SlickRCBD wrote:
> I just saw this thread and it caught my attention. I just installed a
> fresh copy of Windows XP Pro and used automatic updates to bring it up
> to SP3. I didn't pay much attention, but I don't think my cd has any
> service packs, or if it does it's only SP1.
> What's the best thing to do to prepare for the next time I invariably
> need to pull out the install cd and do a clean install if I can't
> simply sic automatic updates on it to have the least amount of trouble
> getting a fully patched system set up from scratch?
> Download SP3 separately.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en
Use a tool like NLite, to prepare a new installer CD, with SP3
slipstreamed into the install.
http://www.nliteos.com/guide/part1.html
After NLite is finished, you'll be able to take the resulting
output, and burn a new installer CD.
That will then allow you to install to SP3 level.
You'll still need a couple hundred other updates from
Windows Update. If there was a "rollup", things might
be different.
Another alternative, is to just back up your entire C:
drive, as it now stands. Assuming it is not infected,
you can restore the backup you make, at any future time,
and avoid all the downloads again. The disadvantage of that
approach, is it is only going to work for your current
hardware configuration. If your computer died, and you
bought an entirely new one, the backup image might not be
very easy to use. An installer CD is the most "portable"
solution, even if it doesn't happen to be very complete
(i.e. needs lots of Windows Updates).
Paul