Updating Drivers and Software with Windows Update
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In this document:
Get Windows Updates now (all versions of Windows)
Using Windows Update in Windows Vista
Automatically updating drivers and software Windows Vista
Automatically updating drivers and software in Windows XP
Related support
This document applies to HP and Compaq PCs with an Internet connection.

HP recommends that Microsoft Windows Update be used on a regular basis. Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, and other hardware and software vendors diligently pursue fixes and enhancements for their products. Many, including Hewlett Packard, use the Windows Update tool to distribute their updates. Here are some examples of issues that Windows Update can solve:

Realtek audio configuration issues in Vista.
Security vulnerabilities where the computer can be subjected to malicious attacks.
Music problems when recording in Windows Media Player.
Cannot establish a Remote Assistance connection.
The error SSDPSRV.EXE caused an invalid page fault in module MSVCRT.DLL at 0197...
CDs created in Windows XP cannot be read in other computers running Windows 98 and Me.

Get Windows Updates now (all versions of Windows)
To immediately get updates for your computer, connect to the Internet and go to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/ . You may need to select your language or country/region if you have never visited the site before. Make sure you follow the directions in the Web pages to download and install updates.

NOTE: In Windows Vista, Windows Update is integrated into the operating system and a Windows Update window should automatically open when the web page is visited.

Using Windows Update in Windows Vista
Perform the following steps to find and install updated software and hardware drivers for your computer with Windows Vista:

If you are not already connected to the Internet, connect now.
Click Start and enter windows update into the Start Search field.
Windows Update opens.

Figure 1: Windows Update in Vista
Do one of the following:

To only install updates that Microsoft has determined to be Important or recommended, click the Install Updates button.
To view all individual updates, click the View available updates, select or deselect the titles in the list, and then click Install.
View individual updates if you are looking for driver updates.
Windows Vista creates a restore point if needed, downloads the update(s) and then provides more information. You may need to restart your computer after an update is installed.
Select one of the four settings that best fit your needs and then click OK.

NOTE: For computers with dial-up Internet access, it is probably best to select Automatic and then select a time when the computer will be on but will not be used to browse the Internet.
Your computer is now set to automatically check and accept any critical updates that become available when you are online.

Automatically updating drivers and software Windows Vista
Setting Windows Update to automatically update on a regular basis is a good idea, especially if your computer has a fast Internet connection that is always on. Perform the following steps to adjust the automatic download process used by Windows Update:

If you are not already connected to the Internet, connect now.
Click Start and enter windows update into the Start Search field.
A Windows Update window opens.
Click the Change settings.
Select one of the four settings that best fit your needs and then click OK.

NOTE: For computers with dial-up Internet access, it is probably best to select Automatic and then select a time when the computer will be on but will not be used to browse the Internet.

Figure 2: Windows Update settings
Your computer is now set to automatically check and accept any critical updates that become available when you are online.

Automatically updating drivers and software in Windows XP
Setting Windows Update to automatically update on a regular basis is a very good idea, especially if your computer has a fast Internet connection that is always on. Perform the following steps to find and install updated software and hardware drivers for your computer with Windows XP:

If you are not already connected to the Internet, connect now.
Click Start, right-click My Computer, and select Properties.
Click the Automatic Updates tab, and select Keep my computer up to date.
Select one of the three settings that best fits your needs and then click OK.

NOTE: For computers with dial-up Internet access, it is probably best to select Automatic and then select a time when the computer will be on but will not be used to browse the Internet.

Figure 3: System Properties: Automatic Updates tab
Your computer is now set to automatically check and accept any critical updates that become available when you are online.

Related support
Microsoft support article - You may receive an error message when you search for available updates on the Windows Update Web site or on the Microsoft Update Web site (in English).
Microsoft support article - How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP (in English). HP Pavilions with Windows XP have automatic updates enabled by default. This feature allows update reminder messages to appear when connected to the Internet. Use this support article to disable or change the behavior of the automatic update feature.