Windows updates....annoying problem

[FoxTint]

Hi guys! I'm new here

 

Ok, so I am graduating in about a year or so, and a few years ago I bought a brand new Laptop from my school, which was compulsary. I was always part of a domain, and had no admin privelages whatsoever, until today! I got my computer, as they call it, decomissioned (meaning they install windows xp pro on it with the retail disc).

 

When I got it from my school IT, I obviously asked him a few questions, but the first thing he said to me was because the computer is from about late 2008, there are 2 or 3 years worth of Windows updates to get. I thought that when I went on the Windows update website, I would look for updates liked usual, then it'll find like 200 then download and install and done in one go (over exaggerated!).

 

It seems that it download and installs the updates in small batches, which is immensely annoying because I am probably extremely behind in MS updates.

 

It tells me to restart, and I have to keep restarting, and it only gives me small batches.

 

Is there a fix? Thanks everyone in advanced!

[SYNACK]

Download the servicepacks individually first and install them after that it should just be a couple of batches left. I'm suprised on two fronts, one that a PC from 2008 still came with XP and two that the schools IT department could not be bothered simply installing an up to date version of the software with most of the updates included in the first place.

[FoxTint]

Download the servicepacks individually first and install them after that it should just be a couple of batches left. I'm suprised on two fronts, one that a PC from 2008 still came with XP and two that the schools IT department could not be bothered simply installing an up to date version of the software with most of the updates included in the first place.

 

Ok, thanks. And yeah, my school only got Windows 7 early this year, and the computers were originally windows xp computers...The library computers are 7 ones though, which is a start...

[SneakyBeaky]

You must install service pack2 before service pack 3.

However, first check to see if you already have them

How to obtain the latest Windows XP service pack

[jedmondson]

You could download the dvd with all the latest updates on, cant remember where it is on the windows update site though.

[imiddleton25]

install service packs 2 and 3 then

 

http://www.logistixonline.com/index.php?pid=filelibrary&cmd=viewcatclient&id=31

[Arthur]

It tells me to restart, and I have to keep restarting, and it only gives me small batches.

That is because there are updates for the updates.

 

You must install service pack 2 before service pack 3.

install service packs 2 and 3

XP service packs are cumulative so you don't need to install SP2 and SP3, just SP3. To save a bit of time you can download the offline installer for SP3 from here (~316MB). Browsing the Internet with anything less than SP2 installed is fairly risky, so it might be worth using another computer to download the service pack.

 

If you want to create an XP installation disc which includes the latest high priority updates, you can use nLite along with either of the following...

• Xable SP3 UDP
  
• Updates Downloader and Checker
  

 

You could download the DVD with all the latest updates on, can't remember where it is on the windows update site though.

KB913086 (~4.6GB)? If you want to create your own custom ISO, there's also WSUS Offline Update.

Edited November 28, 2010 by Arthur

[pritchardavid]

It seem on vista you need to install each service pack I believe

 

XP is fine to install SP3 stright away!

[Arthur]

It seem on Vista you need to install each service pack I believe

That's correct, although there are ways to do it unofficially (this obviously it isn't recommended/supported by Microsoft though). If you have access to TechNet, MSDN or the Microsoft VL site, a better option is to wait until they post the ISOs which already have the service packs integrated.