Microsoft to Debut Automatic Update Distribution of IE7 by November 1

Back in July, Microsoft broke the news that it was going to distribute Internet Explorer 7 via Automatic Updates. Well, that time is here. "To help you become more secure and up-to-date, we will distribute IE7 via Automatic Updates as a high-priority update. We will start very soon with those of you who are already running IE7 pre-releases and then move onto IE6 users after a few weeks. We will progressively roll out to all IE6 users over a few months, so don't be surprised if you don't see the update right away," revealed Tony Chor, Microsoft Group Program Manager.

But Microsoft has introduced certain limitations to the upgrade. IE7 will require user consent prior to installation. Although distributed via Automatic Updates, IE7 will prompt a welcome screen displaying two options: to install or not to install.

In the context in which installation is permitted, the setup of Internet Explorer 7 will not modify the existing toolbars, home page, search settings or the default browser. Microsoft has also informed that only local administrators will be provided with the update and that IE7 can be removed via Add/Remove Programs, action that would result in rolling back to IE6.

"Organizations using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and System Management Server (SMS) can manage the IE7 deployment like they do other updates. The IE7 package will be classified as an Update Roll-up and must be approved to install on designated groups of Windows XP and Server 2003 clients. Organizations that use AU to keep their computers up-to-date can use a free Blocker Toolkit to block automatic delivery of IE7. This blocker has no expiration date; you can find more information in the blocker FAQ," explained Chor.

The free Blocker Toolkit is available for download here but must be in place before November 1, 2006.