Where is the XP-SP2 dowloaded file? 1

[PhotoOpp]

I have my Windows Update set to Download automatically but let me choose when to install them. The file has now been downloaded to my computer but not installed. However I cannot find the downloaded file! What would it be called and where would it be?

I want to save the file to a CD so that I can update a number of other computers.

 

[greyted]

Try this link:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/winxpsp2.mspx

Ted

"The difference between a misfortune and a calamity is this: If Gladstone fell into the Thames, it would be a misfortune. But if someone dragged him out again, that would be a calamity."
Benjamin Disraeli.

 

[linney]

See if it is one of the Download folders in C:\Windows such as "downloaded program files", "downloaded installations" or "registeredpackages" or somewhere like a WU temp folder.

It shouldn't be too hard find such a big download. This program might help.

http://www.digallery.com/diskdata

 

[Xemus]

If you plan on upgrading multiple computers with different status of patching, you should use the network version of SP2 (from Ted's link above) to install on the other machines. The express version, which comes via automatic updates, is a custom version for a single computer.

http://www.closedsocket.com

 

[PhotoOpp]

Thanks for the info... I did go ahead and download the network version. However, I have not yet found the originally downloaded custom version file! I checked in all the locations that linney suggested without luck. I also used the explorer search function and looked at all large files (>1MB)but still didn't find anything!

I would like to find it so that I can delete it before installing the network version... rather odd!

I haven't had a chance to download the DISKdata program but I will give it a try.

 

[linney]

If you ever find it do post back with the location.

I wonder if it is lurking in the Temporary Internet Files?
When you searched were you set up to search (and show) hidden files and system files?

 

[percent]

Check all of your harddrives for a hidden folder named WUTemp
example:
C:\WUTemp
D:\WUTemp
E:\WUTemp
F:\WUTemp
Etc

%, 2004

 

[PhotoOpp]

I have \WUTemp on both of my harddrives but they are both empty.

When I searched I set the params to look for any file; on both drives; larger than 1MB; within the last year; and inlcuding hidden and system files... No luck!

Although I downloaded the network version and the 272MB file sits in my harddrive, I haven't tried installing it on this computer. I copied the file to another computer for testing.

I also reran Windows Update and it shows that I have not installed SP2 yet but that I have 0KB to download which tells me that it is still on my computer!

Well I think I just found the files... While composing this note I decided to start the install and watch for the creation of any files which I could search for... Bingo! the first file I saw being created was SP2.cab. So I cancelled the install and searched for that file. I found the file in the subdirectory \windows\softwaredistribution\downlaod\6ca7b......

Looking at this directory I now understand why I was having trouble finding a large file. There isn't one... instead there are 2,577 files totalling 515MB with the largest file approx 9MB!

Now my question is... can I simply erase this directory?

 

[linney]

Safest thing would be to copy it to CD and then delete it from your hard drive. I wonder if it is only SP2 in there? You would also have to juggle System Restore (use Disk Cleanup - More Options) most likely to get it out of there after any deletion.

While you have it on CD you might be able to lend it to any friends who have slow download links.

Thanks for letting us know of that location.

 

[PhotoOpp]

The folder was created at the same time and date that I downloaded the file so I would have to think that it indeed is only SP2 in there.

I don't understand your point about juggling System Restore... could you explain please.

Given that I already downloaded the network version file, I plan to save this file to a CD.

 

[linney]

Installing a Service Pack causes System Restore to save the older updated files, which can consume in excess of 500mb of drive space. Deleting you original downloaded files may or may not add another chunk to the total.

If space is a concern to you and you wanted to recover it from System Restore you have two possibilities. You can turn off and turn on System Restore, which removes all files in System Restore. Or you can recreate a new restore point, then use the "More Options" option in Disk Cleanup to remove all but the most recent restore point, and recover your space that way.

 

[PhotoOpp]

Sorry, but I am still a bit puzzled about the System Restore issue... If "Installing a Service Pack causes System Restore to save the older updated files", then I would think that I am okay to ignore System Restore, given that I simply downloaded the original (non-network version)SP2 file to my computer but never installed it. Does this make sense or might System Restore still add the deleted files?

 

[linney]

It depends on the files themselves. System Restore will grab any dll or exe files or zipped files as soon as you delete them in case you want to restore your system.

Microsoft Windows XP System Restore
Bobbie Harder
Microsoft Corporation

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/d...y/en-us/dnwxp/html/windowsxpsystemrestore.asp

309531 - How to Gain Access to the System Volume Information Folder

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;309531&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

300044 - How the System Restore Tool Handles Hard-Disk Space Usage

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;300044&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH