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Hey.
When my computer (with XP pro) gives itself an update, does it save the update files?
I want to reformat the C: and re-install windows again. It would be nice to have the updates (especially the SP2) ready to go on a disk from the get-go, instead of waiting to re-download them all over again.
Is this possible?
In general, yes. They are saved in folders named like this "C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallKB8212390$". But they are accessed via the Start > Settings > Control Panel > Chnage or Remove Programs, make sure Show updates is checked.
I don't know if you can just copy those folders and then reinstall them on another computer. The usual way to do this is either a. download the SP2 pack from MS and install it outright when you reinstall the OS, or b. resinstall the OS, and use the Windows Update function and let it get all the cumultive updates for you. To do b. you'll need a valid, licensed copy of the OS, the update will do a check for this.
The computer does a restore point, and show you the incremental Windows updates. If the original CD does not have the latest service pack (in this case for Win XP it is Service Pack 2) then you can either order a CD from Microsoft (if you only have dial-up that is recommended unless you really need the system reloaded immediately) or go to the Microsoft web site and download the service pack 2 in it's entirety and then burn it to a CDR your self. The Service Pack 2 will get you closer to the latest and then after it is installed check the Windows Update web site for stuff since the service pack until there are no more critical updates shown.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx
Also make sure you have the drivers CD's that came with the system they may be needed if the hardware is not standard stuff that Microsoft has supported drivers for.
You can also slipstream sp2 onto your XP install disk to install windows with sp2 in one shot.
This link has a freeware program to perform the command line tasks for you.