News and Announcements

September 27 - Windows Service Pack Installations

Posted: 2011-09-21 09:20:41   Expiration: 2011-09-29 01:44:41

Disclaimer: This news item was originally posted on 2011-09-21 09:20:41. Its content may no longer be timely or accurate.

After noon on Tuesday, September 27, MERIT Infrastructure staff will deploy Microsoft Windows Service Packs to all School of Education desktop computers. These software updates will be sent over the network to your computer and will be queued up for install in the background. Installation will be completed after the next restart of your computer. These updates are necessary to comply with campus a IT security policy.

FAQ for Service Pack Installations

1. What is a Service Pack?
A Service Pack is a compilation of software updates and fixes, in this case for the Windows operating system.
2. What happens after I restart?
Not all components of the Service Pack can be installed while Windows is actively running. These components are queued up to be installed the next time you reboot your computer. After the restart, you will be notified that updates are being installed. Do not power down your system while the updates are being installed. It could take 15 minutes or more to complete this installation.
3. What if I don’t restart my computer?
If you don’t restart your computer, then not all of the security updates will be applied. This could mean your system remains vulnerable to security exploits and out of compliance with the campus policy, http://www.cio.wisc.edu/policies-devices.aspx
4. How do I know if my computer will need these updates?
Our update server will only deploy the Service Pack to computers that need it. If your computer does need the Service Pack, it will download it, run installs in the background, and prompt you for a restart when it is ready. Please note:
  • Your computer will not restart automatically.
  • You can delay the restart, but we recommend restarting your computer when prompted.
  • If you choose to delay, it will prompt you again later.
5. I use a Macintosh. Do these updates affect me?
Only Macintosh computers that run the Windows operating system will be affected. The Apple operating system will not be affected.
6. Who do I contact with more questions?
Please contact your local IT Consultant. For complete contact information, see: http://kb.wisc.edu/education/11609

-- School of Education: Brenda Spychalla