Security of automatic downloads of XP updates

[Donald Williams]

Since purchasing a new home computer running Windows XP,
I have received a number of "Security patches" and
other "upgrades". These have been automatically
downloaded to my computer.

I do not know where they come from nor have I given
anyone permission to transfer executable files to my
computer. For all I know these are viruses being
downloaded by malicious persons.

How do I know they come from Microsoft and how do I get
them to ask my permission before they begin the
download?

[Lee Higdon]

"Donald Williams" <donaldlwilliams@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:043401c34ca4$27898fa0$a301280a@phx.gbl...

> Since purchasing a new home computer running Windows XP,
> I have received a number of "Security patches" and
> other "upgrades". These have been automatically
> downloaded to my computer.
>
> I do not know where they come from nor have I given
> anyone permission to transfer executable files to my
> computer. For all I know these are viruses being
> downloaded by malicious persons.
>
> How do I know they come from Microsoft and how do I get
> them to ask my permission before they begin the
> download?
>

You probably have automatic updates allowed. Go to your control panel and
double-click the icon for Automatic Updates. If there is a check mark to
"Keep my computer up to date", then you have it enabled. Change the settings
to "Notify me before downloading..." Now, you'll likely have warning before
any updates occur.

If Automatic Updates is not enabled, then, I'd be concerned. Check your
system with a good AV scanner, or an AT utility.

[Miha Pihler]

Hi,

this patches come from [url]www.windowsupdate.com[/url]. They are downloaded by
Automatic Update (Start -> Control Panel -> Automatic Updates). Here you can
also configure how you would like you patches downloaded and applied.

Every patch and service pack that is produced by Microsoft is digitally
signed and checked for signature validity before it is installed on your
system. If the Digital signature is not valid (e.g. was altered by 3rd part
or virus) it will not be installed on your system.

--
Mike
MCSA 2K, MCSE 2K, MCT, ...

"Donald Williams" <donaldlwilliams@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:043401c34ca4$27898fa0$a301280a@phx.gbl...

> Since purchasing a new home computer running Windows XP,
> I have received a number of "Security patches" and
> other "upgrades". These have been automatically
> downloaded to my computer.
>
> I do not know where they come from nor have I given
> anyone permission to transfer executable files to my
> computer. For all I know these are viruses being
> downloaded by malicious persons.
>
> How do I know they come from Microsoft and how do I get
> them to ask my permission before they begin the
> download?
>