Operating System Security Updates

Every month Microsoft and Apple release updates to repair bugs and other vulnerabilites that have been discovered in their software. If these vulnerabilities go unpatched, your computer could be attacked by viruses, worms, and other threats. Please follow the instructions below to ensure that you have installed all updates for your operating system.

If you encounter any problems following the instructions on this page, please scroll down to the bottom of this page for additional help.

Choose Your Operating System

Windows XP/2000 Instructions

  • Go to the Microsoft's Windows Update site. This link will open a new window.

    • Important note for Firefox/Chrome/Safari users: Although we encourage the use of alternate web browsers, Windows XP only allows Microsoft Internet Explorer to access the Windows Update site. Therefore, if you are not currently using Internet Explorer, you must first launch Internet Explorer, open the Windows Update site at http://update.microsoft.com/, and then follow the instructions on this page.

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  • At the Windows Update welcome screen, please select the Express button to download and install all critical software updates.

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  • After scanning for new updates, you will be taken to a page that lists all necessary updates. You will also be shown the estimated time it will take to complete the installation. Select the Install Updates button to begin the installation process.

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  • Please wait while all necessary updates are downloaded to your computer and installed.

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  • When all updates are downloaded and installed, you may be prompted to reboot your computer. If so, please select the Restart Now button.

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  • When you first connect to the Internet after your computer has finished restarting, you may be directed to this page again to install more updates. This is normal, as some updates must be installed separately from others. Repeat the steps on this page until there are no more high-priority updates available to install.

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  • After all updates have been downloaded, return to the Clean Access Agent window, and select the Next button to continue to the next requirement.

Windows Vista Instructions

  • Open Windows Update by clicking the Windows Start Button and select Control Panel from the right side.

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  • Click Check for Updates under the Security heading to access Windows Update (if you are in Classic View, click Control Panel Home on the left side)

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  • If you have important updates available, click the Install Updates button to Download and Install all Critical Windows Vista Updates.

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  • The updates will begin to download and install. Restart the computer when prompted. Many updates require Windows to restart in order to install.

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  • Go back to Windows Update once more and see if any additional "important" updates remain. If you see a Green Check mark, you are finished.

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Windows 7 Instructions

  • Click on the Windows Start Button and select Control Panel from the right side.

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  • Make sure you are in "View by Category" and click on System and Security.

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  • Click Windows Update.

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  • If you have important updates available, click the Install Updates button to download and install all Critical Windows 7 Updates.

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  • The updates will begin to download and install. Restart the computer when prompted. Many updates require Windows to restart in order to install.

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  • Go back to Windows Update once more and see if any additional "important" updates remain. If you see a Green Check mark, you are finished.

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Mac OS X Instructions

  • Click on the Apple menu (in the top left corner of your screen) and select Software Update
    Apple-Software-Update
  • Your computer will check for any available updates.  Select the Install Updates button to download all available updates.
  • Your computer will likely need to restart a few times to install all the updates.  Click the Restart button when prompted.
  • After each restart, go to Software Update until there are no updates remaining.

If You Need Help

If you encounter any problems installing the critical Windows Updates on Windows XP or 2000, please try running our Windows Update Fix utility. This utility will attempt to correct many issues that may be preventing Windows Update from running properly. If, after running the Windows Update Fix, you are still unable to sucessfully install the critical Windows Updates, please visit The Tech Spot in Tri-Towers Rotunda.  You may also call 330.672.HELP (4357) or visit http://support.kent.edu for more information.

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