What?

Microsoft regularly and automatically distributes updates to Windows, Internet Explorer and much more.  You can set your PC to receive many of the high priority updates automatically or you can review and authorize them one-by-one or 'en mass' through:

Windows 2000 Professional & Windows XP

Windows Update' and 'Microsoft Update' websites

Windows Vista and Windows 7

'Windows Update' window

Why?

In general these updates are categorized:

Windows 2000 Prof. & XP

As 'High Priority', 'Software Optional', and 'Hardware Optional', (They're also broken down by product category)

Windows Vista and Windows 7

As 'Important', 'Recommended' and 'Optional'

Most often these updates are good for your PC, implementing software fixes, preventive security measures, and sometimes new functionality.  But, occasionally there can be a problem which leads to the subject of this guide.

In one recent example the 'High Priority'/'Important' update titled 'Microsoft Office File Validation Add-In' was causing file open delays of 5 to 6 minutes when accessing an Excel file located on a network share.  Removing the update allowed it to be open in 4 to 6 seconds as normal.  So were removed the offending update and blocked any future updates.

In another example the older production software (GoldMine contact manager) required the presence of only Internet Explorer 6.0 (not a later update!) to work and display it's internal E-mail properly. So we blocked the offending update and switched to and alternate browser with updated features.

How? - BLOCKING

Blocking updates is simple and surprisingly we think more intuitive in Windows 2000 Prof. and XP than in Vista and Windows 7.  Here's the step-by-step:

Windows 2000 Prof & XP

• Go through the steps to update your PC by selecting [Start] & [Windows Update] or [Tools] and [Windows Update] inside Internet Explorer.
• Continue to select the [Custom] option so you can review and block updates one-by-one.  Once available updates are presented click on the plus "+" sign near the update you wish to block (e.g. Maybe 'Microsoft Office file Validation Add-In').
• Check off-the item at the bottom of the description labeled 'Don't show this update again'. 

That's it, proceed to select and process other updates or exit the browser.  The checked update will no longer be suggested and can be restored (e.g. see the link [Restore hidden updates] if needed in the future.)

Windows Vista and Windows 7

• Go through the steps to update your PC by selecting [Start] & [Windows Update] or from inside the control panel select [System] and use the [Windows Update] link in the lower right.
• Continue on the 'Windows Update' screen to select the center screen links for 'Important', 'Recommended', or 'Optional' to review those updates item-by-item.
• Right click on any update you wish to bock and use the property menu that pops up to select [Hide update] (e.g. Maybe 'Microsoft Office file Validation Add-In'). 

That's it, proceed to select and process other updates or exit the window. The hidden update will no longer be suggested and can be restored (e.g. see the link [Restore hidden updates] if needed in the future).

How? - REMOVING

Removing updates is straight-forward and exactly like removing any installed software or program

Windows 2000 Prof & XP

Select [Start], [Settings], [Control Panel] and then [Add or Remove Programs].  Next, review the list of 'Currently installed programs', click once on the one to be removed and press the [Change/Remove] button and follow the removal instructions provided by the concerned software.

Windows Vista and Windows 7

Select [Start], [Settings], [Control Panel] and then [Programs and Features].  Next, review the 'Uninstall or Change a Program' list, click once on the one to be removed and then choose the [Uninstall] button at top or right click and choose [Uninstall] and follow the removal instructions provided by the concerned software.

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