Hi. I need to format my machine but by doing so I will obviously lose all
the automatic updates that have been installed for the last three years. I
use automatic updates and was wondering where they sat on my PC - so that I
could copy them and then reinstall them after formatting - if I have to
download them all agin my bandwidth will be lost for months!!!. Many thanks
Amanda

You don't have a choice. The updates are not saved (as an installable file)
If you format all updates will be gone.
What type of connection do you use for the 'net? You can order the SP's
from MS so few updates need be downloaded.
"Amanda" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:AB391948-DF6C-49AB-98BB-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi. I need to format my machine but by doing so I will obviously lose all
> the automatic updates that have been installed for the last three years.
> I
> use automatic updates and was wondering where they sat on my PC - so that
> I
> could copy them and then reinstall them after formatting - if I have to
> download them all agin my bandwidth will be lost for months!!!. Many
> thanks
> Amanda

"Amanda" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:AB391948-DF6C-49AB-98BB-(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi. I need to format my machine but by doing so I will obviously lose all
> the automatic updates that have been installed for the last three years. I
> use automatic updates and was wondering where they sat on my PC - so that I
> could copy them and then reinstall them after formatting - if I have to
> download them all agin my bandwidth will be lost for months!!!. Many thanks
> Amanda


Unfortunately, the updates aren't stored in any form on your computer that will
allow you to save them for reinstallation at a later date.

If you have a friend who has broadband access, or it's available where you work,
you could download Service Pack 3 and burn it to a CD. Another option would be
to order SP3 on CD.

Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and
Developers
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

To order Windows XP SP3 on a CD, visit one of the following Microsoft Web sites,
as appropriate for your region:

Asia
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1

Europe and Africa
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1

North America
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1

South America
https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1

Good luck

Nepatsfan

Thank you all very much for your help. Please take care. Amanda

"Nepatsfan" wrote:

> "Amanda" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:AB391948-DF6C-49AB-98BB-(E-Mail Removed)...
> > Hi. I need to format my machine but by doing so I will obviously lose all
> > the automatic updates that have been installed for the last three years. I
> > use automatic updates and was wondering where they sat on my PC - so that I
> > could copy them and then reinstall them after formatting - if I have to
> > download them all agin my bandwidth will be lost for months!!!. Many thanks
> > Amanda
>
>
> Unfortunately, the updates aren't stored in any form on your computer that will
> allow you to save them for reinstallation at a later date.
>
> If you have a friend who has broadband access, or it's available where you work,
> you could download Service Pack 3 and burn it to a CD. Another option would be
> to order SP3 on CD.
>
> Windows XP Service Pack 3 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and
> Developers
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
>
> To order Windows XP SP3 on a CD, visit one of the following Microsoft Web sites,
> as appropriate for your region:
>
> Asia
> https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1
>
> Europe and Africa
> https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1
>
> North America
> https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1
>
> South America
> https://om2.one.microsoft.com/opa/st...-us&NewTrans=1
>
> Good luck
>
> Nepatsfan
>
>
>
>