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Windows Update Downloader Makes Slipstreaming Updates Simple
Posted by Kevin Purdy at 12:03 AM on July 22, 2008
Windows only: Free utility Windows Updates Downloader is a seriously convenient tool for anyone starting over with a fresh Windows re-installation (such as a slipstreamed XP installation with SP3 pre-loaded), or anyone who wants to make their updates portable for later installation. Once installed, you have to point the app at an "Update List" for Windows XP or Vista (or Office 2003, if that's installed). Hitting "+" doesn't seem to point to the right page, which is here. Once the list is loaded, you can grab any of Microsoft's current updates as executable packages, easily plugged into a slipstreaming tool or run by themselves on a system that needs it. Perfect for managing big updates on multiple systems, and saving wait-and-download time on a re-installation. Windows Updates Downloader is a free download for Windows systems only.
Tags: fix | windows | windows update downloader
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
loudcox
Posted 12:55 AM 22/7/08
I've been using Heisse Offline Update for a while. It creates a multi-environment ISO image (or just the client files) and can handle a variety of operating systems and versions of Office. Only ever had one machine that didn't like it, a very old system. (However, don't use the auto-reboot function).
[www.heise.de]
loudcox
PatrickTulskie
Posted 12:50 AM 22/7/08
This is kinda like the Autopatcher isn't it?
PatrickTulskie
bsts
Posted 1:49 AM 22/7/08
It would be nice if it reported the size of the downloads - 125+ items could amount to a sizable chunk 'o disk space.
bsts
The_Gas_Man
Posted 1:59 AM 22/7/08
I've been using this app for a while, but have been a little disappointed with it in the end. Like bsts says, it doesn't report the size of the downloads. Also, the update list has to be updated manually by the WUD staff, which doesn't happen as often as it needs to, so you end up a few months behind on your updates even after slipstreaming the latest available set from WUD.
Also, it doesn't appear to have a way to skip over updates you've already downloaded, so you wind up downloading them all over again when a new list is posted.
The_Gas_Man
pdok
Posted 3:19 AM 22/7/08
I used this for a while, too. After all the fuss it ends up taking just as much time to do this and build a nlite image as it does to just use windows update (assuming you're starting with a SP3 version first.)
If you're going to do multiple machines, you're way better off using a commercial cloning solution, like Ghost, or Acronis. Just make a generic image with all the generic drivers installed and let plug and play do its magic.
On to better things...
pdok
orlo
Posted 3:17 AM 22/7/08
As compensation for the ridiculous price and intrusive activation process of Windows Microsoft should provide updated versions available for download. You can download XP w/sp3, but you need to be an "IT professional" and pay for a subscription.
orlo
honig
Posted 4:14 AM 22/7/08
@Orlo: Wat?
You can slipstream a service pack and burn an new .iso in an hour and you don't have to pay a dime for the privilege outside of the cost of your time (brief if you know what you are doing) and the cost of a CD-R or RW (cheap).
If you need the full version of the service pack see: [www.microsoft.com]
honig
JadeEmperor
Posted 5:59 AM 22/7/08
i use both RyanVM and nLite for my offline updates or any reinstallation needs. with RyanVM it is easy to get the latest MS updates, coupled that with nLite's ease of use when it comes to customizing your slipstream.
JadeEmperor
thor222
Posted 5:20 AM 23/7/08
"Windows Updates Downloader is a free download for Windows systems only."
Sounds kind of funny, doesn't it? I guess you could be a sys admin on a Mac or Linux machine and want to use the tool...
thor222
ogremustcrush
Posted 6:23 AM 23/7/08
I like that the update files are zipped XML files. It gives the potential to integrate them easily into a more advanced program.
Imagine this: You have a program on your flash drive that automatically downloads and installs all needed updates on a system. It only downloads the new ones it needs, as it keeps a cache of all old ones. So if your setting up a bunch of computers in an environment not suitable for imaging, you only have to download the updates once, and its self updating to automatically get new updates once they come out.
It would also be really neat if nLite integrated this functionality.
ogremustcrush
toolazy
Posted 12:49 AM 22/7/08
the app sounds great,only problem it seems I'm unable to import the .ulz files into the download list.
I've tried opening them with WUD,or putting them in the same directory as the EXE,but its not working,any ideas ?
toolazy
mbear
Posted 11:20 PM 22/7/08
@honig: Orlo is talking about downloading a Windows XP ISO that's already been slipstreamed directly from Microsoft (I think).
He's correct; Microsoft makes these types of downloads available to people who purchase TechNet Subscriptions or MSDN Subscriptions. They're pretty convenient, but also pretty expensive.
mbear
mbear
Posted 11:17 PM 22/7/08
@orlo:
"As compensation for the ridiculous price and intrusive activation process of Windows Microsoft should provide updated versions available for download."
Actually I'd rather have them install more servers/bandwidth so the Windows Update website doesn't take so freaking long to respond to my requests. Has anyone ever been able to get the site to take less than two hours?
"You can download XP w/sp3, but you need to be an 'IT professional' and pay for a subscription."
If you mean a version of XP from Microsoft with SP3 installed already, you're right. But the actual download site for SP3 so you can slipstream your own is here.
mbear