I keep getting a message that says: Windows Update, click here, etc. 
The last couple of times I did that, my ability to access my multiple
list service (I'm a Realtor) was deleted.  I'm now afraid to access
the updates.  Should I be? (Afraid, that is) or is the danger past or
what am I missing if I don't access that update message?  My previous
experiences disrupted my ability to continue my work for several days
at a time until I communicated with "fixers".  A not acceptable
situation.  Should I be asking Windows--if so how do I access them for a reply?

---

Request for Question Clarification by hibiscus-ga on 17 May 2004 09:40 PDT

Hello, 

It would be helpful to know which update file(s) the updater is trying
to install.  You can find out by running windows update, scanning for
new updates, and listing any of the critical updates that it finds. 
They won't be installed by doing this; you would have to specifically
ask for them to be installed.

If you can provide the update name and number that would be useful
(for instance "Security Update for Windows XP (KB840374)".

Thanks.

czarda...

It sounds like you have Windows Update set to run automatically,
and to notify you when updates are available. That's good, since
a timely installation of security patches is the best prevention 
against many current security threats.

You could tell Windows not to use Automatic Updating, by going
to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Automatic Updates, and
unchecking the box at the top which says "Keep my computer 
up to date". You would then not receive the automated notices,
and could go to the Windows Update site and manually select,
download and install the updates, at your convenience. I would
personally not recommend this, as doing this less than faithfully
could put your computer at risk, but it is an option.

If you have Windows XP the instructions for setting up Automatic
Updating are on this page from Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/pro/using/tips/maintain/autoupdates.asp


A better approach is to go to Automatic Updates, as above, and,
under Settings, select "Notify me before downloading any updates
and notify me again before installing them on my computer."

Then, when you are notified of the updates, Windows will give you
the option of downloading them right then or of reminding you again
at some time in the future. This gives you some leeway in the 
installation process.

When you are ready to set aside the time for the updates, follow the
guidelines which are always given for installing new software, which
is: "close all other programs". It sounds like your multiple list service
crashed because you had it running while the updates were being
installed. This kind of conflict is very unlikely to occur if you simply
shut down that program, and any other non-essential programs, while
the update installations are in progress. Also, make sure that the 
program is completely shut down, and not merely running minimized
in the system tray. 

If you have an option for backing up your system prior to installing
the updates, this would be prudent, as well. If you find your system
dysfunctional after the updates, you can simply restore it to its
former state. And, as hibiscus-ga mentioned, if you take note of 
the updates being installed, you also have the option of going to
Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs
and uninstalling an update if it causes a problem.

Doing these things will eliminate any reason to be fearful of installing
the updates.

Contacting Microsoft on this matter would not produce any information
I have not given you here.


Please do not rate this answer until you are satisfied that  
the answer cannot be improved upon by way of a dialog  
established through the "Request for Clarification" process. 
 
A user's guide on this topic is on skermit-ga's site, here: 
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sublime1-ga


Searches done, via Google:

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