How can I "close all applications" and still run update?

My XP version is set to alert for auto updates of critical upgrades. However,
when I try to install, the wizard says "close all applications". But I do, I
will be online with no protection (no firewall, no virus protection, etc.).
However, Catch 22 is if I disconnect from the internet, I can't run the
upgrade. I searched the Windows Update site for specific instructions, but
could find none. Am I just supposed to ignore the wizard and proceed with the
update? Or does Microsoft really expect that I will shutoff all my security
programs in order to run the update?

Larry;
NEVER shut off or disable the firewall unless you already have a firewall
enabled to replace it.
Anti virus, spyware blockers etc are not necessary as long as your computer
is not doing anything other than updating at Windows Update.
Those programs do not always cause problems, but it is not uncommon for
those programs to interfere with Windows Update.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar
http://www.dts-l.org


"Larry in WI" <Larry in > wrote in message
news:B2319D80-B0BD-430C-A819-...
> My XP version is set to alert for auto updates of critical upgrades.
> However,
> when I try to install, the wizard says "close all applications". But I do,
> I
> will be online with no protection (no firewall, no virus protection,
> etc.).
> However, Catch 22 is if I disconnect from the internet, I can't run the
> upgrade. I searched the Windows Update site for specific instructions, but
> could find none. Am I just supposed to ignore the wizard and proceed with
> the
> update? Or does Microsoft really expect that I will shutoff all my
> security
> programs in order to run the update?

"Larry in WI" <Larry in > wrote in message news:B2319D80-B0BD-430C-A819-...
> My XP version is set to alert for auto updates of critical upgrades. However,
> when I try to install, the wizard says "close all applications". But I do, I
> will be online with no protection (no firewall, no virus protection, etc.).
> However, Catch 22 is if I disconnect from the internet, I can't run the
> upgrade. I searched the Windows Update site for specific instructions, but
> could find none. Am I just supposed to ignore the wizard and proceed with the
> update? Or does Microsoft really expect that I will shutoff all my security
> programs in order to run the update?


The advice really only matters for the install phase of an update;
so if you have already downloaded it you don't need to be connected
and hence could close or disable any potentially interfering applications.

Unfortunately WU doesn't provide a break between the download
phase and the install phase which we could take advantage of.
However, AU does; so if you download with AU and specify that
you want to be prompted before the install phase starts you could
very safely avoid your "Catch-22" by first disconnecting from the
network (e.g. by hanging up in the case of a dial-up connection
or doing something like ipconfig /release otherwise.)


HTH

Robert Aldwinckle
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