Automatic Updates Service

Service Name	Wuauserv		Process Name		svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Default Settings	XP Home : Automatic			XP Pro : Automatic
Microsoft Service Description	Enables the download and installation of Windows updates. If this service is disabled, this computer will not be able to use the Automatic Updates feature or the Windows Update Web site.
Dependencies	None
Real World Description	See the Microsoft Description above.
Is this service needed?	Possibly	Recommended Setting:				Automatic
Note	Updated to reflect SP2 changes. If you choose to update manually this service is not needed. Personally, I manually run update every morning so I have this service disabled. It's been my experience that Automatic Update has missed an occasional update as well as delaying the time from when the update was released to when Automatic Update states it's available. Your experience may vary.

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- Reminder -

For many months now I've been posting a reminder about 'Patch Tuesday' or 'Second Tuesday' as it has come to be known when Microsoft releases the latest round of updates for Windows XP and other products.

If you're using a Microsoft operating system (and it's likely you are or you wouldn't be on this site) it's once again time to head for Windows Update for the latest round of Critical and Security updates.

As always, I strongly suggest you read about any update prior to installation, especially updates carrying a less than 'Critical' rating, and have a current system and data backup available in case it's necessary to restore the system to a pre-patch condition.

More info at Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification

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The Elder Geek sites contain many articles and suggestions for modifying the Windows operating system. I've tried these tweaks and tips on many systems. Sometimes they work, sometimes not. The point is, ensure you have a current, tested backup of all system and data files and understand how to restore the system in case something goes very wrong. You can still yell at me, but I assume no responsibility for your actions and use of the information and disclaim any legal responsibility for any consequences of such actions.

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