My TOSHIBA laptop (EQUIUM A210-171) is set to Automatically installed new updates from Microsoft.
On checking this out ,I find that I now have available optional updates which are:

1 - Realtek RTL8101E Family PC-E FAST ETHENET NIC(NDIS6.0)
2 - Realtek Semiconducter Corp -Network- realtek RTL8187B wireless 802.11b/g 54 Mbps USB 2.0 Network Ada ?
(I'VE TRIED TO CHECK THESE OUT BUT NOTHING COMES UP ON INTERNET - do I really need them ?)

Also I have:

3 - TOSHIBA X 64 ACPI- Compliant Value Added Logical and General Purpose Device - I've found a little about this from the Internet with people saying it can cause huge problems?

4 - Update for Windows Vista - English CKB937286 ?

5 - Microsoft HID No-User Input Data Filter - this one says it is ok to download, but if my computer is working correctly should I leave it, and if I do need it WHY hasn't it been included in my daily update

Problems , problems, or am I making a mountain out of a molehill?

Grandma Sue, you don't *need* any of these updates. That's why they are optional. Here's my take:

1, 2 - Realtek frequently updates their device drivers for network and audio devices. I like that. Also, the reason that these updates are coming from Microsoft is that Realtek has submitted their drivers to be tested by Microsoft's Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL). Only WHQL-certified drivers are distributed by MS in Windows Update. I have never had a problem with these, but anyone who did (johnhill987) would be able to undo the changes with System Restore. Windows Update always creates a restore point before updating.

3 - If this has been reported to be trouble, don't touch it! Are you running a 64-bit Vista? The "X64" suggests that it only applies to 64-bit.

4 - Whenever you see a KB article number, you can look it up at Microsoft. Here is a pointer to this one which copies help and support articles to your hard drive that otherwise would have to be fetched over the Internet. It's for folks who don't have an always on, broadband connection.
http://www.microsoft.com/downl.....laylang=en

5 - If your Microsoft HID devices -- keyboard and mouse -- are working fine, don't do it.

johnhill987
I will avoid downloading these (Thanks)

ScottW
Thank you for you help (big smile)
On looking on my computer I find I have a 32-bit operating system, so I have learnt something new again today, and also not to take too much notice of the optional updates.

Scott (moderator)
Again THANKS - I will hide these optional updates, as the saying goes:
(((Out of sight out of mind)))