What are the problems that could come up when you update your Windows PC?

A patch release on May 8 (also called Patch Tuesday; the second Tuesday of every month that Microsoft releases Windows updates) is a bundle of 7 updates that correct 23 issues within Windows 7, Vista, and XP on 32-bit and 64-bit chip sets. If the update does not install correctly or prompts you to report the problem, then it is possible that yours is one of the first computers to have experience a Windows update error. Earlier updates have been known to cause problems on individual systems, and the Service Pack 2 installation has reported widespread problems as the install hangs at 67% and would not complete the updates.

An easy way to combat failed MS updates is by contacting a technical support service to reinstall the necessary components of the update package. It is also possible that a third party program installed on your computer has control over Windows utilities that need to be modified. So why is important to install these updates?

Microsoft releases update patches for known issues on Windows. These issues could be security flaws or bugs in the proprietary software. Apple has recently launched a fix for the Flashback malware that has infected almost 600,000 Macs in the US and Canada. Updating the operating system is the best way of keeping your computer secured and operating system working normally.

How-to prevent problems while updating Windows?

Backup all your data, on an external drive if possible. Windows has in-built Backup and Recovery tools that allow you to do this, and further setup a recovery point that you can use to restore all program files in the event of a crash or corrupt drive. Restart your computer after backup is complete. Do this each time you install a patch. You can change Update Settings so that updates are downloaded but not installed immediately. You can then restart your computer after installing each individual update. This way you will know which update is causing the issue.

Experts suggest that you should temporarily disable your antivirus program while installing operating system updates. This is because your antivirus scans, and sometimes blocks, programs that try to change system settings. This is an unnecessary precaution when getting updates from a trusted source such as Microsoft support or an online tech support service. With real time protection turned off, you can update Windows unhindered.

Make sure there is space on permanent drives before installing updates. You should have at least one-fifth of the space on the C drive, which is where operating system files are installed, free before an update. Also run a de-fragmentation tool and PC tune up (call a virtual techie if you need help with that) so that programs perform better after installation. Online support will also come in handy when you need to recover from a frozen update installation. This is a known issue on Windows PCs that do not have the SP1 running. You can then call tech support to install updates using the Advanced Boot Options on your computer.

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