ITS asks the campus community to ensure that their Microsoft Windows computers are updated. The process to update the computer may take 10 minutes or longer depending on how long it takes to download the software. ITS strongly encourages you to take this effort to protect your computer to that it is not compromised by an attacker or virus.

If your computer is compromised, it will be disconnected from the network until it is repaired. A compromised computer must be reformatted and reinstalled. The reinstallation process typically requires 4 to 12 hours and is highly disruptive. Until the computer is repaired, access to the Internet, your e-mail, and all other network resources will be blocked.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your departmental system administrator or the IT Service Center at 303-735-HELP.

• Windows Vista
• Windows XP

Windows Vista: Using the Microsoft Windows Update Service

1. Open Internet Explorer. You can do this by clicking on the Start button, selecting All Programs and then clicking on Internet Explorer.

2. Once Internet Explorer has opened click on the Tools menu and select Windows Update.

3. Internet Explorer will connect to Windows Update. Click on Check for updates to get started.

4. You will see something like the window below as Microsoft Windows Update determines what software is needed to update your computer.

5. Once the needed updates are found click on Intall updates.

6. Windows Update will download and install the updates.

7. After installation, you will be asked to restart your computer. Go ahead and do the restart, then check Windows Update again for additional critical and important updates.

ITS recommends that you configure your computer to do automatic updates.

Windows XP: Using the Microsoft Windows Update Service

1. Launch Internet Explorer from the desktop icon or the Start menu.

2. Once Internet Explorer has started select the Tools menu as shown below.

3. Next select Windows Update.

4. Internet Explorer will connect to the Windows Update web site. Click on Scan for updates to get started.

5. You will see something like the window below as Microsoft Windows Update determines what software is needed to update your computer.

6. Once the needed updates are found you will have a chance to review the updates before the software patches are installed. Click on Review and install updates to proceed.

7. Click on Install to install the needed software patches.

8. You will be asked to accept the terms of the License Agreement. Select Accept to continue.

9. Next you will see the window below as the software is downloaded and installed on your computer.

10. You will be asked to reboot your computer after which you are done. ITS recommends that you configure your computer to do automatic updates.