Windows Update

Windows Update is an online extension of Windows 2000. It provides a central location to find customized files and product enhancements, such as service packs, device drivers, and new features, that have been specifically selected by Windows Update to work with your computer's configuration.

When Windows 2000 is installed, an Internet shortcut to the Windows Update is created on the Start menu. Windows Update uses Active Setup and Microsoft® ActiveX® controls to provide product enhancements. The ActiveX controls are downloaded and installed on your system when you connect to the Windows Update Web page. Once the controls are installed, they automatically compare device drivers installed on your computer with a database of updated drivers on the server. If any drivers are found to be newer than your current set, they are offered to you to install.

Note

Windows Update requires an Internet browser that supports ActiveX controls.

Device drivers, system patches, or hot fixes can be uninstalled using the Restore page on the Web site. If you are unable to connect to the Windows Update Web site, you can uninstall the latest updates by using Update Wizard Uninstall. Existing files and drivers are automatically backed up before new ones are installed.

When you select Start, Windows Update scans your system, generates a list of items that can be updated, and then installs the files for the items you choose to update.

For system administrators who want to closely control the types of updates that users download to their computers, Windows Update offers a number of options, including the following:

• Corporate IT Catalog. Windows Update provides a searchable catalog of updates, drivers, and more. System administrators can select which downloads are available to users, download them to a server behind a firewall, and make them available over an intranet.
• Restricting Access to Windows Update. You can use Group Policy to restrict access to Windows Update. System administrators can control access to updates to ensure that Windows 2000 configurations remain consistent across all desktops. Use the following check boxes in System Policy Editor to restrict access:
  • Override Local Web Page redirects the user to a specified Web page the first time that Windows Update is launched.
  • Override Windows Update Site URL redirects the user to a specified URL when Windows Update is launched.
  • Disable Windows Update disables all access to Windows Update and removes its shortcut from the Start menu.

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