I've just installed Microsoft Update (I normally just use Windows Update)
since my previous post. I know what Microsoft Update is for, have used it
on XP, but actually don't need it on my Vista installation. Before doing so
my link took me to a page to install Microsoft Update. I didn't go in
circles, as you did. You could try the Microsoft Update link here:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/updates/mu.mspx , but you will
probably end up back to the page that tells you to "Use your Start menu to
check for updates". Your Start Menu is accessed by clicking on the round
circle on your taskbar with the Windows flag on it.
Apparently your computer is saying you have Microsoft Update, which is why
you're getting the re-direction that I didn't, going to the same site. If
indeed you already have Microsoft Update, clicking on Windows Update (not
Microsoft Update), as the re-direction page says, in your Start Menu, should
be all that you need to do.
Too, the link
http://www.update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/vistadefault.aspx?ln=en-us
should have also caused the Windows Update Control Panel to pop up on your
screen.
To check whether or not you have Microsoft Update installed on Vista, go to
Control Panel > System and Maintenance > Windows Update. On the left-hand
side of the window, click on "Change Settings". If you do not have the
Microsoft Update function, there will be no reference to it in the Change
Settings window. If you DO have the Microsoft Update function, under the
heading "Update service", there will be an entry for "Use Microsoft Update",
with a checkmark next to it. Un-checking the box for that entry will remove
the service. You can re-activate the service by going to the link given in
my previous post.
Your Microsoft Update shortcut in your Start Menu is only viable for a
computer running Windows XP, I have learned. Since my previous post, indeed
I bit the bullet and installed the service by using the link I gave you. It
does not install muweb.dll on Vista, as it does on XP (a false assumption on
my part), and uses the same Windows Update interface as, well, Windows
Update does. The two are indistinguishable, unless you read the fine print
"You receive updates: For Windows and other products from Microsoft
Update", on the main window. This why your Microsoft Update link is invalid
(in its Properties, look at the target). The shortcut was apparently
transferred in an upgrade from XP (muweb.dll, however, being a system file
not used by Vista, was not). You can delete the shortcut. You only need
the Windows Update shortcut.
