WIndows Update - where are the files?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tony
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T

Tony

I have been trying to figure out a strategy to keep my three Win2000
machines updated with patches without having to download for each one every
time. I have read most of the recent posts on this issue, but they aren't
helping much.

Microsoft SUS is not an option for me as my largest machine is a PIII-650
with 256 MB RAM, below the minimum spec for SUS reliability.

I read a post that said the update files are stored in the WindowsUpdate or
WUtemp folder after installation, but prior to reboot. Mine are not. There
are, however, a stack of MSI files in a folder called WINNT/Installer. They
look like update files (e.g. 609b4e.msi 2215KB on 12 Aug), but I am not
sure.

Can I use these files to update my other machines? Or should I be looking
somewhere else?

Tony
 
Windows Installer Technology uses a "database" of sorts. What you see in
C:\WINNT\Installer are those databases. They are used so that if you make a
change that the application doesn't like it uses the database to recognize
the change and "fix" it. So they really have no function outside of that.
No you cannot just transfer them to another machine and expect anything
"helpful" to occur. Likely will do nothing. They are referenced in the
Registry.

Now this issue of wanting to save yourself some time and work by having
updates download AND install is probably wishful thinking. Believe me there
are updates that you don't want to install until months after they are first
released. A service pack is a good example. The updated MDAC is another.
So I believe the way you are doing it now is probably the safest.
 
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