Synopsis

Start → Windows Update

Internet Explorer → Tools menu → Windows Update

This feature uses Internet Explorer to selectively download updates to Windows XP from Microsoft's web site, and install them automatically. Activate Windows Update (or navigate to http://www.windowsupdate.com) and then click Scan for updates to list the available updates that havn't yet been installed. There are three categories of updates: "Critical Updates," typically new versions of shared files that fix problems and patch security holes, "Windows XP," which contains new versions of some of the components discussed in this chapter, and "Driver Updates," which lists any newer versions of Microsoft drivers you may have installed on your system.

TIP

To configure the automatic update feature, go to Control Panel → [Performance and Maintenance] → System → Automatic Updates tab.