Automatic Updates distribution processMicrosoft 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.
