Critical Update page - whast's going on?

I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I wanted to
download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the MS Update page
that states I would receive updates for Windwos, Office and more,
AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up and my computer is already
slow.) Receiving automatic updates would certainly slow down my computer. As
senior citizens we use our computer not often and do not want programs to be
downloaded without our knowledge.
Tonight when we opened IE6 (we are using AOL), and clicked on the Windows
Update, we noticed a new page that read:

"Get the latest Windows Update Softwasre. We've made improvedment to our
website. To download the new version of the softwasre and begin using the
Windows Update, please click Install Now."

What is this? Are we now being 'forced' to get the program that we did not
want? The Microsoft Update page?
When we switched back to the AOL screen, and clicked on the Windows Critical
Update page, we were taken to our original page and not to the page that said
we had to Install Now the Windows Update Software. And we downloaded the
Critical Update KB927891

What is going on please? This is all very confusing to us. As I said, we are
using dial-up and automatic downloads are not what we would prefer.

Which screen should we be seeing when we to the Critical Updates page?
Can't we keep the Critical Updates page we have always been using (not the
Microsoft Update page)?

Can someone please explain so we can understand as we are not that computer
litereate.

Alice

> What is this? Are we now being 'forced' to get the program that we did not
> want? The Microsoft Update page?

No. Several software updates are being offered by Windows Update website
and Automatic Updates as of today. The software is related to using Windows
Update and Automatic Updates.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org

AliceZ wrote:
> I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I wanted
> to download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the MS Update
> page that states I would receive updates for Windwos, Office and more,
> AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up and my computer is
> already
> slow.) Receiving automatic updates would certainly slow down my computer.
> As
> senior citizens we use our computer not often and do not want programs to
> be
> downloaded without our knowledge.
> Tonight when we opened IE6 (we are using AOL), and clicked on the Windows
> Update, we noticed a new page that read:
>
> "Get the latest Windows Update Softwasre. We've made improvedment to our
> website. To download the new version of the softwasre and begin using the
> Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>
> What is this? Are we now being 'forced' to get the program that we did not
> want? The Microsoft Update page?
> When we switched back to the AOL screen, and clicked on the Windows
> Critical
> Update page, we were taken to our original page and not to the page that
> said we had to Install Now the Windows Update Software. And we downloaded
> the Critical Update KB927891
>
> What is going on please? This is all very confusing to us. As I said, we
> are
> using dial-up and automatic downloads are not what we would prefer.
>
> Which screen should we be seeing when we to the Critical Updates page?
> Can't we keep the Critical Updates page we have always been using (not the
> Microsoft Update page)?
>
> Can someone please explain so we can understand as we are not that
> computer
> litereate.
>
> Alice

Hi Alice, When you visit the WU site you are being offered the new Windows
Update Client. What that means is that new client will just automatically
self update when visiting the WU site.

The other update you mentioned KB927891 - this was released to assist those
who were having problems with 100% cpu use.

http://blogs.technet.com/wsus/archiv...follow-up.aspx
<snip> Expected results: It’s important to note that with the MSI fix and
the new client installed, the CPU may still go near 100%, but the system
should still be responsive and not lock up. ..... snip>

You do not have to use the MS Update page, you can still use only the WU
page and check your Office products manually.

K


"AliceZ" wrote:

> I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I wanted to
> download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the MS Update page
> that states I would receive updates for Windwos, Office and more,
> AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up and my computer is already
> slow.) Receiving automatic updates would certainly slow down my computer. As
> senior citizens we use our computer not often and do not want programs to be
> downloaded without our knowledge.
> Tonight when we opened IE6 (we are using AOL), and clicked on the Windows
> Update, we noticed a new page that read:
>
> "Get the latest Windows Update Softwasre. We've made improvedment to our
> website. To download the new version of the softwasre and begin using the
> Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>
> What is this? Are we now being 'forced' to get the program that we did not
> want? The Microsoft Update page?
> When we switched back to the AOL screen, and clicked on the Windows Critical
> Update page, we were taken to our original page and not to the page that said
> we had to Install Now the Windows Update Software. And we downloaded the
> Critical Update KB927891
>
> What is going on please? This is all very confusing to us. As I said, we are
> using dial-up and automatic downloads are not what we would prefer.
>
> Which screen should we be seeing when we to the Critical Updates page?
> Can't we keep the Critical Updates page we have always been using (not the
> Microsoft Update page)?
>
> Can someone please explain so we can understand as we are not that computer
> litereate.
>
> Alice

Thank you both for the answers.
We are still a bit confused. When we go to the Windows Update page from
IE6/Tools/Windows Update, we see the regular Windows Update page that we have
always been seeing. HOWEVER, earlier this evening when we went to that site
we saw the screen that said: "Get the Latest Windows Update Software. We've
made improvements to our website. Download the new version of the software
and begin using Windows Update. Please click 'Install Now'"
#1- What do we do if we see that screen again? Should we click on the
"Install Now?"
#2- And if we do, would we still be able to use the Windows Update page we
have always been using (and not have anything downloaded automatically)?
Thanks so much.
============
"TaurArian" wrote:

> Hi Alice, When you visit the WU site you are being offered the new Windows
> Update Client. What that means is that new client will just automatically
> self update when visiting the WU site.
>
> The other update you mentioned KB927891 - this was released to assist those
> who were having problems with 100% cpu use.
>
> http://blogs.technet.com/wsus/archiv...follow-up.aspx
> <snip> Expected results: It’s important to note that with the MSI fix and
> the new client installed, the CPU may still go near 100%, but the system
> should still be responsive and not lock up. ..... snip>
>
> You do not have to use the MS Update page, you can still use only the WU
> page and check your Office products manually.
>
> K
>
>
> "AliceZ" wrote:
>
> > I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I wanted to
> > download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the MS Update page
> > that states I would receive updates for Windwos, Office and more,
> > AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up and my computer is already
> > slow.) Receiving automatic updates would certainly slow down my computer. As
> > senior citizens we use our computer not often and do not want programs to be
> > downloaded without our knowledge.
> > Tonight when we opened IE6 (we are using AOL), and clicked on the Windows
> > Update, we noticed a new page that read:
> >
> > "Get the latest Windows Update Softwasre. We've made improvedment to our
> > website. To download the new version of the softwasre and begin using the
> > Windows Update, please click Install Now."
> >
> > What is this? Are we now being 'forced' to get the program that we did not
> > want? The Microsoft Update page?
> > When we switched back to the AOL screen, and clicked on the Windows Critical
> > Update page, we were taken to our original page and not to the page that said
> > we had to Install Now the Windows Update Software. And we downloaded the
> > Critical Update KB927891
> >
> > What is going on please? This is all very confusing to us. As I said, we are
> > using dial-up and automatic downloads are not what we would prefer.
> >
> > Which screen should we be seeing when we to the Critical Updates page?
> > Can't we keep the Critical Updates page we have always been using (not the
> > Microsoft Update page)?
> >
> > Can someone please explain so we can understand as we are not that computer
> > litereate.
> >
> > Alice

Okay Alice, when I go to the ordinary Windows Update page, I see New! Get
Microsoft Update today - arrow Go.

Then I see the Express and Custom Buttons.

You do not need to "get Microsoft Update today" - ignore it if you don't
want to use Microsoft Update.

Continue normally as you would "express" or "custom".

The Windows Update Client is/would be offered prior to this page.
<snip>"Get the Latest Windows Update Software. We've
> made improvements to our website. Download the new version of the software
> and begin using Windows Update. Please click 'Install Now'"
<snip>

You are currently using Windows Update and not Microsoft Update.

Hope that helps.

K

"AliceZ" wrote:

> Thank you both for the answers.
> We are still a bit confused. When we go to the Windows Update page from
> IE6/Tools/Windows Update, we see the regular Windows Update page that we have
> always been seeing. HOWEVER, earlier this evening when we went to that site
> we saw the screen that said: "Get the Latest Windows Update Software. We've
> made improvements to our website. Download the new version of the software
> and begin using Windows Update. Please click 'Install Now'"
> #1- What do we do if we see that screen again? Should we click on the
> "Install Now?"
> #2- And if we do, would we still be able to use the Windows Update page we
> have always been using (and not have anything downloaded automatically)?
> Thanks so much.
> ============
> "TaurArian" wrote:
>
> > Hi Alice, When you visit the WU site you are being offered the new Windows
> > Update Client. What that means is that new client will just automatically
> > self update when visiting the WU site.
> >
> > The other update you mentioned KB927891 - this was released to assist those
> > who were having problems with 100% cpu use.
> >
> > http://blogs.technet.com/wsus/archiv...follow-up.aspx
> > <snip> Expected results: It’s important to note that with the MSI fix and
> > the new client installed, the CPU may still go near 100%, but the system
> > should still be responsive and not lock up. ..... snip>
> >
> > You do not have to use the MS Update page, you can still use only the WU
> > page and check your Office products manually.
> >
> > K
> >
> >
> > "AliceZ" wrote:
> >
> > > I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I wanted to
> > > download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the MS Update page
> > > that states I would receive updates for Windwos, Office and more,
> > > AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up and my computer is already
> > > slow.) Receiving automatic updates would certainly slow down my computer. As
> > > senior citizens we use our computer not often and do not want programs to be
> > > downloaded without our knowledge.
> > > Tonight when we opened IE6 (we are using AOL), and clicked on the Windows
> > > Update, we noticed a new page that read:
> > >
> > > "Get the latest Windows Update Softwasre. We've made improvedment to our
> > > website. To download the new version of the softwasre and begin using the
> > > Windows Update, please click Install Now."
> > >
> > > What is this? Are we now being 'forced' to get the program that we did not
> > > want? The Microsoft Update page?
> > > When we switched back to the AOL screen, and clicked on the Windows Critical
> > > Update page, we were taken to our original page and not to the page that said
> > > we had to Install Now the Windows Update Software. And we downloaded the
> > > Critical Update KB927891
> > >
> > > What is going on please? This is all very confusing to us. As I said, we are
> > > using dial-up and automatic downloads are not what we would prefer.
> > >
> > > Which screen should we be seeing when we to the Critical Updates page?
> > > Can't we keep the Critical Updates page we have always been using (not the
> > > Microsoft Update page)?
> > >
> > > Can someone please explain so we can understand as we are not that computer
> > > litereate.
> > >
> > > Alice

A1. Yes, if you want to be able to use Windows Update website efficiently.
[You do NOT have to "Get Microsoft Update today..."]

A2. Yes, assuming you're running the updated Windows Update software.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org


AliceZ wrote:
> Thank you both for the answers.
> We are still a bit confused. When we go to the Windows Update page from
> IE6/Tools/Windows Update, we see the regular Windows Update page that we
> have always been seeing. HOWEVER, earlier this evening when we went to
> that
> site we saw the screen that said: "Get the Latest Windows Update Software.
> We've made improvements to our website. Download the new version of the
> software and begin using Windows Update. Please click 'Install Now'"
> #1- What do we do if we see that screen again? Should we click on the
> "Install Now?"
> #2- And if we do, would we still be able to use the Windows Update page
> we
> have always been using (and not have anything downloaded automatically)?
> Thanks so much.
> ============
> "TaurArian" wrote:
>
>> Hi Alice, When you visit the WU site you are being offered the new
>> Windows
>> Update Client. What that means is that new client will just
>> automatically
>> self update when visiting the WU site.
>>
>> The other update you mentioned KB927891 - this was released to assist
>> those
>> who were having problems with 100% cpu use.
>>
>> http://blogs.technet.com/wsus/archiv...follow-up.aspx
>> <snip> Expected results: It’s important to note that with the MSI fix
>> and the new client installed, the CPU may still go near 100%, but the
>> system should still be responsive and not lock up. ..... snip>
>>
>> You do not have to use the MS Update page, you can still use only the WU
>> page and check your Office products manually.
>>
>> K
>>
>>
>> "AliceZ" wrote:
>>
>>> I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I
>>> wanted to download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the MS
>>> Update page that states I would receive updates for Windwos, Office and
>>> more, AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up and my computer
>>> is already slow.) Receiving automatic updates would certainly slow down
>>> my computer. As senior citizens we use our computer not often and do not
>>> want programs to be downloaded without our knowledge.
>>> Tonight when we opened IE6 (we are using AOL), and clicked on the
>>> Windows
>>> Update, we noticed a new page that read:
>>>
>>> "Get the latest Windows Update Softwasre. We've made improvedment to our
>>> website. To download the new version of the softwasre and begin using
>>> the
>>> Windows Update, please click Install Now."
>>>
>>> What is this? Are we now being 'forced' to get the program that we did
>>> not
>>> want? The Microsoft Update page?
>>> When we switched back to the AOL screen, and clicked on the Windows
>>> Critical Update page, we were taken to our original page and not to the
>>> page that said we had to Install Now the Windows Update Software. And we
>>> downloaded the Critical Update KB927891
>>>
>>> What is going on please? This is all very confusing to us. As I said, we
>>> are using dial-up and automatic downloads are not what we would prefer.
>>>
>>> Which screen should we be seeing when we to the Critical Updates page?
>>> Can't we keep the Critical Updates page we have always been using (not
>>> the
>>> Microsoft Update page)?
>>>
>>> Can someone please explain so we can understand as we are not that
>>> computer litereate.
>>>
>>> Alice

AliceZ <> wrote:

> I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I
> wanted to download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the
> MS Update page that states I would receive updates for Windwos,
> Office and more, AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up
> and my computer is already slow.) Receiving automatic updates would
> certainly slow down my computer. As senior citizens we use our
> computer not often and do not want programs to be downloaded without
> our knowledge.

Perhaps it is worth pointing out that you can configure control panel
"Automatic Updates" to do exactly what you want by setting it to "Notify me
but don't automatically download or install them". You then get the best of
both worlds: you are told promptly when important updates become available,
but there is no download on your dial-up link until you choose which updates
you wish to download.

If you make that setting, then you need not be so concerned about upgrading
to "Microsoft Update" - you will benefit from being informed about MS Office
updates, but they will not be downloaded unless and until you ask for them.

As others have already pointed out, the prompt you are currently seeing at
Windows Update concerns an important update to version 7 of Wwindows Update,
which you should accept - it will make the update process more efficient.

--
Robin Walker [MVP Networking]

Thank you all.
I will click on the "Install Now" when I see the new screen that says "Get
the latest Windows Update Software... etc.
However, I have gone to my WU Critical Update page but I am now seeing the
old Critical Update page I have always been seeing. Will I ever see that
screen that I was asking about? (The one that had "Get the latest Windows
Update Software... etc.)
Thank you.
=============
"PA Bear" wrote:

> A1. Yes, if you want to be able to use Windows Update website efficiently.
> [You do NOT have to "Get Microsoft Update today..."]
>
> A2. Yes, assuming you're running the updated Windows Update software.
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-Windows (IE, OE, Security, Shell/User)
> AumHa VSOP & Admin; DTS-L.org
>
>
> AliceZ wrote:
> > Thank you both for the answers.
> > We are still a bit confused. When we go to the Windows Update page from
> > IE6/Tools/Windows Update, we see the regular Windows Update page that we
> > have always been seeing. HOWEVER, earlier this evening when we went to
> > that
> > site we saw the screen that said: "Get the Latest Windows Update Software.
> > We've made improvements to our website. Download the new version of the
> > software and begin using Windows Update. Please click 'Install Now'"
> > #1- What do we do if we see that screen again? Should we click on the
> > "Install Now?"
> > #2- And if we do, would we still be able to use the Windows Update page
> > we
> > have always been using (and not have anything downloaded automatically)?
> > Thanks so much.
> > ============
> > "TaurArian" wrote:
> >
> >> Hi Alice, When you visit the WU site you are being offered the new
> >> Windows
> >> Update Client. What that means is that new client will just
> >> automatically
> >> self update when visiting the WU site.
> >>
> >> The other update you mentioned KB927891 - this was released to assist
> >> those
> >> who were having problems with 100% cpu use.
> >>
> >> http://blogs.technet.com/wsus/archiv...follow-up.aspx
> >> <snip> Expected results: It’s important to note that with the MSI fix
> >> and the new client installed, the CPU may still go near 100%, but the
> >> system should still be responsive and not lock up. ..... snip>
> >>
> >> You do not have to use the MS Update page, you can still use only the WU
> >> page and check your Office products manually.
> >>
> >> K
> >>
> >>
> >> "AliceZ" wrote:
> >>
> >>> I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I
> >>> wanted to download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the MS
> >>> Update page that states I would receive updates for Windwos, Office and
> >>> more, AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up and my computer
> >>> is already slow.) Receiving automatic updates would certainly slow down
> >>> my computer. As senior citizens we use our computer not often and do not
> >>> want programs to be downloaded without our knowledge.
> >>> Tonight when we opened IE6 (we are using AOL), and clicked on the
> >>> Windows
> >>> Update, we noticed a new page that read:
> >>>
> >>> "Get the latest Windows Update Softwasre. We've made improvedment to our
> >>> website. To download the new version of the softwasre and begin using
> >>> the
> >>> Windows Update, please click Install Now."
> >>>
> >>> What is this? Are we now being 'forced' to get the program that we did
> >>> not
> >>> want? The Microsoft Update page?
> >>> When we switched back to the AOL screen, and clicked on the Windows
> >>> Critical Update page, we were taken to our original page and not to the
> >>> page that said we had to Install Now the Windows Update Software. And we
> >>> downloaded the Critical Update KB927891
> >>>
> >>> What is going on please? This is all very confusing to us. As I said, we
> >>> are using dial-up and automatic downloads are not what we would prefer.
> >>>
> >>> Which screen should we be seeing when we to the Critical Updates page?
> >>> Can't we keep the Critical Updates page we have always been using (not
> >>> the
> >>> Microsoft Update page)?
> >>>
> >>> Can someone please explain so we can understand as we are not that
> >>> computer litereate.
> >>>
> >>> Alice
>
>

Thank you all.
I will click on the "Install Now" when I see the new screen that says "Get
the latest Windows Update Software... etc.
However, I have gone to my WU Critical Update page but I am now seeing the
old Critical Update page I have always been seeing. Will I ever see that
screen that I was asking about? (The one that had "Get the latest Windows
Update Software... etc.)
Thank you.
(Sorry for any duplication, but don't think my previous message posted.)
======

"Robin Walker [MVP]" wrote:

> AliceZ <> wrote:
>
> > I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I
> > wanted to download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the
> > MS Update page that states I would receive updates for Windwos,
> > Office and more, AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up
> > and my computer is already slow.) Receiving automatic updates would
> > certainly slow down my computer. As senior citizens we use our
> > computer not often and do not want programs to be downloaded without
> > our knowledge.
>
> Perhaps it is worth pointing out that you can configure control panel
> "Automatic Updates" to do exactly what you want by setting it to "Notify me
> but don't automatically download or install them". You then get the best of
> both worlds: you are told promptly when important updates become available,
> but there is no download on your dial-up link until you choose which updates
> you wish to download.
>
> If you make that setting, then you need not be so concerned about upgrading
> to "Microsoft Update" - you will benefit from being informed about MS Office
> updates, but they will not be downloaded unless and until you ask for them.
>
> As others have already pointed out, the prompt you are currently seeing at
> Windows Update concerns an important update to version 7 of Wwindows Update,
> which you should accept - it will make the update process more efficient.
>
> --
> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>
>
>
>

Your other reply made it.

If you have Automatic Updates enabled, the software might have installed
already, Alice. Don't worry about it. <wink>
--
~PA Bear


AliceZ wrote:
> Thank you all.
> I will click on the "Install Now" when I see the new screen that says "Get
> the latest Windows Update Software... etc.
> However, I have gone to my WU Critical Update page but I am now seeing the
> old Critical Update page I have always been seeing. Will I ever see that
> screen that I was asking about? (The one that had "Get the latest Windows
> Update Software... etc.)
> Thank you.
> (Sorry for any duplication, but don't think my previous message posted.)
> ======
>
> "Robin Walker [MVP]" wrote:
>
>> AliceZ <> wrote:
>>
>>> I have been using the regular Microsoft Critical Update page when I
>>> wanted to download Critical Updates. I did not want to upgrade to the
>>> MS Update page that states I would receive updates for Windwos,
>>> Office and more, AUTOMATICALLY. (Mainly because I am using dial-up
>>> and my computer is already slow.) Receiving automatic updates would
>>> certainly slow down my computer. As senior citizens we use our
>>> computer not often and do not want programs to be downloaded without
>>> our knowledge.
>>
>> Perhaps it is worth pointing out that you can configure control panel
>> "Automatic Updates" to do exactly what you want by setting it to "Notify
>> me
>> but don't automatically download or install them". You then get the best
>> of both worlds: you are told promptly when important updates become
>> available, but there is no download on your dial-up link until you choose
>> which updates you wish to download.
>>
>> If you make that setting, then you need not be so concerned about
>> upgrading
>> to "Microsoft Update" - you will benefit from being informed about MS
>> Office updates, but they will not be downloaded unless and until you ask
>> for them.
>>
>> As others have already pointed out, the prompt you are currently seeing
>> at
>> Windows Update concerns an important update to version 7 of Wwindows
>> Update, which you should accept - it will make the update process more
>> efficient.
>>
>> --
>> Robin Walker [MVP Networking]
>>