Windows Security and other critical updates

Why we need to use Windows Update

Tens, hundreds, even thousands of attempts are made upon your computer every hour! No operating system [Windows, Linux, Apple] is perfect. Hackers 'test' the operating systems every day, looking for vulnerabilities. Each week, and sometimes on a daily basis, certain 'holes' in the OS must be repaired, to prevent the hackers from breaking in.

Windows Update is one such service to the windows user. It is very, VERY, important to the security of your PC to set your computer to automatic updates [recommended]. Or, visit www.windowsupdate.com Weekly.

Finally, do not ignore update alerts from other software like Java and Adobe®. Many forms of Malware 'sneak' in to your PC through 'holes' which are 'patched' by these updates.

Turning Automatic Windows Updates on

Windows XP:

Click Start -> Control Panel -> Performance and Maintenance -> System -> Automatic Updates tab

Windows Vista:

Click Start -> Control Panel -> System and Maintenance -> Windows Update -> Turn automatic updating on/off

Windows 7:

Click Start -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Update -> Turn automatic updating on/off

Windows Updates Problems

1. If you have fallen behind in updates, it may be necessary to install the Service Packs [#1,#2,#3] before updates can resume
2. Some Update issues can be resolved by deleting the 'Softwaredistribution' folder in 'c:\Windows\System32\'. In a command prompt, type:

   sc stop wuauserv
   cd /d %windir%
   rmdir /s /q softwaredistribution
   sc start wuauserv 
   

3. Another common problem:Data Link Libraries need re-registering. Type these commands into a command prompt to re-register DLLs related to Windows Update:

   regsvr32 /s wuapi.dll
   regsvr32 /s wuaueng1.dll
   regsvr32 /s wuaueng.dll
   regsvr32 /s wucltui.dll
   regsvr32 /s wups2.dll
   regsvr32 /s wups.dll
   regsvr32 /s wuweb.dll
   

Tip: Copy commands into text file and save as fix.bat. Then run the file!