Saturday, October 8, 2011

Windows XP - Update to Service Pack 3 by July 13 2010 Or Lose Automatic Updates

Microsoft ends their support for Windows XP Service Pack 2 on July 13 2010. It is essential that your Windows XP computer is running Service Pack 3 by this date in order to keep the automatic updates coming to your computer.

Microsoft's Update System

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Microsoft regularly pushes updates, patches and security updates to computers running various versions of Windows XP. As new software problems and vulnerabilities are discovered, Microsoft prepares new updates to address them.

Microsoft's regular scheduled monthly update is on the second Tuesday of each month. This is often referred to inside the computer industry as "Patch Tuesday". Occasionally, Microsoft determines a patch or security update is too important to wait and send these updates out before the regular update schedule. These unscheduled updates are known as "out of band" updates.

Why The Updates Are Needed

Some of the updates are to fix glitches or minor problems with the different versions of Windows. Sometimes new features are added by the updates. But most important of all, security updates are sent out by Microsoft's update system.

Malicious software writers are constantly examining software for vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities are problems or issues with the software code that allow them to access a computer. With this access, they can download and install viruses, trojans, spying software and other types of malicious software. Microsoft and other software vendors are always on the lookout for areas of their programs that could allow malicious access to a computer.

Its like a cat and mouse game. A software vendor releases a new program. The malicious software writers go to work looking for ways to exploit the software code to let them access your computer. As they find new ways to get inside your computer, the software companies find new ways to stop them with updates and patches. The malicious software writers go to work looking for ways to use the new updated code to let them in. The software vendor provides newer patches and updates. This game constantly swings back and forth.

Keeping your computer up to date is essential. And the way to keep your Windows software (Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7) up to date is by using Microsoft's free update system. After a while software code gets to be too old to keep updating and patching. That is what is happening with Microsoft's decision to drop support on Windows XP Service Pack 2. As of July 13 2010, Microsoft will no longer support Windows XP running with Service Pack 2. They will continue to support Windows XP running Service Pack 3.

What Is A Service Pack?

A service pack is a collection of the patches, updates and security fixes for a product. For example when Windows XP was first available, it was the original version. After preparing updates and patches for awhile, Microsoft combined them together, along with some product enhancements and improvements into Service Pack 1. This process continued and Microsoft combined all the security patches and updates into Service Pack 2. This was several years ago.

In April 2008, Microsoft combined all of the previous patches, updates, security fixes and product enhancements into the latest service pack, Service Pack 3.

All of Microsoft's updates and service packs are free.

How Can I Check The Service Pack Level On My Computer?

To see which service pack your version of Windows is running, you need to press 2 keys on the keyboard at the same time.

Press the Windows "Flag" key in the lower left corner of the keyboard. It is located between the "Ctrl" key and the "Alt" key. While holding down the Windows "Flag" key, press the key labeled "Pause Break". This key is located in the upper right corner of the keyboard.

Once you press these 2 keys together you will see a "System Properties" screen. If this screen didn't pop up, try again. It can take a few tries to get the feel of using multiple key presses.

In the upper half of the "System Properties" screen there is information about the version of Windows you are running (Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7). Just below this you will find the Service Pack level. For Windows XP, you should already be running Service Pack 3.

What To Do If Your Computer Is Not Running Service Pack 3 for Windows XP

If you are running Windows XP and are not running Service Pack 3, check to be sure your computer is set up to receive Windows Automatic Updates.

To check this, bring up the "System Properties" screen again by pressing the "Windows Flag" and "Pause Break" keys at the same time again. When the "System Properties" screen appears, you will notice there are two rows of tabs at the top of the page.

Click the "Automatic Updates" tab at the top. Be sure the "Automatic" selection is marked. Press the "OK" button at the bottom.

When Automatic Updates is active, your computer will automatically check with Microsoft to see which updates your computer needs. Your computer will automatically download and install the updates. This is the easiest way to keep your Windows current and up to date. Its also the recommended way to keep your Windows current and up to date.

Some people prefer to use the second selection, "Download updates for me but let me decide when to install them". With this option, your computer downloads all the updates and then notifies you they are ready. From here you can review them and decide which updates to use and when to install them. This option is often used by more advanced computer users.

You Can Also Update Manually

If for some reason your computer will not update with the automatic downloads, you can go to Microsoft's web site and select and download Windows updates manually. The web site address for manual Windows updates is http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

(c) 2010 Geoff Burnette

Windows XP - Update to Service Pack 3 by July 13 2010 Or Lose Automatic Updates

Geoff Burnette - http://TheComputerBlogger.com. Geoff is a certified computer technician. He has been deeply involved in a wide range of computer support since the mid 1980's and enjoys sharing valuable tips and insights on Computers, Microsoft Windows, Computer & Internet Security, and general ways to get more from your computing experience.

Geoff thinks computers should be fun, not frustrating and really enjoys helping people really understand their computers. His blog is designed to help you use your computer - BETTER!

Check out his blog at http://TheComputerBlogger.com for more articles!

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