The risks of doing an update

When you updating programs, firmware, or drivers, there is a possibility that it will cause a problem with another device, program or the install doesn't take correctly.

When a company puts an update on their website for you to update a device or software, it is usually because they discovered a flaw in their product or discovered a way to improve their product.

Updating the product may enhance or fix an issue, but it can cause other issues. When you install a program, it installs numerous files on the system. Majority of the files are shared by other programs on the computer. If program A and program B both use file A and program A updates file A to  a different version that program B is not aware of, program B may not know how to interpret it. If that is the case then you will have errors.

When a company writes an update for a file or driver, they try to make the update compatible with other devices or programs but there is too many devices and programs on the market for them to ensure it will work with everything.  Usually updating a device or program will not cause an issue but if the update does cause problems, the problem can be minor to a major issue.

If there is an issue after the install of the device, driver, or program, the possible fixes for the problem is as follows...

1. Uninstalling the update through System restore, scanreg /restore, repair, or installing a backup.
2. If you know what device the update is conflicting with (which is extremely difficult and most of the time not possible to figure out), you can try updating the device it is conflicting with.
3. Contacting the company that provided the update and see if they have a solution.
4. Erasing and reinstalling the Operating System (such as Windows XP for example) This is a drastic action and should only be done as a last step. Notice. This procedure will erase everything on the hard drive. You will have to save any files you don't want to loose to a floppy, CD or other device besides hard drive.

Some updates are not reversible, such as updating the firmware of a device. Firmware is information built into a device and designed to be permanent. The device may allow the information to be upgraded but not downgraded.  Also some updates can not be fixed by simple restore and my require a reinstall of the operating system.

In general, if the update is listed as a critical then you should install them because the manufacture has determined that it is vital for either security or the operation of the product. Even the critical updates can cause an issue. In general the critical updates will not cause problems but due to the numerous variations of software and devices on the market, there is no way to garauntee that you won't have a problem. You as the end user (the one that owns or uses the system, are responsible for the status of the system. ) The manufacturer, company, UpgradeNRepair, or business is not responsible for any problems that arise from using the update. Use the file at your own risk.

If you decide to install the update, it will be a good policy to do the following..

1. Backup important files that you don't want to loose (This is something you should do often anyways)
2. Before doing the update, create a restore point in windows in case something goes wrong. (Don't put 100% faith in the restore feature. It doesn't always work. When it works you are up and running but if it doesn't then you have to look at other options)
3. Make sure all unnecessary equipment is disconnected (such as printers, scanners, external modems, DSL or cable, cameras, PDAs or other devices that are not needed to operate system is disconnected)
4. If you are installing more than one update, or program, reboot the computer in between each install. (even if the update doesn't request you to reboot)