WINDOWS UPDATES

[Marzena]

Hi,
Due to many errors and missing files I have to format my
hard drive and reinstall Windows XP Home Edition. Can I
save all the Microsoft's hot fixes and security updates
to external hard drive and after formating transfer them
back to my laptop's hard drive? I do not have CD-RW
drive. I want to avoid long hours of downloading them
from the Internet. I use phone line connection.
Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
Marzena

 

[cimex]

Yes, that should work.
Anything is better than a giant download.
You may want to reinstall the Updates a few at a time, if you think any of
your current problems might have been caused or aggravated by an Update.

 

[Guest]

My problems are not caused by Windows Updates. Mother
board was replaced and operating system repaired. Since
then I have some problems. I just want to start with
clean Windows and avoid long dowloads of 2 years of hot
fixes etc. My only backup choice is external drive. I
already saved my pictures, music and all important files.
I thought of doing the same with updates. I do not know
if I can just copy them to that drive. The only known
place to me where they are listed is ADD REMOVE PROGRAMAS
list and I am not sure if I can copy them from that list.
If yes copying them back after formating will get them
installed??? As you can see I am not that computer
literate...Any advice? Thank you.

 

[cimex]

I am not 100% sure, so be sure to get another opinion...

 

[Guest]

I will. Thank you again.
Marzena

 

[Alex Nichol]

Due to many errors and missing files I have to format my
hard drive and reinstall Windows XP Home Edition. Can I
save all the Microsoft's hot fixes and security updates
to external hard drive and after formating transfer them
back to my laptop's hard drive?

To save them you need to do it as you download - the downloaded files go
in Temp Internet Files, and can be copied out from there before they get
deleted in the ordinary course of events. So unless you happen to have
a recent one left there, you don't have the needed files collected in
any usable way. Buying the SP1a CD for $10 might be worth it, as a
start point:
http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsXP/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1/default..asp
and down at the bottom is the link to order it.