Windows/Microsoft Updates: An Overview

If you are a Windows operating system (OS) user, you must have noticed that your OS frequently shows notifications saying ‘latest updates are available, click to download’ or ‘install new updates’ etc. Windows like any other operating system or computing gadget too needs constant repair without which it becomes prone to virus/malware attacks or creates software confliction among other critical problems.

Many users think that Windows doesn’t require regular updates as these are irrelevant and time wasters. If you are one of those thinkers then the article is dedicated to you.

What Windows/Microsoft Updates Include

• Security patches
• Bug/flaw fixers
• Device drivers
• Add-ons
• Critical updates
• Service packs
• Hotfixes
• New features

Advantages:-

Software – The updates allow Windows applications/programs such as Microsoft Office, Windows Media Player, or Internet Explorer to function smoothly and enhance their efficiency. Besides, these updates automatically rectify the technical errors and glitches that sometimes erupt in software or other programs.

Security – Windows is highly vulnerable to malware attacks as it has open port functionality that lets applications or programs interact with other devices or applications. These open ports function as an entry point for virus/malware developers. These ports have to be constantly secured by a strong security software such as anti-virus/anti-spyware along with a firewall. The Windows updates install latest patches and improved security definitions that monitor a PC’s online, offline activities and protect it from viruses, Trojans, spyware etc. Therefore, these updates enhance a PC’s defense system against malicious infections.

Flaws – Some internal technical glitches or OS flaws can make a PC malfunction, crash, freeze, or perform sluggish. The Windows updates regularly repair such small flaws and enhance the PC’s functionality and efficiency.

Performance – Since, updates frequently repair and improve internal OS components, they allow Windows to operate at higher efficiency by removing flaws and smoothening communication between software and hardware.

Additional Tidbits:-

1. If your Windows has Automatic Update feature, it is well and good. If it does not have then you can manually download and install updates from Windows Update center
2. All the newer versions of Windows come with Windows Automatic Update feature
3. Virus infections are one of the several reasons that disable or block Windows from downloading latest updates and security patches

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How to Fix Common Microsoft, Windows Update Problems

Are you unable to install a new Windows, Microsoft update? Are you repeatedly being offered the same update you installed previously on your Windows, or a particular update is not installed and give error message? These are common issues that Windows users face while installing updates.

Old or newer, Windows operating systems despite being widely used do create problems sometimes. Below are the simple and precise instructions that will help you resolve your problems:-

Note :- Before following the steps below, I do not recommend you doing this unless you are comfortable editing the Windows settings. I will not responsible for any damage that may be caused to your PC after editing the settings by following the steps below. You proceed at your own risk or may take help from Microsoft Certified Technician at their Toll Free No. +1-877-452-9201

Reinstall Windows Update Agent:-

• Remove the previous ‘Windows Update Agent’.
• Open your internet browser and go to www.microsoft.com to download the latest ‘Windows Update Agent’.
• Install and save the program to C:\ (The C: directory)
• Click on the ‘Start’ button, select ‘Run’.
• When the window appears, type in ‘C:\WindowsUpdateAgent30-x86.exe /wuforce’ (without quotes) and hit ‘Enter’ on the keyboard. This will reinstall the ‘Windows Update Agent’ even if there already exists a previous ‘Windows Update Agent’ copy on the hard drive.
• When the installation completes, reboot your computer.

Missing wups2.dll file in Windows XP (Service Pack3):-

If the original Windows XP installation CD has no wups2.dll file, it would cause problem in downloading updates. You will need to re-register the wups2.dll file to get rid of such problem. Follow the below mentioned steps:-

• First, disable the ‘Automatic Updates service’, to do so click on the ‘Start’ menu> and click on ‘Run’.
• When the ‘Run’ window pops up; type ‘cmd’ (without quotes) in the box, and click on ‘OK’ or hit ‘Enter’ on the keyboard.
• When the black command prompt window appears, type ‘net stop wuauserv’ (without quotes) and hit ‘Enter’ on the keyboard. This will disable the ‘Automatic Updates service’ that is required to register the file.
• Do not close the command prompt window and type in ‘regsvr32 %windir%\system32\wups2.dll’ (without quotes as these are only for reference to the given text) and hit ‘Enter’ on the keyboard.
• If you have Windows XP Professional x64 edition, then type in ‘regsvr32 %windir%\syswow64\wups2.dll’ in the command prompt window and hit ‘Enter’ on the keyboard.
• Click on ‘OK’ on every verification message that appears. This will automatically register the wups2.dll file.
• Type ‘net start wuauserv’ and hit ‘Enter’ on the keyboard. This will restart the ‘Automatic Updates service’.
• Close the command prompt window by clicking on the ‘X’ button at the extreme top right corner.

Steps to Search the Windows Update Troubleshooter:-

• Click on the ‘Start’ menu> click on ‘All Programs’> click on ‘Windows Update’ or ‘Microsoft Update’ whichever is there
• On the Microsoft/Windows Update website, click on the ‘Review your update history’. This will show the list of all the updates that already exist on your computer
• Click on the ‘Status’ tab and find out the failed update, and then close the window.
• When a new window pops up, note down the installation error number/code as you will need this to paste in the search box to resolve the problem.
• Click on the ‘Find Solutions’ option in the same window
• Type in or copy and paste the exact error number in the ‘Type keywords here’ box in the Microsoft/Windows Update window, and click on ‘Search’
• If the search results bring up any suggestions, try following the links and move on to resolve the problem.
• If nothing comes up in the search results, then click on ‘Go to Knowledge Base articles’ in the Microsoft/Windows Update window
• Search the error code, if the search results come up with anything, follow the links and resolve the problem.
• If nothing comes up in the search results, then refer to the technical support option.

Modify Browser Settings:-

It may be possible that the Microsoft’s website is not added to the list of your browser’s secured sites. You can modify your browser’s settings to overcome this problem.

For Internet Explorer:-

• Open the Internet Explorer window, click on the ‘Tools’ tab.
• Click on ‘Internet Options’ from the drop-down list.
• When the window appears, click on the ‘Security’ tab, click on the ‘Trusted Sites’ option, and then click on the ‘Sites’ button
• When the window pops up, type www.microsoft.com in the box that says ‘Add this website to the zone’ and click on ‘Add’. If you want to add more websites, continue, or otherwise click on ‘Close’ to exit the window.

For Mozilla Firefox:-

There is no need to adjust settings in Firefox as the browser works on Java and JavaScript and allows the trusted websites such Microsoft’s to open up.

Additional Tidbits:-

It is must to install Windows, Microsoft updates so as to keep your operating system updated. These updates can be anything from important files or definitions that fix program issues or security flaws to operating system (OS) patch ups. Further, the updates allow enhanced interoperability between the OS and other programs or hardware such as drivers, router etc.

The post is associated with ‘How to Fix Common Microsoft, Windows Update Problems’ available on www.vtechsquad.com.

VTechsquad, Inc. is the leading third-party service provider of certified online technical support services. Our Microsoft-certified technicians not only resolve virus/spyware removal issues but also educate you how to avoid your PC from future interaction with any type of worm, virus, or Trojan etc. Our top-class services include Microsoft product support, antivirus issues, malware issues, spyware issues, wireless router issues, printer issues, and non-computer devices etc.

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Security Features Of Windows 7

Windows 7 is an operating system installed on Microsoft-enabled PC. Windows 7 was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, and is used in many home and office PCs.Windows 7 was released in 2009 and was seen by many as a significant improvement over the previous version of Microsoft's operating system software, Windows Vista, Windows XP. One of the significant changes was increased security measures.

To FIX your Microsoft Product Problem Call +1-877-452-9201(Toll Free)

BitLocker Drive Encryption:-

BitLocker Drive Encryption is a full disk encryption feature included with the Ultimate and Enterprise editions of Microsoft's Windows 7 desktop operating systems, as well as the Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 server platforms. BitLocker Drive Encryption is a hardware-based security feature that prevents unauthorized access to a computer by providing full-volume encryption and integrity checking of boot components. The BitLocker Drive Encryption feature allows a USB drive to be used as a password or security card to unlock the data.

Microsoft Security Essentials:-

A free download for Windows 7, MSEs is all-in-one security software. It protects against Trojans, viruses, malware, worms etc. This software is very light and runs in the background, actively protecting your system, but the status center can be accessed at any time.

User Account Control:-

User Account Control is a feature that was designed to prevent unauthorized changes to your computer. UAC has been improved since Windows Vista, making it easier use the computer with a standard account instead of an administrator account. Enabling UAC makes it harder for unwanted software to install itself or make changes to your system settings.

Four different alert messages associated with UAC:-

• Windows needs your permission to continue
• A program needs your permission to continue
• An unidentified program wants access to your computer
• This program has been blocked

Action Center:-

The Windows Action Center is a component included with's Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems that provides users with the ability to view the status of computer security settings and services. In other words the Action Center is a one-stop location for identifying potential security risks to your computer.

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Windows 8 "Hybrid Boot" discovered

We've seen a steady flow of Windows 8 news this past month, and it's not ready to stop yet. Earlier this week an old build of Windows 8 was leaked online, and many flocked to download the bits. Today, a site has uncovered a feature that appears to replace the operating systems default shutdown behavior so that the computer can start up even quicker.

Windows 8 Italia uncovered the feature which looks like it is a replacement for the current Windows shutdown behavior. The feature uses advanced hibernation functionality when the computer is shut down (instead of actually shutting it down) and allows the machine to start up faster. The article on Windows 8 Italia actually is a troubleshooting reference for a problem which apparently is caused by the new feature when two operating systems are installed.

The feature is found by typing "power button" into the start menu, and then clicking "Change settings that are currently unavailable." It appears that Microsoft is changing the behavior quietly as it strives to decrease loading times when compared to Windows 7.

Microsoft is expected to launch Windows 8 in 2012 with the current rumored retail availability for January 2013. Another rumor also suggests that there may be a beta as soon as this fall.

The article is associated with ‘Windows 8 cloud features uncovered’ available on http://www.neowin.net.

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Windows 8 cloud features uncovered

After the leak of Windows 8, we expected to find out more about features as users across the internet got their hands on the bits, and some users have already pulled apart Windows 8 and discovered interesting references to functionality that we haven't seen yet.

Windows 8 Italia has uncovered the cloud features by comparing the registry to previous versions. References to Mobile broadband experience account, File Server Resource Manager, Setting Synchronization and Streaming Manager were uncovered.

Mobile broadband experience account appears to be a reference to allowing the user to log in via the cloud, but not too much more detail was available. The File Server Resource Manager will "synchronize files and folders between the local computer and a cloud service," which is likely to be integrated Windows Live Mesh, which was previously rumored to be included.

Setting synchronization is simply the synchronization of the users' settings across the computer (and devices) using the cloud with Windows Live ID (it even appears there's a new group policy object to deal with this already). Finally, streaming manager appears to be technology similar to the type that we saw in the Office 2010 "Click-to-run" beta, which allows the user to install software and use it as parts are being downloaded.

The article also points out a number of new linguistic capabilities that are available in Windows 8, including "text prediction."

Microsoft is expected to launch Windows 8 in 2012 with the current rumored retail availability for January 2013. Another rumor also suggests that there may be a beta as soon as this fall.

The article is associated with ‘Windows 8 cloud features uncovered’ available on http://www.neowin.net.

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Reasons of Windows 7 Slow Performance

There are a number of possible reasons why your computer is running slower. It could be that your computer runs too many programs automatically at start-up, some hardware-related and others directly related to operating system contains hard disk issues causing low memory problems or is infected with a virus or spyware.

Viruses and Spyware:-

Viruses, adware and spyware can significantly slowdown a computer. Almost, malware will launch without you knowing it, the moment you turn on your system. Virus or Malware can also cause file corruption that may cause your computer to slow down. If you are noticing strange behavior accompanying the slowdown, consider installing, updating and running anti-virus, anti-spyware and anti-malware programs regularly.

Too Many Programs at Startup:-

Too many programs running at start-up can take up valuable memory space, causing your system to take a long time to boot up.

Hard Disk:-

Low memory can be caused by hard disk issues. Fragmented data and unnecessary files on your hard drive's disk can slow down your computer's performance.

RAM:-

Another possible cause is the amount of RAM available in your computer. RAM is required to open, run and edit programs, and without enough memory, you will experience general slowdown, freezes and crashes. A lack of RAM may also prevent you from opening or using resource intensive software.

Hardware Issues:-

Various hardware problems could cause your system to run slowly. If it frequently runs hot, excess heat may be damaging the computer or otherwise impeding optimum performance.

High CPU Usage:-

If you are using up a lot of your system's CPU resources, your computer may run more slowly under the process load. When you go to open up more programs or pages, the system will react slowly because it has reached its maximum threshold for CPU usage.

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Microsoft Security Essential: A Proven Antivirus For Free

What is An Anti-Virus? It is a software program, which is installed on the computers to help them protect from computer viruses, spyware, adware, Trojans, and other malicious programs. Such programs, after breaking into the PCs, install themselves on the PCs and hamper their speed or steal vital information such as bank account numbers, passwords, and credit card details etc. from them. The stolen information can be misused for financial/social crimes or as a serious threat to national security!

Why We need Anti-Virus? An anti-virus program is designed to protect, identify, and remove malicious software programs so that the PC users stay secured and protected while using their PCs from any unwanted computer threats. Besides the information, Such threats sweep the users' peace of mind. The anti-virus program also provides enhanced protection to internet users from the web-based threats, which are as harmful as computer threats. Therefore, one must have an anti-virus software installed on the computer so as to avoid any possible inconveniences or threats.

What is Microsoft Security Essentials? It is an anti-virus software from Microsoft to secure home PCs from spyware, viruses, rootkits, and adware among other malicious software programs. It runs only on genuine Microsoft windows, and is designed for Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Being the most advanced version in the suite, It replaces its predecessors such as Windows Live OneCare and Windows Defender.

Why Microsoft Security Essentials? It's a free version for the genuine Microsoft product users to help them highly secure their PCs from several malicious software programs. Microsoft Security Essentials is the only hassle-free security solution that detects and removes malicious programs completely. Thus, it gives users the essential peace of mind by saving their precious time and money. Yes, time and money value are the two most important things that the whole world dies for and there are no exceptions to this! Microsoft Security Essentials lives up to the customers' expectations fully without costing them dearly.

Features

• Real time & on-demand protection
• Windows firewall integration that lets users to turn on and off Windows firewall
• Award-winning anti-malware engine that keeps itself updated with latest features and bug fixes every month
• Automatic updates without hampering the computer's speed
• Malicious software detection and removal
• Proactive detection capabilities
• Click-to-Run technology that checks for updates and supplements periodically and installs them automatically
• Microsoft Spynet that allows users to share and report malicious programs to Microsoft's network community

Note:-If you want to install Microsoft Security Essentials(MSEs) you can follow the steps provided by me in a previous post Simple Steps to install Microsoft security essentials

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