It's a database engine. It may very well be running. Hit "ctrl-shift-esc" to bring up the task manager then click on "Processes". Look for processes named something like "sql server".

If it IS running, how can I make it NOT run (besides force-quitting in the Task Manager every day)?

Try this:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/914277

Follow the steps under "Enable Remote Connections..."etc. and try running the update again.

If it's running, that likely means something needs it, I wouldn't suggest killing it.

Update

In going through this, I have discovered that it is Act 7 that needs the SQL Server. This is amusing because after a brief try of Act 7, I reverted back to Act 5 (e.g. I don't use Act 7 any more). But to not foul things up, I went ahead with still trying to fix this.

I started with the link in CoasterMatt's post and DL'ed the update manually from MS. There were three to chose from on the MS site and naturally it was the third one that was for my computer (they are all "SQLServer2005-KB948109-XXXX-ENU", and the three variations are "IA64", "x64", and "x86" - "x86" is the one that worked).

I went through the necessary steps for the hot fix and it installed correctly. I rebooted the computer and when it came back up, Windows Update STILL said it wanted to install the update. I double checked and indeed, it was the KB948109 update that Windows Update is looking for. While I did reboot after the install, I am going to try rebooting a couple of times when no one is in the office (since my computer serves as the office "server," it is very disruptive to the office to have me rebooting).

So, I have hidden the update for now. When our wandering IT guy comes in again (we only bring him in on an "as needed" basis), I will ask him about this.

Thanks again to all that offered assistance!

I'm seriously thinking about dumping Windows completely and switching to Linux.

Ubuntu looks interesting.

I've used Ubuntu, if you don't do much with your computer it's good.

I have Vista, love the hell out of it on the work computer. Never a problem, and seamless with Office 07 and Adobe everything.

I'm still glad I threw out my mac.

Ubuntu runs Firefox and OpenOffice.org (a near perfect copy of MS Office).