A Windows Update Too Far????

[Belly]

I've been out of the country for a few weeks and on returning I went to the Windows (XP) up date site.

Amoungst the usual security updates was one referring to "Microsoft Validation" where if I agreed to install it Microsoft would examine my system's BIOS etc. (I'm on another computer at the moment so I may have the details slightly incorrect)

Is this an update too far?
Is it safe?
What is Microsoft trying to achieve?
Why would they want information about my BIOS?
Why would they want further information about my computer system?

I have already downloaded (a few months ago) and installed the MS genuine copy of XP update so why do they want me to install this one?

They know my copy of XP is genuine so why are they asking again (or is this something else?).

I didn't click to download it but it still shows in the system tray and I believe I'd have to be very carefull NOT to download and install it along with a batch of other in the future!

Paranoids have real enemies too

Can some one please advise me?

 

[Trifid]

Un-tick it and close automatic updates. It will give you the option to not tell you about it.

I didn't download it for any of my machines. I only get the updates that sound as though they are at risk. Malicious software removal un-tick and run spy bot...