cheryl2003,  Dell informs users not to download any windows updates because they haven't tested them yet.

I have always updated as they came out without a problem.  There is a lot of security issues that Microsoft sends out updates to correct.  I think it would be safe to download updates and if there is problem, most of the time you can uninstall the update.

You sister should have gooten the name of the Dell Tech so they could be fired.  That is totally irresponsible for that person to have said that.  Or course you should download the updates, UNLESS, you are never going to connect to the internet or introduce and foreign files to your system.

Perhaps the Dell Tech. meant driver update. But the crucial update should always be downloaded and installed. As mentioned above they can always be uninstall. Be careful of the driver updates, always safer to use the manufactures web site for driver updates, if you want to update your drivers. But remember if it aint broke don't fix it. Just a thought.

Base on experience, I would say that dont download windows updates if there is nothing wrong with the computer. Because "sometimes" when you download the update, it would even cause errors on the system. Like sometimes you wont be able to go online, you will have error messages, etc. That is why if there are no problems with the system, just try not to do the windows update.

Sorry - what did I hear, DON'T do windows updates?

You must be out of your mind. ALWAYS do windows critical updates. They are done to stop you getting virus's etc.

All the problems with the MsBlaster virus were caused by people NOT updating windows with the critical updates.

Message Edited by ChrisRLG on 12-08-2003 08:44 PM

Pogi-Taz,

Actually, the patch against Blaster came out at least two weeks before blaster. The reason why so many people got caught is because they did not check Windows updates regularly and often.

Regarding the Blaster worm virus I believe that the patch for that came out after almost all computers running in NT based systems (windows 2000, NT, XP) were infected.. Also if the patch came out before the virus happened, it wont infect almost all computer in the world.

If there are no problem, what will the patch fix? hmm..... ?

i have a lot of friends that frequently checks updates for windows, they regularly download those fixes and patches. it does help but they have some experiences that after applying a patch their system wont boot anymore. they end up reinstalling their whole operating system. so i guess its better that if your not having problems, dont do updates unless you have a problem and that patch promises that it will fix it. but that is just me.

Thank you all for your replies.

Well, I have no proof but personally I would think that, that would be imposible. Because if windows XP would not have any problem why would they make a patch for that...

Hmm.... what does the word patch means... according to dictionary.com

Patch would be: A small piece of anything used to repair a breach; as, a patch on a kettle, a roof, etc.

That why it is called patch. Because its a fix for something. And if it came out at least two weeks before, for sure people would check that, because usually it is an automatic windows update. And it wont infect the whole world.

That would be my perception.