XP updates - where are they ?

[RJK]

Earlier today, whilst AVG did an update, XP's automatic update "Gold Shield"
appeared briefly in my system tray, and obviously downloaded something
because when I go to Shut Down, there are options to Shut Down with, or
without, installing the Windows updates ! ...and the "gold shield" has
disappeared from system tray.

Just out of curiosity where are the XP updates, and how would one find them
to signal XP to install them - i.e. what determines when the "gold shield"
appears in system tray ? ...I guess that, if I shut down without
installing them on the way out form this session, the Gold Shield will
appear during my next Windows session. ?

regards, Richard

 

[MowGreen [MVP]]

The updates are downloaded to
WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download
To view the randomly named subfolders in that location requires one to
show hidden files, folders, and system files:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial62.html#winxp

They'll also show in the WindowsUpdate.log, located in Windows, towards
the bottom of the log [the most recent entries being towards the bottom]
by KB number.
And, in the System event log, the 'Source' being Windows Update Agent.
*Right* click My Computer either on the Desktop or Start menu, choose
'Manage'. The System event log is under System Tools.

The prompt to install updates [the gold shield appearing in the
Notification area] is determined by the settings of Automatic Updates.
Open the Automatic Updates icon in Control Panel.
The Default setting is to download and install updates automatically.
The Default installation time is 3 AM.
If updates are not installed at the Default time, the gold shield should
appear the next time the system starts or wakes up.

Since you are being prompted to install the updates then it appears that
AU is set to download them automatically but let you choose when to
install them.

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2009]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

 

[RJK]

Many thanks,

I understand, ....I just wondered if there was a simple way to trigger their
installation, without rebooting.
....and you are right, my choice / current setting is to download them and be
notified / or choose when to install them.

....the more I think about my original question - the dafter it seems !!

however - ...many thanks

regards, Richard

The updates are downloaded to
WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download
To view the randomly named subfolders in that location requires one to
show hidden files, folders, and system files:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial62.html#winxp

They'll also show in the WindowsUpdate.log, located in Windows, towards
the bottom of the log [the most recent entries being towards the bottom]
by KB number.
And, in the System event log, the 'Source' being Windows Update Agent.
*Right* click My Computer either on the Desktop or Start menu, choose
'Manage'. The System event log is under System Tools.

The prompt to install updates [the gold shield appearing in the
Notification area] is determined by the settings of Automatic Updates.
Open the Automatic Updates icon in Control Panel.
The Default setting is to download and install updates automatically.
The Default installation time is 3 AM.
If updates are not installed at the Default time, the gold shield should
appear the next time the system starts or wakes up.

Since you are being prompted to install the updates then it appears that
AU is set to download them automatically but let you choose when to
install them.

MowGreen [MVP 2003-2009]
===============
*-343-* FDNY
Never Forgotten
===============

Earlier today, whilst AVG did an update, XP's automatic update "Gold
Shield" appeared briefly in my system tray, and obviously downloaded
something because when I go to Shut Down, there are options to Shut Down
with, or without, installing the Windows updates ! ...and the "gold
shield" has disappeared from system tray.

Just out of curiosity where are the XP updates, and how would one find
them to signal XP to install them - i.e. what determines when the "gold
shield" appears in system tray ? ...I guess that, if I shut down
without installing them on the way out form this session, the Gold Shield
will appear during my next Windows session. ?

regards, Richard