For those who don't have Automatic Updates turned on (or even those who do if you want the updates now), there are some new updates available. I think these only apply to XP but it might be worth those with other operating systems visiting Windows Update to see if they apply. Read here

I must check my home computer, my office one updated automatically, not sure if my home one is set up that way.

Thanks Martin

My computer does it automaticallly, and did it last night

Thanks, TW. My computer feels better already!

I've been extremely hesitant to download more updates to XP. I've just received notice there are 4 more updates. The last time I followed the instructions to download about two weeks ago (I get a notice and then manually download), it totally screwed up my McAfee Virus Scan application. Now I cannot even keep my virus protection turned on. Every time I activate the program, it is immediately turned off. So now I am living dangerously and do not have any protection thanks to "updates" from Microsoft.

Hello Jar_

The only time I've heard of any troubles like that occurring is when SP2 is installed via Windows Update with the antivirus program running. Could it have been anything to do with that? Norton suffered a bit when installing SP2 this way. Downloading the complete SP2 file (or obtaining a CD) and installing it with the antivirus program and firewall turned off is now generally recognised to be the best way to do the upgrade.

Windows Updates should be kept up with to avoid security troubles, so it would be best to try and resolve the problem with Windows Update and McAfee no matter what caused the trouble. How about reinstalling McAfee? That might work. Also, a visit to the McAfee site and a read of any FAQ sheets they have might be worth a try. Perhaps even ask about this in their support forum.

http://forums.mcafeehelp.com/index.php

Another good precaution would be to scan the system for spyware and viruses. Since you can't use your own antivirus program at present, use an online virus scanner. Perhaps this one:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Typing online virus scanner into a search engine will bring up some others.