It is important to keep up with Outlook Express updates, but the proper precautions should be taken to ensure that the computer’s security is not violated.  Recently, a virus has been circulating in an email message with the subject “outlook express update.”  Learn how to install updates properly and avoid security threats.

Avoid Viruses While Updating

If an email message with the “outlook express update” arrives, delete it immediately. Outlook Express has the capability of running programs as soon as the email message containing them is opened, so do not even open this message.  Microsoft has a comprehensive system for providing updates for its products and does not include updates over email.

Before determining what updates to install for Outlook Express or any other program, make sure the computer’s virus protection software is current.  While it may be advisable to turn off these programs during updates, some updates can be installed with the software running.  This is the safest option; however, if the update requires a temporary disabling of virus protection, as long as the update is coming from a trusted website, the computer should not experience a security threat.

Determine the Availability of New Updates for MicrosoftTo find valid updates for Outlook Express, doing a quick search for “outlook express update” will produce the appropriate Microsoft web pages.  It is possible to search the site for particular problems the computer has experienced running Outlook Express or simply download a cumulative update package.

Be sure to check which version of Outlook Express is on the computer in order to get the correct update package.  It may also be advisable to upgrade to a newer version of Outlook Express at this time.

Install wizards will guide the computer through the update installation process.  Reboot the computer when asked — ignoring this step will cause an incomplete installation.  Once the package has been installed, it may be necessary to revisit Microsoft’s Update Center for instructions on enabling particular fixes for specific problems.

Protect the Computer against Future Errors

Any time updates are made to Outlook Express, new entries are made in the Windows registry.  However, entries pertaining to the old version remain in the registry and add to the clutter and ballooning size of most windows registries.

Registry maintenance will prevent future errors caused by extraneous registry information leftover from installing updates.  Read more about running a registry cleaner after Outlook Express updates to ensure that the computer remains error-free.  You never want to go at it with your registry alone.  Not even the most experienced techie will do this.