Windows Update

[j2buttonsw]

Can you download the Windows updates as .exe files? I thought I could create a CD for updating Windows computers with poor internet connections: I could see what security etc patches were required then load them manually. I realise that service packs are essentially this but they are issued infrequently.

[xyzzyplugh]

but can't you get the service pack free from Microsoft on a CD anyway, then make copies? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

[j2buttonsw]

Erm, perhaps. If I service pack my Windows 2000 machine to SP3 then run Windows Update, I will be advised to install further Windows Hotfixes which are pre SP4. I usually select them, wait for them to download and they are installed automatically. I wonder whether I can get copies of these downloads and put them on a pre SP4 patch CD for use on Windows 2000 SP3 machines with poor internet connections. I believe you can trawl through Microsoft's Q knowledge base and download each Hotfix seperately, but I wonder if there is an easier way.

[xyzzyplugh]

I opted not to use update and have never had a single thing updated. Do you think I should? if so what? Everything works fine except for my stupid old bios which makes acpi errors; That's not Windoze prob. though is it?

[j2buttonsw]

I suppose the old "if it ain't broke..." adage could apply. I never used to do it but now, as it is a customer requirement where I work, I tend to be pretty vigilant. I don't think there are many Win9x critical updates but I would certainly recommend the service packs for NT (6a), 2000 (3) and XP (1). Also, the security updates can often protect you from certain viruses. As for your BIOS, why not update this? (another personal favourite of mine)

[xyzzyplugh]

scared to flash my bios in case it's worse, don't want to go inside to fit new one due to warranty. Anyway Merry Xmas.. You got Yahoo IM? want to chat?

[LGLC]

Yep, you can download the files as executables to install at a later date. Go to the update site(http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.a
sp) then under the "other options" section, click on "Personalize Windows Update". Next, tick the "Display the link to the Windows Update Catalog under See Also" box. Under "See Also" a new link should appear called "Windows Update Catalog". Just click on this and select the operating for a list of all the updates available since, and including, the last service pack. I think these are network downloads which means, althought they can be bigger (in filesize) than the normal updates, they should be .exe's that you can run on another PC (or the same one after a reformat) without having to download anything.-----------------------------------------------------Hope this helped------------------------------------------------------