Installing the latest Windows Service Pack

In a continuing effort to protect against virus infection and prevent security intrusions, we're making a push to update every Extension computer to the latest Windows Service Pack. For Windows 2000 Professional this is Service Pack 4. For Windows XP Professional this is Service Pack 2. If you log in to a computer that is out of date, you should receive a popup alert that indicates your computer needs updating.

Once updated to the latest Service Pack, computers will receive updates automatically, keeping your computer secure with minimal intervention.

To update to the latest service pack for your version of Windows, complete the following steps:

1. Log on to your computer with the administrator account
   If you don't know your administrator password, contact the Support Hotline.
2. Windows 2000: Select Start, Windows Update
3. Windows XP: Select Start, All Programs, Windows Update
4. If prompted to install the latest version of Windows Update, select Yes or OK
5. Select Scan for updates or Express Install
6. If available, select Review and install updates
7. Select Install or Install now
8. Reboot when prompted

Repeat this process until there are no more updates to install. Some updates can only be installed by themselves, so it may take two or three cycles to install everything. When there are no more updates to install, Windows should be completely up to date, and you should no longer receive the popup alert during logon.

Congratulations, your computer is now more secure! This might be a great time to verify that VirusScan is up to date as well.

If you need assistance at any time, please contact the Extension IT Support Hotline (515-294-1725).

Posted by dddugan at November 02, 2004 03:25 PM