Automatic Updates
distribution process
Microsoft is distributing Internet Explorer 7 as a high-priority
update via the Windows Update and Microsoft Update sites and
Automatic Updates for users with Windows XP SP2, Windows Server
2003, and Windows XP 64-bit edition.
Availability
Starting in October 2006, Microsoft will make Internet Explorer 7
available in the Microsoft Download Center as a high-priority
update from the Windows Update and Microsoft Update sites and as a
download for users of English Language versions of Windows.
Versions for other languages will be available at this time as well
or within the following months.
Microsoft will also begin distributing Internet Explorer 7 as a
high-priority update via Automatic Updates shortly after it is
available from the Download Center and Windows Update/Microsoft
Update sites. Microsoft will gradually distribute the update to
different users over several months and will first target users or
Beta or Release Candidate versions of Internet Explorer 7, followed
by users in North America and Europe with English, German, France,
Spanish, or Finnish language versions of Windows. Other languages
and regions will receive Internet Explorer 7 via Automatic Updates
starting in early 2007. Anyone wishing to install Internet Explorer
prior to receiving it via Automatic Updates may visit the Windows
Update or Microsoft
Update sites or the Download Center.
Internet Explorer 7 features
Internet Explorer 7 includes significant security enhancements to
help protect you from malicious software and fraudulent websites,
and Microsoft recommends that all genuine Windows customers install
this update. These security enhancements include:
"ActiveX Opt-in" through which all ActiveX controls not flagged for
use in the Internet Zone are disabled, preventing malicious sites
from misusing these controls, while still allowing the user to
enable them with a single click.
A "Phishing Filter" that helps you keep your personal data from
being sent to fraudulent websites and online phishing scams.
A "Fix My Settings" feature that warns you when your Internet
settings may be unsafe and gives you a quick and easy way to reset
them to secure defaults.
Click here to review a full list of the dynamic security protection
and other features Internet Explorer 7 provides to make everyday
tasks easier.
Automatic Updates installation process
Automatic Updates will first notify you when Internet Explorer 7 is
ready to install and then show a welcome screen that presents key
features and the choice to accept, decline or postpone installation
(see example screen shots below).
Upgrading will preserve your current home page, search settings,
favorites, and compatible toolbars and will not change your default
browser. You will be able to roll back to Internet Explorer 6 at
any point by using the Add/Remove Programs utility in the Windows
Control Panel. (To learn more about Automatic Updates please visit
the Microsoft Security site.)
Blocker Toolkit
Enterprise customers that wish to block automatic delivery of
Internet Explorer 7 within their organization can download a
Blocker Toolkit
from the Microsoft Download Center. Additional information for IT
administrators is available at the Windows Update/Microsoft Update
site on TechNet.
