Help! Afraid to install updates

2 Days ago, I installed windows update. After updating and reboot I was unable to access programs...ANY program. I had to re-install everything. ( I posted about this problem here. I know I need to install these updates, but I really don't want to go through this again. Any advice?
Also, my OE isn't working correctly. Theres is no option for spelling and when I switch identities, it says there is no current identity (there is)
Any help would be appreciated
-Nolly

 

Spell check will only be installed once you have a program like MS Word installed.

 

Thanks AcaCandy...I wasn't aware of that.
Can anyone help me with my other problems? OE is starting to irritate me asking for an identity (when switching from one to another). Can I re-install it? Do I have to uninstall IE6? Will I lose my email settings?
What about installing the windows updates? Am I going to lose everything again? Please help!

 

Download an auxillary spell checker for Outlook Express: http://www.geocities.com/vampirefo/

 

Thanks xgerryx , but I already installed Office (although that looks like a great program for those who don't want/need MS Word etc.).