Instructions for Windows XP SP1

1. On the desktop or after clicking the start button, right-click on My Computer then left-click Properties.
   
   
   
   
2. A new window will appear called System Properties. Click on the Automatic Updates tab at the top.
   
   
   
   
3. The screen tab will look like the above picture. Check the check box underneath the picture of the globe.
   
4. Next, click on the last radio button that says "Automatically download the updates, and install them on a schedule that I specify".
   
5. Make sure the drop down box on the left says "Every Day".
   
6. In the right hand drop down box, select a time when your computer is on every day.
   
7. Click on the OK button.
   
   

Instructions for Windows XP SP2

1. On the desktop or after clicking the start button, right-click on My Computer then left-click Properties.
   
   
   
   
2. A new window will appear called System Properties. Click on the Automatic Updates tab at the top.
   
   
   
   
3. The screen tab will look like the picture above. Click on the first radio button that says "Automatic (recommended)".
   
4. Make sure the drop down box on the left says "Every Day".
   
5. In the right hand drop down box, select a time when your computer is on every day.
   
6. Click on the OK button.

There are different instructions to enable automatic updates depending on what Service Pack you have. Both sets of instructions are in this article. If you have a problem with the Service Pack 1 set of instructions, try using the Service Pack 2 set of instructions.