Resolved How do I get Windows updates?

I have a Dell laptop running Win XP Pro. I didn’t use it for about 2 years, but have recently started to use it. It has SP2, but the latest Windows updates it has are Dec 2007. I have Automatic Updates set (for daily automatic update), but it doesn’t seem to be going out there and getting any updates. Is there a way for me to force the computer to go get all the updates I’ve missed since Dec 2007?

 

I'd start with downloading service pack 3 from microsoft after that you can check for updates using windows update from the start menu (NB it's around 320Mb).

If this works and you have the original XP disk (not a recovery disk) post back and we can help you to create a new one with SP3 and updates already there (called a slipstream).

 

I'm interested to learn this too!

 

Normally I'd say google is your friend but in this case help is even closer to hand. Quoting PeteC from another thread.

 

Thanks Wildfire, do you know if this will work with my XP Home Retail "upgrade "?

 

As long as it's a microsoft release and not a "recovery CD" then I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't. Of course you'll still need to verify the upgrade (insert previous 98/ME/2000 CD) prior to installation.

As this is a different topic from helpseeker's you may be better posting further questions in that previous thread or starting a new one.

 

Thanks Wildfire.
I'm trying to install SP3 but have run into a problem. My hard drive came with 2 partitions, one is C: which is only 8 MB, and the other which is designated D: which has all my stuff on it, including the WINDOWS folder. The SP3 download from microsoft is trying to install on C:, but fails, saying there isn't enough space, and I need 1 more MB. I could probably move some of the stuff that's on C: (maybe the Dell drivers), but is there a way that I can tell the microsoft site to install SP3 on D: instead of C:? There's plenty of space there. Or does SP3 have to go onto C:?

 

Hi Helpseeker,

I'm assuming you mean GigaBytes not MegaBytes. The service pack has to be installed in the same partition as XP (though you can download it to another partition and install from there). A small suggestion here, perhaps the lack of space is why you're not getting the latest updates. Has windows not warned you about lack of disk space?

EDIT - SCRATCH THAT...

You mentioned DELL, I'm not familiar with their recovery partitions. If you did mean Megabyte rather than Gigabyte then leave well alone for now and I'll ask others to assist.

 

It's MB, not GB, and the only things in there are Dell drivers, iSite log, and Stentor (I have no idea what this is). I have to believe that XP is on D:, so I guess that's where SP3 has to go. If only I could tell the download where to go. I'm using IE to download. Is there a way (as there is with Firefox) to specify where downloads should go?

 

Why don't you use FF . Seriously I haven't used IE for a few years now (and I believe that involved a registry hack) so I'll refer you back to my previous post. You are better waiting for other assistance.

 

Thanks, will do.
I always use FF; I hate IE. Unfortunately, to download from MS they make you use IE. I tried with FF but keep getting the MS page that says use IE 5 or later. Bummer.

 

IETAB Is your friend

But with or without IE Tab using firefox wouldn't have stopped you from downloading SP3 from the link I provided earlier

 

When I go to that link, I find this:

xpsp3_5512.080413-2113_usa_x86fre_spcd.iso

but it says not to download it for just 1 computer, that there's a shorter version available, but when I try to get that one I can't.

If I download this iso file, and put it on a CD, do you think I'll then be able to run it and install to the drive I want?

 

I'm from the UK and see WindowsXP-KB936929-SP3-x86-ENU.exe (no ISO)

However, it's not unusual for megacorps like MS to have multiple mirrors which aren't 100% maintained .

Download the larger one, it will save you some time in the future particularly if you wish to slipstream.

I'd say yes but please once again wait for further advice, I wouldn't want you to corrupt any recovery partition on your laptop.

 

I'm in Canada and I find the same pack as Wildfire, downloaded with Firefox. Here's the link I used: Windows XP Service Pack 3

No need to burn a cd to install Sp3.

btw: Apologies for going off track earlier.

 

Thanks, to you and Wildfire, for all your help. I was able to download the .exe version, installed it, and all is fine now. But I still hate IE.

 

Sure thing, please remember to mark the thread as solved (thread tools, top right).

Addendum: I agree with Matt below, that partition should be "hidden ".

 

RE: Drives.
The 8MB "Service Drive" should not have a drive letter allocated to it. At some stage it has been given a drive letter and that is C:. You are probably going to run into further problems if you keep the drive lettering that way [Edit: the partition is not likely a "Service Drive ", but some type of system/hard drive setup partition].

I doubt you can unravel the situation now, the system relies on the C: drive "being there ".

Try doing a search at the Dell website or asking at the Dell Community Forums.

Do you have the original Dell OS installation disk?

I wouldn't like having the drives that way. I would back up any data you wanted and start reformatting and getting those drive letters correct.

Matt