• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

a question for you computer geeks

stratovani

stratovani

Nov 18, 2007
3,653
1,131
Spencer, MA, USA
#1
I'm getting ready to reinstall Windows XP on my computer (for the umpteenth time!). All my files are backed up, and this is going to be a clean install - wipe the hard drive and restore to factory condition. This isn't the first time I've done this, and the thing I hate the most about doing this is the constant updating and rebooting. What I'm wondering is, is there a way to get a CD from Microsoft with all the XP updates on it, including Service Pack 3?

BTW I did use the Search function. I don't think I'll live long enough to go through everything it came up with! :eek:
 
#7
Yes there is, as long as you have your own license key you can download what's called a volume licence install usually you can find torrents for them try pirate bay.
Pretty much a general install package that will work with any key you throw at it.
XP service pack 3 like you said then just put the key for your computer in when prompted at the install.


Another option would be to complete the install liek you normally would, wait for the updates then sysprep the computer and back up the image of the disk using a program like ghost. That way you always have a fresh install ready to go.
 
#10
Demon_Hunter said:
By the time you've gone and looked for and posted questions/answers on where to find it you probably will have had it updated and installed automatically by the time you've done all that.
Click to expand...

Best advice in here.

May as well just stick it out and do it the original way. Even if it's more annoying, you know how to do it and that it works, which is paramount.
 
#14
i_got_a_mohawk said:
There is a way to download the service packs as .exe files.

Can't remember how or where (google), but I have my "install CD" which has all the drivers I need and SP3. Granted, need to do the other updates, post SP3 independantly, but that doesnt take too long.
Click to expand...

I took your advice and Googled it and found a Win XP SP3 file, downloaded it and copied it onto my external HD. That should be a big timesaver right there since SP3 is 342 MB. If I remember right from the last time I did a clean install most of the updates were in the KB size, so that shouldn't take too long. It's the incessant rebooting that I hate!

Thanks to everyone here for their advice. Much appreciated. :)
 
#19
stratovani said:
I took your advice and Googled it and found a Win XP SP3 file, downloaded it and copied it onto my external HD. That should be a big timesaver right there since SP3 is 342 MB. If I remember right from the last time I did a clean install most of the updates were in the KB size, so that shouldn't take too long. It's the incessant rebooting that I hate!

Thanks to everyone here for their advice. Much appreciated. :)
Click to expand...

Glad you found it, sorry I couldn't have been of more help!

I downloaded it an age back :)
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back