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INDEX

1. How can I store the updates in a CD?

A common scene is to store all the updates downloaded from Windows Update in a CD, either because we want to update a PC not connected to the Internet, or because we have made a home network and we do not want to update the PCs one by one, or because we are going to format and/or reinstall and we do not want to go to Windows Update again.

Whatever we do, downloaded and installed updates cannot be stored in some way. To do this task, we have to individually download the updates from Windows Update Catalog.

This tool enables us to find all the updates available for all Microsoft Operating Systems: from Windows 98 to Windows 2003, going from Windows XP or Windows ME. Besides security updates, Microsoft provides, through Windows Update Catalog, update system files, device drivers, service packs, or renewed features of Windows.

In KB article we will find a long description of what Windows Update Catalog is and how we can download these hotfixes to store them in a CD.

2. In what order have I to install the updates downloaded by means of Windows Update Catalog?

Usually, some patch needs to have previously installed some others. In this case it is recommended to read the information for every patch. But, in general situations it is enough to install them chronologically, according to release date.

4. On which folder are the downloaded patches stored?
In previous versions of WU the folder was Wutemp which was a hidden folder located on the root directory of the most free space drive. But, up to Windows Update version 6 this matter has changed and now "SoftwareDistribution" is used and is located as a subfolder of the folder where Windows is installed. This folder is used both as download directory and temp directory. "SoftwareDistribution/Download" content is automatically deleted after ten days from download.

6. Does System Restore uninstall a patch?
Obviously, the answer is Yes, system restore removes every program and/or update previously installed, because it restores the system to the system state when the restoration point was created.

7. Can I schedule automatic updates when I desire?
Of course, this task can be done following this KB article, and if we have installed the update referred on it, or SP2.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/327838/en-us

8. Can I remove Microsoft Update and turn to WU?
Yes. Microsoft Update is only a way to centralize the updates related to Microsoft Operating Systems and Microsoft programs (such as Office), in a single place, but you can disable Microsoft Update and turn to prior WU following the instructions of this KB article:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/901037/en-us

9. XP without SP1 or SP2 is installed on my computer, have I to install SP1 and then SP2?

No, it is not necessary. Windows XP Service Pack 2 is cumulative, that is, all the updates prior to SP2 release date are included on it, so installing SP2 we install SP1, and all the patches between SP1 and SP2.

10. I have got two different computers and for every one WU gives me different updates

Windows Update checks for installed software on the machine and it offers customized updates, if necessary. For instance, if we have installed Net Framework in a machine and not in the other one, Windows Update will give us Net Framework updates for one machine and not for the other one.

11. Can I install several updates with only one reboot?

Usually, when installing a patch, we are prompted to reboot the machine to finish the install, and if we are installing some patches at once, it is possible that we have to reboot for every one. It is possible to install the updates and reboot once, which will avoid further delay. To do this task we have to follow these instructions:

Yes, if we perform a reinstall we will overwrite system files for the ones in the original CD, so the reinstall be done, we have to go to Windows Update and install all the patches.

13. Run SFC could lose patches?
SFC, System File Checker, repairs protected system files in case of versions get altered, and this is done by checking digital signatures by Windows File Protection (WFP). So, when doing SFC /scannow from command line, we replace all the altered files and it is possible we lose some update. Then it is recommended to go to Windows Update when SFC finish.

14. Have I to install all that Windows Update shows me?
It is recommended to install all the critical updates because they solve important security problems. Recommended updates can be installed or not.

15. It is a good option to download drivers from WU?
We also can download drivers from Windows Update, but this is not recommended because they are no developed by Microsoft but by manufacturers and it is likely that we could not get the latest version. It is always recommended to go to manufacturer's website to look for the latest versions. And, if possible, to use certified WQL drivers. You can get further information about this is our Windows XP FAQs section.

16. How can I know what updates from Windows Update have I installed?
If we have installed Windows XP Prof, we will obtain all the updates when typing in Systeminfo. This command gives us a lot of information, and the related to updates installed. If we have installed Windows XP Home, we only get the information by going to Control Panel, Add and remove programs. Remember that on this section we only see the updates that can be uninstalled.

17. How can I delete a corrupted download to download it again?
Simply, it is enough to delete SoftwareDistribution folder, located on Windows drive. If it does not exist, it will be renewed when going to Windows Update.

18. Can I execute WU in a limited account?
No, it cannot be done. Update task must be done in an administrative account. If we try to do this in a limited one, Windows Update will cause 0x8DDD0002 error code.

19. What are the names of WU related services (in XP) and how have they to be set?
These services are two: Wuauserv and BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service). The first one, Wuauserv, has to be started and set as automatic. BITS service is enough to be as manual and it is not necessary to set as started. Windows Update will start it then needed. We can check these services by going to Start > Run and type in services.msc.

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