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CSD Helpdesk FAQ
Windows Updates
(Updated 03/14/2005)
Windows Update is a free service provided by Microsoft to help keep your copy of Windows updated with all of the latest patches, fixes, and security updates. When you connect to it over the internet your copy of Windows will be analyzed and a list of all suggested updates will be displayed to you. You then have the option to install all updates (recommended) or pick and choose to install only those you want.
USCA’s USCA Network uses the Cisco Clean Access Client which requires your system have all of the latest critical updates installed before allowing it access to the network. If you haven’t already done so, you should run a Windows Update now, following the instructions below.
Performing Manual Windows Update
Updating from Clean Access
If you’re attempting to install the Clean Access Agent and are being prompted to install Windows Updates you’ll see the screen to the right.
Click the Go To Link button to begin the Windows Update Process.
Updating from Internet Explorer
If you’re choosing to run a Windows Update on your own the easiest method is through Internet Explorer.
OpenInternet Explorer.
ClickTools from the menu bar.
ClickWindows Update to begin the Windows Update Process.
When your system first connects to the Windows Update site you’ll see this screen.
Click the Express button.
You’ll now have to wait a few seconds (to a few minutes) while the Windows Update site analyzes your system. It is determining which updates you already have and which new updates you might need.
If this is the first time you have run Windows Update you’ll see a screen asking you to install the latest version of the Update Tool.
ClickDownload and Install to update to this latest version.
The Download and Install status screen will display.
Wait for this step to complete before continuing. It may take only a few seconds or several minutes.
Once the update to the Windows Update software has been downloaded and installed, you’ll see a Results screen.
ClickContinue.
Your system will now be scanned using this latest version of the Update tool. Again this can take several minutes.
You’ll now see an updated list of the updates available for your system. By default only the most Critical updates will be listed here. It is recommended that you install all Critical updates.
ClickInstall Updates.
The new updates will now download and install.
Normally this process will take less than five minutes. If this is your first time running Windows Update, it may be twenty minutes to an hour before the updates have completed, you may also have to reboot your system and repeat this process several times. The actual time required depends on several factors such as your connection speed to the internet and the speed of you computer.
You must wait for all updates to complete before continuing.
Once all updates have downloaded and installed, you will see a screen telling you that you have “successfully updated your computer”.
Depending on the updates done on your system you may also have to reboot at this point. If this is required you will see a Reboot Now button.
If so, clickReboot Now.
If not, clickClose.
Your system is now updated, but you should plan to run Windows Update at least once a month. You also have the option of having Windows perform updates automatically. You can do this by clicking the Configure automatic update link shown in the screen above, or configuring Automatic Updates through your Control Panel. For instructions on configuring Automatic Updates through the Control Panel, see the Automatic Updates document found under Windows on the CSD Helpdesk site.
