Windows Automatic Updates

You should manually update your system to the latest service pack before you configure automatic updates. Go to Windows Update and install all service packs and critical updates.

Enabling Automatic Updating in Windows XP

Windows XP users Note: You should install Service Pack 1 on your system to obtain the latest Automatic updates software.

  1. Open Start → Control Panel.
  2. Find the icon labeled System and double-click on it. (Note: You may have to click on Switch to Classic View to access the system icon.
  3. In the System Properties window, find the tab labeled Automatic Updates then click once on that tab.
  4. You should configure your windows to look identical to this one:
    1. Check the box next to Keep my computer up to date. With this setting enabled, Windows Update software may be automatically updated prior to applying any other updates." Note: This is the wording used by Windows XP.
    2. Set the radio button next to the description that says Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
    3. Select Every day.
    4. The time you select can be whenever is most convenient.
  5. Press the OK button.

For more information on configuring automatic updates in Windows XP:

HOW TO: Configure and Use Automatic Updates in Windows XP

Enabling Automatic Updating in Windows 2000

Windows 2000 users must install Service Pack 3. Automatic Updating is installed as part of this service pack.

  1. Open Start → Settings → Control Panel.
  2. Find the icon labeled Automatic Updates. You may have to click on Switch to Classic View to access the system icon.

  3. In the Automatic Updates window, configure your machine to look exactly like this:


    • Check the box next to Keep my computer up to date. With this setting enabled, Windows Update software may be automatically updated prior to applying any other updates."
    • Set the radio button next to the description that says Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
    • Select Every day.
    • The time you select can be whenever is most convenient.
  4. Press the OK button.

For more information on configuring automatic updates in Windows 2000 (this link takes you outside the CS web site):

HOW TO: Configure and Use Automatic Updates in Windows 2000

Windows XP - Enabling Automatic Updates via the Registry

See the following Microsoft KB article:

HOW TO: Configure Automatic Upates by Registry Settings

Windows 2000 - Enabling Automatic Updates via the Registry

See the following Microsoft KB article:

HOW TO: Configure Automatic Upates by Registry Settings