Windows updates on CD?

[J741]

It's very convenient to visit

http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com,

have it detect which version of Windows I'm using, and automatically detect what updates have not been istalled, and let me install them almost all at one time.

However, I have some computers which do not have internet access (and I don't want them to have internet access), with operating systems as old as Windows 95 and as new as Windows XP. Now I know I can go to the Microsoft website for each operating system and manually download the updates, put them on a CD, take them to the other PC, and install them, but it's a major pain in the butt. This method won't do them all at once, and won't tell me if I've already installed them or not. And, with an average of 20 to 50 updates available per operating system, that's a hell of a lot of manual effort.

So, does anyone know of a way to easily put the same files, functions, and simplicity of the entire Windows Update website on a CD that I can use on computers that do not have any internet access?

- James.

 

[Blujacket]

There is a free CD available from Microsoft that contains the updates up through Oct. 2003. It will not work with Win95.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp

 

[wunkunn]

There is a February 2004 Version now available. It also does not work with Win 95.

 

[bcastner]

Bluejacket overstates the case for the free security CD, although it does cover a lot of bases as of November, 2003.

See: thread779-827732

These are my own thoughts on this issue.
What I did not give enough emphasis to in that thread response is the notion of keeping a current slipstream version of the OS. With Service Pack 2 imminent, a slipstream becomes more important then ever.

The MS KB suggestions:

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=828930

http://support.microsoft.com/defaul...6D-8912-4E18-B570-42470E2F3582&displaylang=en

This deserves a FAQ fairly soon.

 

[Blujacket]

For wunkunn, we're talking about the same thing, the CD is dated February 2004 but the link posted says this about it:

"The Windows Security Update CD will be shipped to you free of charge. This CD includes Microsoft critical updates released through October 2003 and information to help you protect your PC. In addition, you will also receive a free antivirus and firewall trial software CD."

 

[bcastner]

Actually as of 10/23/3003, with closure on 11/1/2004 without any additions.

To makes sense of Service Pack 2 create a solid slipstream of Service Pack 1, and using the links above before burning the slipstream apply the rollups and security packages discussed.

This will prove a lifesaver down the line. When Service Pack 2 is released, use your slipstream as the basis for a new slipstream that will now include Service Pack 2.

 

[Blujacket]

Thought I'd post this about the CD:

F:\Content\fullfixes

xpsp1a_en_x86.exe    Windows XP Service Pack 1a

Will save a lot of time for Dial-Up downloading.

 

[bcastner]

Yes, and DirectX.

See my note above, and the link provided: thread779-827732

 

[Blujacket]

Sorry, I also left out MediaPlayer in the same folder.
F:\Content\fullfixes
MPSetupXP.exe

 

[J741]

A lot of good info, thanks.

I checked-out the Microsoft Security update CD (dated February 2004) previously, and it's a good start, but the Windows Update site contains more than just security updates. As an example, when I used the security CD on a Windows XP machine, and then went to the Windows Update website from that machine, there were more than 40 updates available, more than 10 of which were in the "critical" category.

I have not tried the 'slipstream' approach yet, but it appears to only be appropriate in preparation for new installations, not to update existing installations.

Any other suggestions or thoughts on this?

- James.

 

[bcastner]

And the Security CD contains more than just Security fixes.

But see: thread779-827732

 

[jrbarnett]

J741

If your systems are networked, and you have a Windows 2000 or 2003 server, you could install Systems Update Server on it and have that distribute the updates to machines around the network.

John

 

[J741]

jrbarnett, please tell me more about this Systems Update Server of which you speak.

 

[linney]

810796 - White Paper: Software Update Services Overview White Paper

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;810796&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

 

[jrbarnett]

J741 - look at the link that linney has kindly supplied.

I myself haven't yet had time to play with SUS in depth.

John

 

[bcastner]

Visit these sites for some great faqs and other resources on SUS:

http://www.susserver.com/

http://www.faqshop.com/sus/default.htm

This product is currently being revamped and will be released as the Windows Update Servics (WUS) later this year. An open evaluation is avaible now:

http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=504003

 

[OzCDN]

I am keeping about 300 machines up to date with SUS. We use a two stage system (test group and production group) and have been very happy with it.

One minor bug is that I've found is that it doesn't kick in on some clients on first install of the reg changes. Once it kicks in once it seems pretty reliable from then on.

 

[bcastner]

OzCDN,

Sometimes GPOs require three logons to fully apply in a Domain. I use this utility:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=298444