fresh install of o/s. dealing with microsoft updates

dipsomaniac

i usually format and re-install xp pro once a year. what is the best way to update system with microsoft updates after re-install? i usually just download them again from microsoft - is there an easier way? service pack 1 is loaded with o/s and i have service pack 2 on cd.

motorguy

I would just install the original and then click on update when you get the drivers on and connect to the 'net.

Service Pack 3 is the first download it now does, followed by some security patches, etc.

busenbust

Service packs are accumulative; therefore you will only need the latest SP update

Edit: if this is indeed a bare-bones reinstall, then you need to have installed either SP1 or SP2

To install SP3, either Windows XP Service Pack 1a (SP1a) or Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) must already be installed.

Source: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

redux

I don't know how to do it, but you might read up about so-called slipstreaming, compiling a Windows CD with the updates (or at least SP3) integrated into it

esuhl

If you re-install XP regularly, I would definitely suggest taking a look at nLite.

You copy the files off your XP CD into a folder, then download SP3 and a zip file containing subsequent updates and build an up-to-date installation CD (this is "slipstreaming", as redux mentioned).

The installation process is the same, but you have all the updates pre-installed. You can even set up certain users, passwords, change all sorts of Windows settings (set up a network, change folder view to "details", and a million other things).

It's surprisingly easy to do, and all the details are on the nLite website.

Hope this helps...

motorguy

busenbust wrote: »

Service packs are accumulative; therefore you will only need the latest SP update

Edit: if this is indeed a bare-bones reinstall, then you need to have installed either SP1 or SP2



Source: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389

Ah - fair comment actually - i did one on monday night but it was with SP1 installed.

busenbust

^Never a problem

computershack

dipsomaniac wrote: »

i usually format and re-install xp pro once a year.

Why? It is completely and utterly a pointless waste of time.

mr_fishbulb

Agree with slipstreaming - the shorter you are exposed on the net without the latest patches, the better.

But also agree that it is a bit pointless, unless you regularly install rubbish on your machine.

John_the_Boy

I regularly have to reinstall - I test lots of programs out and eventually one wrecks windows. Best way I have found to do this is:-

1. Partition your hard disk so you have a 10-15 gb partition.
2. Reinstall windows so it is exactly how you want it.
3. Take a copy of the freshly installed windows partition (I use paragon Drive Back-up) - save to the partion you created in 1.
4. Make a boot disk with your back-up program.

Then you can re-install a fresh windows installation whenever you want and it only takes 30 to 40 mins.

mr_fishbulb

John_the_Boy wrote: »

I regularly have to reinstall - I test lots of programs out and eventually one wrecks windows. Best way I have found to do this is:-

1. Partition your hard disk so you have a 10-15 gb partition.
2. Reinstall windows so it is exactly how you want it.
3. Take a copy of the freshly installed windows partition (I use paragon Drive Back-up) - save to the partion you created in 1.
4. Make a boot disk with your back-up program.

Then you can re-install a fresh windows installation whenever you want and it only takes 30 to 40 mins.

Virtual machine. Virtual machine. Virtual machine!

For all the time you are spending doing this, VMWare workstation is a great investment. It's about £150.Create snapshots of your virtual machines and roll back whenever you want.

I use it to run XP on my Win 7 machine for a couple of programs which don't work on Win 7.