Windows Update using IE

[kondor]

Why are https URLs furnished by Microsoft when IE cannot connect with the
update sites unless secure authentication is disabled? Why must IE be set to
the least secure settings in order to connect to Windows Update servers? Why
must IE be used at all for updates? Why doesn't Microsoft use a non-browser
window for updates? Since Microsoft requires that a browser be used, why is
IE the only browser allowed?

[N. Miller]

On Thu, 14 Aug 2008 03:43:00 -0700, kondor wrote:

> Why are https URLs furnished by Microsoft when IE cannot connect with the
> update sites unless secure authentication is disabled?

Secure authentication? Or are you referring to the "Require server
verification (https:) for all sites in this zone" check box on the "Trusted
sites" menu on the "Security" tab?

> Why must IE be set to the least secure settings in order to connect to
> Windows Update servers?

Do you mean you have your "Security" set to "Low"? Mine is set to "Medium".

> Why must IE be used at all for updates? Why doesn't Microsoft use a non-browser
> window for updates? Since Microsoft requires that a browser be used, why is
> IE the only browser allowed?

Because the server wants to run ActiveX scripts in order to verify that your
copy of Windows is validated. No other browser than MSIE uses AciveX
scripting.

Even when you try to download patches manually, you will have to allow the
site to run ActiveX before it will allow the downloads.

--
Norman
~Shine, bright morning light,
~now in the air the spring is coming.
~Sweet, blowing wind,
~singing down the hills and valleys.

[PA Bear [MS MVP]]

> Why must IE be used at all for updates?

Update your computer automatically
http://www.microsoft.com/protect/computer/updates/automatic.mspx

Description of the Automatic Updates feature in Windows:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/294871

Automatic Updates in Vista
Excellent tutorial:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial140.html
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/features/details/windowsupdate.mspx

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in WinXP:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Win2K:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/327850
--
~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/