Do I have to have all the Windows Updates???

[Speedy]

Hi there

I have a simple question but i can't seem to find an answer! (probably need to look harder but I just want to get it finished)

I have just reformatted my computer and I am starting to get all the updates for windows xp (I have only downloaded sp2 so far). My question is do I really need all the updates that windows is saying (78 in all) as I have noticed updates for ie6 etc which I dont think I need as I will be updating to ie7 anyway.

Cheers

[mairving]

Bite the bullet and install them all. You can install IE7 first and then pick up all of the updates.

[kev7555]

Install all of the security updates (about 99% of the total). These repair vulnerabilities in XP. IE 7 is not necessary, but install it if you like. I have it on several computers but feel just fine without it on this one (my main work machine).

Most Windows updates are there for a purpose (usually known vulnerabilities) so it is a good idea keep current with them.



-Kev

[mairving]

Originally Posted by kev7555 Most Windows updates are there for a purpose (usually known vulnerabilities) so it is a good idea keep current with them.

Most are. I am still trying to figure out the Genuine Validation one and the Malicious Software removal tools. Both are quite annoying. I have left a computer installing 70 or so updates for a couple hours to be annoyed when I come back and it is stopped on update no. 21 asking for an OK, then stops on no. 58 waiting for another one.

[Kareeser]

I use Autopatcher (http://www.autopatcher.com/). Every single update up till... February, in one convenient package. Actually, four convenient packages, but you can install each Autopatcher incremental update and run the program once to update everything.

I then use Windows Update to get the rest. Painless

[kev7555]

Mairving....
I hear you. The genuine validation thing always gets me torqued. Why can't they just incorporate it so I don't have to respond?

The malicious software removal tool baffles me as well. If someone out there from MS can explain it to me, I'd appreciate it. I haven't been able to find an application anywhere that allows me to take advantage of this tool, unless it is entirely automatic, and if so, please show me how it's an advantage?!

-Kev

[Speedy]

Thanks guys...I will try the autopatcher and let you know what happens.

It is a bit of a pain but I did all this just under 2 weeks ago and then I installed a hotfix and everything started going wrong. Reformatted again yesterday and installed norton 360 before any updates and it still messed up. So now Im trying the updates first..lol

Thanks for your time and help

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by kev7555 Mairving.... I hear you. The genuine validation thing always gets me torqued. Why can't they just incorporate it so I don't have to respond? -Kev

And don't ya just love the final screen with the default check box? If you forget to uncheck it and just click Finish, you get to see all the reasons why Gen Val is such a great thing. Bah!

[Force Flow]

AutoPatcher user here

I don't bother installing WGA (because there's annoying issues associated with it) or IE7 (I use Opera as my primary browser anyway). Barring a few other minor non-critial tools that Microsoft thinks you should install, I get all of the critical and non-critical hotfixes.

[kev7555]

No doubt, Panama. When is MS going to quit trying to be my mommy?