Windows XP

Installing Updates on Your Office Computer

When a software or security update is going to be installed on your computer, you will be notified via a pop-up window on your computer. Pop-ups will allow you to decide whether the update is installed immediately or postponed, and the timing for a system restart if needed.

NOTE: Many of the updates require a system restart, but it may not be mentioned until after the software is installed. After the installation is finished, you will be given the option, via a dialog box, to postpone the restart. If you do not respond to the dialog box, the restart will be postponed until the deadline for the update, when the system will restart automatically (overnight or on a weekend).

Notification of a Pending Update
Finding Out What Will Be Installed
Installing an Update
Postponing the Update

Notification of a Pending Update

When a software or security update is going to be installed on your computer, you will be notified via a pop-up window on your computer. This is an example of a pop-up that will display when an update is first available:
Software Updates Installation pop-up window

To postpone the installation briefly, click the X
The pop-up disappears. It will reappear periodically until you address the installation or until the update is automatically done.

Finding Out What Will Be Installed

To find out more about the update, click anywhere in the pop-up window
The Systems Management Server dialog box appears.
Click SHOW DETAIL>>
The Systems Management Server dialog box refreshes with information about the update.
Continue with installing or postponing the updates

Installing an Update

From the Systems Management Server dialog box, click INSTALL NOW
The Systems Management Server dialog box shows the progress of the installation.
If necessary, restart your computer

Restarting Your Computer

If the updates require you to restart your computer, the Systems Management Server displays the following:
Systems Management Server dialog box - restart

To restart your computer,
1. Save any open documents
2. Click RESTART NOW
To postpone the restarting of your computer,
1. Click POSTPONE
  The Systems Management Server dialog box displays the following:
2. Select Complete the installation of updates at another time
3. From the pull-down list, select the time for the update
4. Click YES
  NOTES:
  Updates often do not take effect until after the computer is restarted.
  You will periodically receive a pop-up reminding you that a restart is needed.
  Restart your computer as soon as it is convenient for you to do so.

Postponing the Update

From the Systems Management Server dialog box, click POSTPONE
The Systems Management Server dialog box displays your options.
Select Complete the installation of updates at another time
From the pull-down list, select the time for the update
Click YES
The updates and patches cannot be postponed indefinitely; the timeframe will vary depending on the urgency of the update. Therefore, you may have hours or days in which to choose to install the update, after which it will be automatically installed.