This "How To" contains steps for searching for and applying updates to the Microsoft Office 2003 suite of software.

NOTE: The Microsoft Update Web site provides updates for Microsoft operating systems and programs. Microsoft Update is an optional service that you can use to update both Microsoft Windows operating systems and other Microsoft products. In contrast, when you use Microsoft Windows Update, you access only updates for Microsoft Windows operating systems. These steps will show you how to enable Microsoft Update. ICT recommends a switch to Microsoft Update since it combines the search for both Windows and Office updates into one. For steps, see How To Update to Microsoft Update.

Apply Updates from Microsoft Update

Apply Updates from Office Update

Apply Updates from Microsoft Update

1. Close all applications and restart your computer.
2. Open Internet Explorer.
3. From the Tools menu choose Windows Update.
   
   NOTE: You should see "Welcome to Microsoft Update" on the screen. If you don't see this, follow the steps in the next section.
   
   
4. Click Express.
5. If any High-priority items are found, click Install Updates.
6. Wait while the page downloads and installs the updates.
7. Click Close.
8. You will see an Installation Summary page.
   
   If the updates were applied successfully, you can re-scan for additional updates by clicking the Refresh button and then clicking Express. When no High-priority updates are found, you can close Internet Explorer.
   
   If one of the updates fail to apply, restart the computer and start again at Step 2. If the updates fail to be applied again, contact Computer Support.
   

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Apply Updates from Office Update

1. Close all applications and restart your computer.
2. Open Internet Explorer.
3. Go to the following web site: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/downloads/maincatalog.aspx
   
   NOTE: After a computer has had Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed, you may be asked to download an ActiveX control for Office Updates to function. If you will see a message in the Information Bar at the top of the screen, you should right-click the Information Bar, and then click Install ActiveX Control. In the Internet Explorer Security Warning dialog, click Install. Once the control is installed, it is considered safe. You will no longer see this prompt if you return to the Office Download site in the future.
   
   General Note: On a Windows XP Service Pack 2 computer you may receive other security alerts when installing software. Be careful. Accept and/or continue in cases where the warning is specific to the software you are installing.
   
   
4. If needed, install the ActiveX control or controls.
5. If asked, click the Continue button to begin Office validation. Click Continue again if needed.
6. Wait while the page checks for updates.
7. When finished, the web page will then display any updates required.
8. If you see any "Updates for Office XP products" in this list, you should uncheck them.
   These updates may be listed on Enterprise machines that have had their Office software upgraded from Office XP to Office 2003.
9. Click the Start Installation button to download and install updates.
10. Click Next to accept the license agreement.
11. Click Next to confirm your selection.
12. Click Next at the dialog box "Have your Office CD ready."
13. If you are asked for your Office 2003 CD, please insert it into the machine.
14. Click Finish when the update completes. Restart the computer if prompted to do so.
15. You may also Return to Office Downloads by clicking Check for updates that I still need to install and re-scan for additional updates.
16. When all Office 2003 updates are applied, you can close Internet Explorer. You may then re-open your Office applications. ex: Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.
    

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