Windows Update Mass Download - Possible?

1

So a buddy of mine has all kinds of crap wrong with his PC and I have to fix it. I know he didnt install any service pacs or security updates for XP.

Is there a way to download them to be burned to disc for later install?

He uses AOL with 56K.

It would take days.

2

Windows Security Update CD:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp

3

when you hit Windows Update, doesn’t list them all for you? XP usually lets you download all the updates at once, regardless of their nature. Unlike win2k, where security had a higher priorty so they had to be downloaded seperately.

4

The Windows update, when enabled will only specify the most critical files that need to be downloaded for your system to be protected from unauthorised use. Other files that are also important may not be displayed and they would be update files for your computer such as modem updates.

5

go with what max said - easiest way - might take like 6 weeks to get the CD…

if you use the Windows Update Catalog to download the individual files, then burn those on the cd - you will be forced to double click each icon and install them each one by one - the trick in your situation is that you would need an old old old non-updated version of service pack 1 - then visit the site, download all the updates, then burn them…in essence taking more time than just downloading them and installing them -

so find a buddy with the windows update disc lol…

6

minimalistik, I’m not sure where you got that info from but in my experience this is not true – at least with XP. Windows Updates absolutely provides you with the option/choice to download every single update possible for your machine. The scan it goes through is a detection and tailors the update packages just for your machine based on what is already installed.

Here is what Windows XP help files say about Windows Update:

Windows Update is the online extension of Windows. Use Windows Update to download items such as security fixes, critical updates, the latest Help files, drivers, and Internet products. New content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep it running smoothly.

Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a tailored selection of updates that apply only to the items on your computer.

Any update that Microsoft considers critical to the operation of your operating system, programs, or hardware is classified as a “critical update” and is automatically selected for you to install. Critical updates are provided to help resolve known issues and protect your computer from known security vulnerabilities.

The last part would make sense for what you are saying if that were the only thing it provided you to download, but it gives you optional downloads as well. Drivers, patches, etc. that aren’t necessarily needed or security risks.

You’re only limited by the 56k connection, so a few hrs vs a few weeks is not worth it to wait for a cd IMO.

7

Thanks everyone.

I think I am just going to wait for the update CD.

It does not look like there is any easy way to download specific updates to burn to cd and then take them to another machine without literally breaking my balls.