Windows 9x/ME Update

Microsoft periodically releases updates for the Windows operating system, the Internet Explorer browser, and the Internet Express mail client when security flaws are found.  Its is necessary for users to patch their computers to avoid being exploited by malicious websites, hackers, spyware, etc. Operating system updates are an essential part of computer security.

Start by visiting the windows update website at http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com

If this is the first time you have ever visited the website you will need to install the Windows Update client.  The following page will be displayed briefly followed by a security box will popup asking if it is okay to install software on your computer. Click Yes.  This is the only time you should ever click yes for security warning pop-ups.

Next you will be at the welcome page; this page will appear every time you come back (which you should do monthly at minimum)
Click Scan for Updates

Your computer scans for updates that it has already installed (if any) and then compares them to the list provided by Microsoft.  No information is sent to Microsoft during this process.  Click Review and install updates.

All critical updates are automatically added to the install list.  If you have never updated your computer, this list can be 40+ items long and will take some time to update.  Updates with asterisks(*) must be installed separately from others; remove these first, then click Install Now.

After the patches are downloaded and installed you will need to restart your computer.  In order to fully patch your machine, please continue to visit the windows update website (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) until there are no more updates available (this could several times if you have never updated).