Do I need Outlook updates when I do not have Outlook installed?

[tros2112]

We have a custom install of Office 2003 Pro that does not have Outlook or
Publisher, but we are prompted to install updates that say they are for those
apps. (Example: Security Update for Microsoft Office Publisher 2003
(KB950213))
How specific is the update engine?
If we are offered updates, does that always mean we always need them, or is
it possible that the updater does not dig down deep enough to find what
components we have?

[neo [mvp outlook]]

Because the components can be added at any time, the "update" engine always
tries to ensure that the local installation cache is always kept up to date.

"tros2112" <tros...@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:5F70A8A4-B81E-4001...@microsoft.com...

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

The only OL updates you don't need to install are Junk Mail Filter updates.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/

[tros2112]

Thanks for your reply.
Just to clarify, I am being propted to install these updates, among others:

This update (KB953432) resolves an issue where Microsoft Office Outlook 2003
behaves unexpectedly in some circumstances.
and
This update helps users configure Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 to work
properly with Windows Live Mail.

Just going by the descriptions, it seems that I do not need these updates,
since I do not have Outlook 2003 installed. But I'm wondering if the updates
change programs that I do have installed.
I have installed many updates that I do not think I need, like this one:

A security vulnerability exists in Microsoft Publisher 2003 that could allow
arbitrary code to run when a maliciously modified file is opened. This update
resolves that vulnerability.

Since I do not have Publisher installed, I'm left wondering what it is doing
when it runs. It may be trying to replace code in a program that does not
exist.

Thanks again,
tros2112

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

KB953432 is also a roll-up of many previously-released hotfixes for OL 2003
so I'd install it anyway.

The Windows Live Mail issue referenced also happens if you use another
default Mail Client (e.g., Outlook Express; Thunderbird; Eudora; Hotmail;
Yahoo Mail).

The MS Publisher update would not have been offered if Publisher wasn't
included in your install of Office 2003: Yes, you should install it.