• post sp2 updates (xp pro sp2)

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    #442660

    1. I want to reformat and re-instal XP pro sp2. Is there some way I can get, or a source for, a consolidated list of updates (including hot-fixes) since SP2. By consolidated, I mean one that will take into account updates that have superseded previous updates. This listing should be, if possible, a listing plus links to the updates plus review, ideally by a WOPR techie, of the wisdom of installing the particular update.
    2. I am also looking for instructions and script for unattended installation of updates without doing a reboot after each.

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    • #1066039

      This will give you a list of all updates installed on your computer and more details.
      If you have had your system set for automatic updates, then it should also list all updates available.

      Check it out and download free at WindowsList

      • #1066042

        I am NOT looking for updates that are on my computer. I want to do a completely new re-install and then update. I do not want to use “automatic updates”, because of security and utility issues with Microsoft’s Automatic Update service.

        • #1066047

          This will tell you what you HAVE on your computer now. You can use that as a guide.
          I only mentioned Auto Updates in the context of giving you a complete list of prior update, IF you had it enabled.

          As mentioned, slipstreaming XP and SP2 will give you a head start on the LARGE group of updatehotfixes that have come out since SP2.

          It’s up to you to determine what should be applied to your particular installation.

    • #1066043

      If you do not have an installation CD that aleady has SP-2 integrated search the lounge for “slipstream” (without the quotation marks) for threads dealing with creating one. Also, see Neowin Forums -> AutoPatcher for Windows XP for a third party product which will have most of the patches released since sp-2. Or just use Microsoft Update after the installation. As far as which patches to apply, there is no way that anyone here can tell you what to apply. Microsoft Update will accurately determine which fixes you need (or are recommended updates).

      Joe

      --Joe

      • #1066046

        My installation CD has SP2 integrated. I am only interested in solutions for update installation. I read a review of AutoPatcher that suggests that it simply compiles ALL udpates issued since SP2. I am not clear about the distinctions between “hot-fixes”, “patches”, “updates”, and security updates”. Also, in the “Woody’s” newsletters to which I subscribe, there have often been update reviews that recommend against installing particular updates and/or brought to light problems created by, arising after, installation of some updates.

        • #1066049

          I am wondering if Belarc Advisor, which I have, is a good product for this operation.

          • #1066050

            Belarc Advisor will only tell you what is presently on your machine now.
            Same as System Information Windows and others.

            • #1066054

              Not completely true, Bob. I don’t know how long it’s been there but the current Belarc version has a section called “Missing Microsoft Security Hotfixes” that shows what your machine is missing.

            • #1066056

              Yeah, haven’t used Belarc for a while, but again, it will show what’s missing from your PRESENT configuration. Also not all hotfixes apply to ALL machines, so why put in a hotfix for something like Messenger for example, if you don’t use it?

            • #1066107

              To create an XP CD with all the latest hotfixes look/read here: http://www.ryanvm.net/msfn/%5B/url%5D

    • #1066044

      You can also download AUTOSTREAMER to create a Slipstreamed copy of the original XP and the SP2 update into one CD for ease of reinstalling XP/SP2.
      You will still have to do any updates that came out from the time of SP2 to present.

    • #1066052

      “This listing should be, if possible, a listing plus links to the updates plus review, ideally by a WOPR techie, of the wisdom of installing the particular update.”

      There is nothing like a perfect world, is there. smile

      When doing what you are going to do, it can be useful to remember that updates comes in different flavours; there are security updates (of different flavours critical etc.), and there are general updates, for stability, access problems etc. etc.

      A good start would be to install all security related. Then one can have a closer look at the more general updates, for example:
      900485 Windows XP AEC.SYS stop error
      931836 Windows XP changes in DST 2007
      etc. etc.

      If you don’t have CD with SP2, as Joe & Bob mentioned, I would prepare a slipstreamed, it’s really easy with Autostreamer, and a god start for your rebuild. Also not to forget, you can have great use of this slipstreamed XP SP2 CD later on when working with your PC.

      Also, before, it would be good to decide what Windows Media Player you want to run. If you install SP2 directly after XP, or as in my case a slipstreamed XP SP2 you will get WMP 9. To keep it clean and simple it can be a good idea to immediately update to desired WMP, let’s say WMP 11.

      In my case, last rebuild, I had every needed update downloaded and on CD before the rebuild.

      I would go check at Microsoft. I would advise you take a look at: Security Bulletin Search

      There you can chose your product, Windows XP Professional, chose SP level, and check the box “Show only bulletins that contain updates that have not been replaced by a more recent update.”

      In theory this should work, and I have been using it. But I have seen some odd result when it comes to Office updates. When you the security related updates, then there is only a smaller group to look at.

      Personally I’m not interested in Autopatcher since they seem to include whatever they can find in hotfixes, needed or not. Found they included a minor hotfix for DirectX one time that wasn’t for common use, so I don’t trust them completely.

    • #1066134

      AutoPatcher as Joe suggested is the way to go. Basically all you do is download the latest “full” release (and possibly an update) then check the boxes next to what you want to install and walk away for the time it tells you (typically 45 minutes to an hour) and then you are done. The full release will have a number of extras like tweakui, registry changes, etc all for you to install or not. The review part of your request appears to be a manual Google search and read.

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