Troubleshooting Tools and Strategies

Windows Update is an online extension of Windows 2000. It provides a central location to find customized files and product enhancements, such as Service Packs, system files, device drivers, and new Windows 2000 features, that have been selected to work with your computer's configuration.

Using Windows Update

Windows 2000 creates a Start menu shortcut to the Windows Update Web page. Windows Update uses Active Setup and Microsoft ActiveX controls that are downloaded and installed on your system when you connect to the Windows Update Web page.

Note

Windows Update requires browser software that supports ActiveX controls.

The controls scan your system, comparing system files and device drivers on your computer with a database of the files on the Windows Update server. Windows Update then generates a list of items that can be added and updated, and offers to install any files that are found to be newer than your current set.

Note

All updates can be uninstalled using Update Wizard Uninstall in System Information on the Tools menu. Existing files and drivers are automatically backed up before new ones are installed by Windows Update.

Restricting Access to Windows Update

To closely control the programs that users download, you can prohibit user access the Windows Update Web page. By using Group Policy, you can remove the Windows Update icon both from the Start menu and from the Tools menu in Microsoft Internet Explorer. Enabling the policy prevents users from accessing the Windows Update Web page from a computer running Windows 2000 Professional.

To disable access to Windows Update by using Group Policy

1. Start the Group Policy snap-in.
   
   Note
   For more information about adding the Group Policy snap-in into MMC, see Recovery Console earlier in this chapter.

2. Expand Local Computer Policy .

3. Expand User Configuration and Administrative Templates , and then click Start Menu & Taskbar .

4. Double-click Disable and remove links to Windows Update .

5. In the Disable and remove links to Windows Update Properties dialog box, on the Policy tab, select Enabled , and then click OK .
   
   Important
   If you are using Windows 2000 Professional – based computers on a Windows 2000 Server – based network, use Group Policy from the Windows 2000 Server to control this functionality.