody else has access to this computer. I have my original Windows Update shortcut which takes me to v6. Under this is the new Microsoft Update shortcut which, tonight, has taken me to v6 without the previous kefuffle. Does everyone now have two shortcuts?

[Emma]

I do.
I have thought about removing the old one, but haven't bothered.

[mal]

I hadn't noticed. I had two, just removed one of them.