5 replies to this topic

[oviradoi]

Hello. I want to format my Vista PC, and update it offline with the latest patches. I am installing using a Vista DVD with SP1, so I don't need the patches prior to SP1.

For this, I have tried 3 programs: AutoPatcher, c't Update generator, and Windows Update Downloader.
I ran all three programs on my other PC (under Windows XP), and I set them to download all updates for Vista SP1, except the Service Pack (because I already have that integrated in the DVD).

Here is the question: C't and WUD downloaded about 60 MB worth of updates, and AutoPatcher downloaded about 220 MB.
I want to know what is the difference? Are the other programs not downloading everything? Or is AutoPatcher downloading more than necessary?

[James]

Hi oviradoi,

Welcome to the forums.

As you may already know, Microsoft issues several categories of updates:

The first category is Security Updates - updates that are necessary to protect your computer when you are connected to the Internet.

The second category is Updates that correct problems with the Operating System itself - necessary to prevent your computer from crashing or not working as it should.

The third category is updates for the computer, not included in a Service Pack - new and improved versions of the components.

With this background I can say, in a very simplified manner, that C't and WUD download the first category,
but APUP (part of AutoPatcher) downloads all three categories.

Take a look at the AutoPatcher Vista & Server 2008 x64/x86 Hotfix Depot topic and you will see these three categories.

I have also read your much longer post on msfn, but I don't have time to reply there just at the moment.

--

[oviradoi]

Thank you for the reply.
Now I have another question: What does the Microsoft's own updater (the one integrated in Vista) download?
Does it also download only the first category? or does it download everything?

[James]

If you mean Windows Update/Microsoft Update (WU/MU) it downloads only the first category when on Automatic, with a few updates from the second category too.

If you check the lists of updates, for each program, you will find that the first and second categories overlap.

If you connect to the WU site with Internet Explorer and run a custom scan, or search the catalog, you will find many, many updates that are never offered Automatically.

--

[oviradoi]

OK then. I am using Microsoft Update from Vista. In Vista, I don't think you can use IE to connect to the Microsoft update website. I have tried it, but the browser tells me to run Microsoft Update from the start menu.
If there is a way to connect using IE, and view all the updates, please tell me about it.

[James]

If it is not available from the Vista Windows Updates control panel, then try http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=75160

--