Download SP2 to CD possible?

[hermann]

I've done a search without success, so I'm asking here: I've installed SP2 for Windows XP on my computer and it works fine (so far). A friend with dial-up access wants me to put it onto a CD so it won't take so long for him to download. I did order a CD from Microsoft but it will take 4-6 weeks to get here. Is there any way to either copy what I downloaded to a CD or download from installation site directly to a CD? Thanks.

[MC$E]

Here you go....

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Search Microsoft for Windows XP Service Pack 2 for IT Professionals in case my link doesn't work.

[hermann]

Thanks.....downloading now. I'm guessing that when you pop the CD into the drive it will start the installation process. Or is it more complicated?

[Early Out]

Well, there is a full download available here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en, but it's a monster, at 272Mb! On top of that, the brief reading I did indicates that what you'll end up with isn't a nice, simple, "put the CD in the drive and run the setup program" kind of thing, but rather, a package that will put ALL of the SP2 stuff on whatever computer it's unpacked on, whether that machine needs it or not. Still, if you've got time to kill, and don't mind doing some hunting....

On preview, I see that someone else has found the same link. I'm still guessing that it won't be simple. Might be easier just to wait for the CD from MS!

[MC$E]

I've used it. You run the .exe file and it will extract everything to a folder on whichever drive has the most free space. Then it will start up and install whichever files you need, similar to how the regular version will check to see which files it needs to download, depending on your particualr configuration.

I beleive there is a checkbox to keep or delete the installation files when you are finished.

And if you are on broadband, 272 MB won't really take THAT long. Start it up and go outside for a half hour or so.

[hermann]

Thanks again....very useful info. What I downloaded was 266MB and took 22 minutes.....and I was reading this board as it downloaded.

[Early Out]

Originally Posted by MC$E

I've used it.

Listen to the voice of experience, and not to wild speculators like me! Good info to know, MC$E. Thanks.

[spingears]

Unless I'm badly mistaken SP2 is dowloaded as an executalbe installer. You must be connected when running it to install the full SP2.

This prevents somone monkeying with the SP2 code and/or programs.

[MC$E]

Originally Posted by spingears

Unless I'm badly mistaken SP2 is dowloaded as an executalbe installer. You must be connected when running it to install the full SP2.

This prevents somone monkeying with the SP2 code and/or programs.

The normal, end-user version of SP is that way. The link in this thread is to a 266 MB, self contained version that you do not need an internet connection to run. It is meant for developers and network administrators who do not want to download the service pack for each computer under their control.

If you have 1000 machines, that is a boatload of bandwidth savings.

[qubed]

For added convenience (or maybe more hassle) you can take SP2 and integrate it into your Windows XP Install CD. Useful if you reinstall windows multiple times, and you don't have to go through the hassle of redownloading XP. Plus, it lets you avoid being attacked by worms out on the net before you install the update.



Directions are here: Tom's Hardware

[qubed]

Oh, and while Microsoft says it takes 4-6 weeks. I got it in less than 2 weeks.

[qubed]

Originally Posted by alanak

... hassle of redownloading XP.

doh.. that should be hassle of redownloading SP2 .

[Astroboy14]

All of the advise above is good. I'll add my 2 cents, since I now work in tech. support, and have recently talked to many people who have had problems with SP2:

-back up ALL important data first!!!!!!!!!!!! (just in case, as SP 2 has crashed many people's computers!)

-before install of SP2, run a full virus scan of the computer in question, and after that, run a full scan for spy/ad ware (update all your virus/spyware/adware definitions first!)... we're seeing a pattern of people having problems when they try to install SP2 over a system that currently has virus/spyware/adware problems. make sure your computer is free of these before installing SP2!

-if your computer is NOT working right after you install SP2, use the add/remove programs utility in the control panel to uninstall SP2 first, then do a system restore to the day before (or closest day) you installed SP2 to get your computer back (if possible! Sometimes it is not...).

-again, back up all your important data first!! IE: put all your needed porn on a CD before you do this!

SP2 IS an important update to get, and I would advise everyone to get it... but some people have been having problems with it on a computer that is NOT clean on install. Make sure your computer is clean first!

[spingears]

Originally Posted by MC$E

The normal, end-user version of SP is that way. The link in this thread is to a 266 MB, self contained version that you do not need an internet connection to run. It is meant for developers and network administrators who do not want to download the service pack for each computer under their control.If you have 1000 machines, that is a boatload of bandwidth savings.

Thanks for that info.
Now can you tell me if SP1 must be installed first or does SP2 contain and/or supercede everything needed by SP?

Thanks again.

[MC$E]

Originally Posted by spingears

Thanks for that info.
Now can you tell me if SP1 must be installed first or does SP2 contain and/or supercede everything needed by SP?

Thanks again.

Just the other night I did a clean install of XP and put SP2 on it right away. It didn't require SP1.