Microsoft issues security updates for Windows, Office, and Internet Explorer every second Tuesday of each month, commonly known as Patch Tuesday. Occasionally, the company issues emergency out-of-cycle patches as well.
If an update that you have installed proves to be the source of subsequent problems, you can take steps to reverse the damage.
Related Links:
Managing Windows Update To Keep Your Computer Safe
How To Use Windows Update Manually
Managing Windows Update To Keep Your Computer Safe
How To Use Windows Update Manually
If you have Windows System Restore turned on (Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools), you can return to a point before the patch was installed, when your system still worked perfectly (note, however, that doing so may also undo any other recent software installations you may have performed).
Add/Remove Patches:
Another, perhaps easier choice, is to uninstall the patch.
For Windows XP:
Go to Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. Check the box at the top to see installed updates.
For Windows Vista:
Go to my computer and click on "Uninstall or chage a program" ( as shown in the figure below) and then choose "view installed updates" (refer second screen shot).
The resulting list of installed apps will include Microsoft updates. As you scroll down the list, you'll see a large block of Windows Updates, identified by update number and date.
Uninstalling Updates:
Uninstalling the update with the highest number (or the most recent date) should do the trick.
Once the update is gone, Windows will try to reinstall the missing patch the next time it has a chance to--especially if you have Automatic Updates turned on. To prevent this from happening, change your Automatic Update profile (refer my earlier post) either to notify you of the latest updates, or to download but not install them.
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Even if you arrange to delay installing all patches, not every update will go swimmingly. For example, Service Pack 1 for .Net Framework 1.1 does not install correctly for some people no matter what steps they take to prepare the way for it. The resolution, according to Microsoft, is to remove a particular Registry key, after which the service pack should install correctly; unfortunately, uncovering that information can sometimes be vexingly difficult.
Start by typing the exact error message into Google or another search engine; the results page should include at least one Knowledge Base (KB) article located on the Microsoft Technet or Support Web site.
In other instances you may simply want a newer version of Internet Explorer. To get one, visit Microsoft Update, Windows Download Center, or Microsoft's Internet Explorer site.
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Free UpGrade To Windows 7 For Vista Ultimate Owners
Downgrade From Windows 7 Will Be Available Till April 2011
Free Upgrade To Windows 7 For PCs Pre Installed With Vista
Windows 7 Runs On Absolutely Anything
Windows 7 Does Not Support Upgrading From Windows XP
Free UpGrade To Windows 7 For Vista Ultimate Owners
Downgrade From Windows 7 Will Be Available Till April 2011
Free Upgrade To Windows 7 For PCs Pre Installed With Vista
