Microsoft is communicating plans to distribute Internet Explorer 7 as a high-priority update via Automatic Updates soon after the final version is released for Windows XP, planned for the 4th quarter of 2006.

Internet Explorer 7 contains significant security enhancements that qualify it for delivery over Automatic Updates, and Microsoft recommends that all genuine Windows customers install it. However, to ensure customers are prepared to upgrade, Automatic Updates will first notify users when Internet Explorer 7 is ready to install and then show a welcome screen that presents key features and the choices to Install, Dont Install or Ask Me Later.

Microsoft is also providing a free Internet Explorer 7 Blocker Toolkit for enterprise customers who may want to block automatic delivery of Internet Explorer 7 in their organization. The Blocker Toolkit will not expire and includes a Group Policy template and an executable script. The Blocker toolkit is now available from the Microsoft Download Center to provide ample lead time for deployment. Additional information for IT administrators is at the Windows Update/Microsoft Update site on TechNet.

Related links: (Open in a new window.)
blogs.msdn.com/ie/
www.microsoft.com/technet/updatemanagement/windowsupdate/ie7announcement.mspx
go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=65788
www.microsoft.com/technet/updatemanagement/windowsupdate/ie7blockertoolfaq.mspx

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