How to get all updates since SP2

[Guest]

We just purchased a couple of new computers from Dell that are pre-installed
with Windows XP Professional and SP2. These machines will never connect to
the internet, but will be used for testing our software. These machines needs
to have all of the latest updates installed. Is there a way to easily
download or get a CD that has all updates since SP2?

I realize that I can download each individual patch and put on a CD, but
that will take forever! I'm hoping that Microsoft releases consolidated
patches on a regular basis so that I can download just a few consolidated
ones.

I'm going to need all updates for Microsoft Office 2003 with SP2 as well, if
you happen to know this answer too!

Thanks much!

 

[Martin S.]

Take a look at AutoPatcher @ www.autopatcher.com

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the recommendation. It looks like a great product, but
unfortunately, we are only allowed to install software from corporate
approved venders. Does Microsoft provide anything similar to Autopatcher?

 

[JS]

See: http://www.shavlik.com/
They deal with Corporations.

JS

 

[antioch]

We just purchased a couple of new computers from Dell that are
pre-installed
with Windows XP Professional and SP2. These machines will never connect to
the internet, but will be used for testing our software. These machines
needs
to have all of the latest updates installed. Is there a way to easily
download or get a CD that has all updates since SP2?

I realize that I can download each individual patch and put on a CD, but
that will take forever! I'm hoping that Microsoft releases consolidated
patches on a regular basis so that I can download just a few consolidated
ones.

I'm going to need all updates for Microsoft Office 2003 with SP2 as well,
if
you happen to know this answer too!

Thanks much!

Hi Julie
I would never consider downloading updates, critical or otherwise, from ANY
site other than MS - others would agree.
you say 'but unfortunately, we are only allowed to install software from
corporate approved venders.' - very good advice.
There is no SP3 for XP.
This is the complete listing - it would take ages to go through the
thousands in here-
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Browse.aspx?DisplayLang=en&nr=20&categoryid=7&sortCriteria=date

But I think that the computers will have to connect to the net so that WU
can see what updates you need for the computers and of course you will need
to have in place all the required security progs, which of course you can
get free - Zone Alarm, AdAware, Spybot and others.
As they are Dell they probably came with a free trial antivirus for a couple
of months.
Also, if considering download to disk rather than direct to the system, do
the computers have a CD burning prog. like Nero installed.
If not then save them on the computer, then disconnect from the net and
disable the antivirus, firewall etc and install.
However, another Black Tuesday has just passed and if you care to look in
windowsupdates group you will see the problems caused to hundreds of people
since the beginning of August.
The early probs with getting these downloads via WU seem to have passed.
In addition, I doubt you will be able to avoid the dreaded WGA/WGN farce if
you also want the software updates.
There may be a simple solution that I have not read or come across - so be
patient and see.
It may help to put a thread into the windowsupdate group as well, or the
discussion group in which you have posted already, I think.
I wish you the best of 'downloading'
Rgds
Antioch

 

[Guest]

You bring up some very good points.

We are not allowed to connect these machines to our network, nor the
internet, so I will have to come up with a solution which does not require
connecting to the internet at all.

I went ahead and posted a message on the Windows Update site as well. Thanks
for your input!

 

[Rock]

We just purchased a couple of new computers from Dell that are pre-installed
with Windows XP Professional and SP2. These machines will never connect to
the internet, but will be used for testing our software. These machines needs
to have all of the latest updates installed. Is there a way to easily
download or get a CD that has all updates since SP2?

I realize that I can download each individual patch and put on a CD, but
that will take forever! I'm hoping that Microsoft releases consolidated
patches on a regular basis so that I can download just a few consolidated
ones.

I'm going to need all updates for Microsoft Office 2003 with SP2 as well, if
you happen to know this answer too!

Thanks much!

Julie, MS does not have a CD with all the post SP2 updates. If you want
to get them from MS, then you'll need to download them from the windows
update catalog and burn to CD.

 

[antioch]

Julie, MS does not have a CD with all the post SP2 updates. If you want
to get them from MS, then you'll need to download them from the windows
update catalog and burn to CD.

Hi Rock
The thing is how to do that without her two computers connecting to the net
in the first place?
What is this 'catalogue' - nothing in MS on a search?. All I can think of
is the link I gave her.
I still think she will need to connect briefly, with all the security in
place - get in quick and out.
Rgds
Antioch

 

[GHalleck]

You bring up some very good points.

We are not allowed to connect these machines to our network, nor the
internet, so I will have to come up with a solution which does not require
connecting to the internet at all.

<<snipped>>

IMO, this is a very unsatisfactory state of affairs. Just
what does your IT people do for you under these circumstances?
It is IT's responsibility to maintain systems and your IT is
failing in its task when the individual user must find ways to
remain updated and operating in a safe condition.

 

[antioch]

Hi PA
To whom are you addressing this advice?
Antioch

 

[Rock]

Hi Rock
The thing is how to do that without her two computers connecting to the net
in the first place?
What is this 'catalogue' - nothing in MS on a search?. All I can think of
is the link I gave her.
I still think she will need to connect briefly, with all the security in
place - get in quick and out.
Rgds
Antioch

HOW TO Download Windows Updates and Drivers from the Windows Update Catalog
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=323166

It is a challenge without internet access. Setting up access and
connecting just to go to windows update and scan to see what updates are
needed then downloading them on another machine is one way but it's alot
of work. There are on the order of 60 post SP2 updates. Check the MS
security bulletins post SP2 to for updates. Again very time consuming.

 

[antioch]

HOW TO Download Windows Updates and Drivers from the Windows Update
Catalog
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=323166

It is a challenge without internet access. Setting up access and
connecting just to go to windows update and scan to see what updates are
needed then downloading them on another machine is one way but it's alot
of work. There are on the order of 60 post SP2 updates. Check the MS
security bulletins post SP2 to for updates. Again very time consuming.

Many thanks for that link - MS search didn't like my 'catalogue' I assume.
I do not think the OP has an easy solution - its a long job which ever way.
And judging by the number of problems being encountered with the SP2 update,
the 60 odd post SP2 updates and the recent Black Tuesday lot, it would not
be a performance I would be looking forward to.
Rgds
Antioch