ARGH! Computers!

kittkatt

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I received a message from the company that makes the computer I have, saying that I need to download some "critical security downloads", but I'm supposed to back up the system before installing them. What does that mean, and HOW do you back up your system??


I'm afraid to download ANYTHING now - especially after the virus program disaster!




~KK~
 

icklemiss21

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1. Are you sure the updates are from windows?

Click on 2. Guided Updates > Microsoft Updates on this link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/r...pdateservices#

See if the updates it wants you to download are there.

Backing up means saving all your files to a different drive, CD / DVD or online file saving (www.box.net ect) so that if something happens to your computer you still have your files.

If it is not in the Microsoft updates, is it from an antivirus software, in which case go to their website and manually update it to make sure that it is a true update.
 

katachtig

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Service Pack 3 for XP is starting to be distributed and it does recommend backing up before applying the upgrade. Do you have a lot of data like documents or pictures? You may be able to burn these to CDs. Also, check with the person who gave you the computer about restoring the original software in case something happens with the upgrade. In fact, I would have her handy when you agree to the upgrade.
 
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kittkatt

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Originally Posted by icklemiss21

1. Are you sure the updates are from windows?

Click on 2. Guided Updates > Microsoft Updates on this link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/r...pdateservices#

See if the updates it wants you to download are there.

Backing up means saving all your files to a different drive, CD / DVD or online file saving (www.box.net ect) so that if something happens to your computer you still have your files.

If it is not in the Microsoft updates, is it from an antivirus software, in which case go to their website and manually update it to make sure that it is a true update.
Yes, it's from Microsoft. I checked my history to double check.


I do have all the stuff I want to keep backed up on discs. I learned THAT lesson the hard way, when the first computer crashed and I ended up losing a lot of stuff.
So now I load everything on to a disc just in case..


I guess I thought that a "back-up" meant backing up everything that was on your computer.
 
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kittkatt

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Originally Posted by katachtig

Service Pack 3 for XP is starting to be distributed and it does recommend backing up before applying the upgrade. Do you have a lot of data like documents or pictures? You may be able to burn these to CDs. Also, check with the person who gave you the computer about restoring the original software in case something happens with the upgrade. In fact, I would have her handy when you agree to the upgrade.
I called her today, and asked her if she could come over to walk me through it, so I know what I'm doing next time.
I don't want to take any chances with the new computer!


again for your help, peeps!
 

mrblanche

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It may be Service Pack 3, or some other security updates. Even if you have a new computer, SP3 has only been out about 3 weeks or so, if that, so you will need to install it. It's big, about 75 MB, and it takes a while to install. It installs everything from SP1 and SP2, also.
 
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