Multiple Updates with single restart

Question

Need some info concerning single boot (restart) with multiple Microsoft critical Update installs. I have downloaded all the critical updates (relative to my requirements) that were issued after installation of XP sp2, and saved the exe files to disc. I am not aware of any rollup being issued after XP sp2, and it is 'labor intensive' to install all the individual patches and boot after each one. Any one experienced with multiple MS exe installs with a single boot? Recommendations? Whether updating after a clean install, new computer, or upgrade I had rather secure XP sp2 as much as possible before accessing the web…but was concerned that I might have to go on line and let Microsoft install the Genuine Advantage Validation Tool first. A little extra education in this area would be appreciated.

Balmes Pavlov · Answer

Usually that's how MS Update works when you do it online. It simply downloads all the updates and installs them automatically for you instead of having you open each one to boot after each one. I think it's pretty safe to do them all and then restart. And just because it is MS we're talking about I wouldn't worry too much about going online to get the updates from their Windows Update page. Usually it's relatively quick and you can disconnect after it's done downloading.

RoHe · Answer

Just make sure your firewall and antiviral software are running, unless you experience problems with the MS updates. In that case, disable the firewall but don't surf, read emails, etc. before getting the updates.

The advantage of rebooting after each update is that you quickly know which one, if any, is causing a problem on the system. If you install the whole bunch before rebooting and then there's a glitch, you'll have no way of knowing which one did it. Also, there's always the possibility that a later update requires installation of an earlier one and that one may not be running until after the reboot.

Ron

chast · Answer

Thanks for the input. I don't have a problem with the standard windows update process, and usually go the custom install route. My interest here is with installing updates off line so I don't have to be connected to the web. (too many line drops etc).

RoHe comments about individual boots being able to ID problems if they occur make a lot of sense. Was just hoping to find a way around all those restarts. We are approaching 60+ critical Updates since installing sp2. That is bunch of reboots for a reinstallation. Wish MS would issue a Post sp2 rollup, or SP3.

Balmes Pavlov · Answer

I've heard that the next Service Pack for XP might just be a roll up of all the updates after SP2. They really should be coming out with a SP every year at least, even if it's a roll up.

Windows General

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