Hackers are always working to find holes in Windows security. Microsoft is constantly releasing updates to plug newly discovered security holes. That's why you should ensure that your copy of Windows is kept up-to-date. You can check for updates manually, or you can turn on Automatic Updates to have Windows handle the process for you.
Perhaps you're one of the unlucky people who have downloaded a file or installed a program that wreaked havoc with your computer. Or, perhaps you inadvertently visited a website that downloaded malicious junk to your computer. If you've set it up properly, System Restore can save you major headaches in recovering from such events.
How many times have you been in the middle of something on your computer, only to have that annoying Windows Update ask you to reboot your computer? Here's a way to temporarily disable Windows Update and stop the popup reminders.
Please note, however, that it is very important that you remember to re-enable Windows Update as soon as you're not in the middle of something. Otherwise, you'll miss important Windows security updates.
To temporarily disable Windows Update, click Start and then Run. Now enter "net stop wuauserv" (without the quotes). Click OK. To reactivate Windows Update, click Start and then Run. Now enter "net start wuauserv" (without the quotes). Click OK. Or, just reboot. Windows Update will be reactivated.
You can also use this process when you get pop-ups. In that case, Windows Update has downloaded the patches. It needs you to reboot so it can install them. Again, you can use "net stop wuauserv." That will stop the pop-ups. The patches will installed when you next boot the computer.
I wouldn't overuse this trick. Keeping your system up to date is important. But it's a nice technique to use when you must.
These annoying popup reminders don't happen in Windows Vista - one of the few things I like about it.
