SP2 Install via Automatic Update - Please Explain Sequence of Events

[Marianne B.]

I installed SP2 on my PC using a SP2 CD-ROM disk. I didn't have any
problems, but the install did take about an hour - it actually took longer
to install SP2 than it did to install Windows. I also took all the
recommended precautions.

A friend of mine was having some problems with her computer, so I went over
to take a look and noticed that she had SP2 installed. Her computer
originally came with SP1, so I asked her when she had installed SP2 and she
replied that she hadn't. I believe her current problems came about because
SP2 was installed, via automatic update, on an already messed-up system.
What I don't understand is how SP2 installed itself on her system without
her realizing that it was happening or remembering it. As I mentioned
above, it took a long time to install it on my system from the CD and the
instructions on the screen said not to do anything else on the computer
during the installation process.

Because I have never had the opportunity to observe SP2 installing itself
via auto update, I would appreciate it if someone could explain the sequence
of events and how it works. For example:
Does it completely download before installing or does it install in parts?
Is the user prompted to take any precautions prior to the actual
installation?
Does it occur invisibly in the background?
Can it be interrupted without causing any problems?
Does it prompt the user to not do anything else and to not shut down the
computer?
Does it take as long as an install from CD?
Doesn't the user have to accept the EULA?
How could it occur without my friend realizing it was happening?
(Actually, she is kind of a nitwit.)

Thanks for your help.

M.B.

 

[Rick \Nutcase\ Rogers]

Hi,

Does it completely download before installing or does it install in parts?

Yes, but the express install version (which is what most users get) only
downloads the relevant portions of the Service Pack.

Is the user prompted to take any precautions prior to the actual
installation?

No, nothing other than the usual warnings.

Does it occur invisibly in the background?

Yes, the download portion does. Once agreed to, the install can as well.
But, there is a notification step that must occur.

Can it be interrupted without causing any problems?
Yes.

Does it prompt the user to not do anything else and to not shut down the
computer?
Yes.

Does it take as long as an install from CD?

The length depends on how many parts of it are needed. A regularly updated
machine would only need the core upgrades. One that was infrequently updated
may need a whole pile of updates.

Doesn't the user have to accept the EULA?

Yes, there is no way to proceed to the actual install without going through
the process of agreeing to it.

How could it occur without my friend realizing it was happening?

Perhaps someone else using the machine did? Again, the download can happen
quietly in the background if autoupdate is set for it, but the user must
knowingly start the installation.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Associate Expert - WindowsXP Expert Zone

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org