more info here provided by Nick
Microsoft Security Bulletin(s) for November 11 2008

I had them installed and no problems then I rebooted like it said.

No problems either.

Jane

I got the updates although it said the Power Point failed. Is that a problem?

I still haven't taken the SP3. Am I the only hold-out or are others still waiting also?

HPMedia Center XP SP2

Sue

No, you're not the only holdout. I have it blocked (thanks to folks on this forum) so it doesn't even come up as an update and I don't have to watch for it anymore.

No SP3 for me either. I also have it blocked, but the dang Norton keeps reminding me that I have automatic updates turned off. Can't wait until my subscription for Norton is up so I can dump it!

I did take the Tuesday updates for my laptop and all is ok, but I haven't been on my desktop yet this week so I still don't know if it will affect it. The laptop runs Intel and the desktop runs AMD. Any thought or comments before I take the update for the AMD machine?

Okay, so how do I block it?

Sue

Any update that you do not want to view/install can be hidden. When it first appears in the update utility right click on the entry of concern and select hide in the appearing menu. It can be restored later if so desired.

DA

I am using a AMD processor and the SP3 installed with out a problem.

I went to the MS Update page and let it scan my computer. It said I needed only four update, so I downloaded and installed them. No problems.

I have SP3 blocked and don't intend to get it unless it reaches a point where every expert here recommends it.

Dee

unfortunately sp3 can not be blocked in the normal way you must apply a block that microsoft put out, I posted the link to it in the sp3 thread we had here that is how they were able to block it.
Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit

Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit tutorial

I do not have sp3 either and am not getting it anytime in the near future, I do however keep my pcs fully updated so have pretty much all that comes in sp3 on my pc.

Dee,

Please continue to update the way you feel comfortable. The key idea is you let the site scan your system to determine need. Some users download updates directly from Microsoft without scanning.

It is recommended by Microsoft to update through the Windows Update utility. Their thinking, and I do support it, is by using the utility it insures that a user only installs the needed and correct updates for their system. Further by using the utility, and I would say also the site scan, cumulative updates only download and install pertinent portions of the update not the whole update.

Add me to those who got these updates with no problem.

I installed the updates and noticed that my Sierra Wireless USB Modem uninstalled itself while connected and the computer was idle. It reinstalled ok, and obviously connected again, but it was an unusual ocurrence. Still using Win XP Home SP 2.

Pam

How do I change from automatic updates to just being notified of updates?

Firefox
XP home

janette,

Click Start/Control Panel/Security Center.
At the bottom under 'Manage Security Settings for:' click 'Automatic Updates' and select 'Notify me but don't automatically download or install them'. Click 'OK'.
You should get a notification in the system tray by your clock when new updates are available.

Witz

Witz, I knew it was something simple, but I could no find it.
Thank you for helping. I just made the change
Janette

It is recommended by Microsoft to update through the Windows Update utility.

Is the Microsoft Update utility different from what pops up in the system tray? The ones that pop up seem geared to only what I need for my machine, but I'd like to do it right. Sandy

Sandy the ones that pop up in your systray are specific to your system as far as I know.
I just personally like to visit the update site and have it do the scan as I watch, choosing custom, so I can do exactly what I want and also have the chance to see what else is listed there on the left side for my pc, such as drivers and stuff.
Getting the critical updates is what is important as long as you get them.

Yes the icon in the System Tray/Notification Area is the same as the results of the utility listed on your Startup Menu. This icon appears as you have the utility configured to automatically scan for updates and notify before installation.

Again, if you scan at the update site I would think that is as adequate as using the utility.

An inexperienced user should never download updates directly.

DA