Hack 85 Obtain Updates via the Windows Update Catalog

Hack 85 Obtain Updates via the Windows Update Catalog

Whether you use it to download patches or driver updates, the Windows Update Catalog can be your friend .

The Windows Update Catalog provides a comprehensive list of updates that can be distributed over a corporate network. It is a one-stop location for Windows updates, fixes, and enhancements, as well as Designed for Windows Logo device drivers.

To obtain updates from the Windows Update Catalog, first select a category (see Figure 9-2). The Microsoft Windows category has updates and fixes for all Windows operating systems, from Windows 98 to Windows XP and the Windows Server 2003 family. The hardware drivers category provides you with driver updates for many of the devices on your network.

Figure 9-2. Downloading updates using the Windows Update Catalog

Now, set your search criteria to find the updates you need. Finally, download your selected updates to the location of your choice (e.g., your local hard drive, a server share on your network, or a disk).

Now, let's dig a little deeper into how to use the Catalog effectively.

Adding the Windows Update Catalog to Windows Update

One of the ways you can customize Windows Update is to add a link to the Windows Update Catalog. This gives you quick access to download updates manually from the Windows Update Catalog. First, go to the Windows Update web site (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) and click Personalize Windows Update. Now, click to select the "Display the link to the Windows Update Catalog under See Also" checkbox. Finally, click Save Settings. You now have a link to the Windows Update Catalog when you visit Windows Update.

Downloading Windows Updates from the Windows Update Catalog

To download updates for Windows for managed deployment in your organization, first go to the Windows Update Catalog at http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/catalog/, or use the custom link you added to your Windows Update page in the previous section. Then, click "Find Microsoft Windows updates" or "Find updates for Microsoft Windows operating systems." Click the appropriate operating system and language for the update that you want to download, and then click Advanced Search Options to refine your query. Click Search, and then click the appropriate category for the update you want to download (e.g., Updates and Service Packs) and locate the update. Click Add.

Repeat the previous steps to find and add additional updates to your download basket. Then, click "Go to download basket ." In the "Type or browse to the download location of your choice" box, type the full path for the folder in which you want to save the patch, or click Browse to locate the folder. Click Download Now, and then click Accept to accept the license agreement. Distribute your updates and install them on your machines.

Downloading Driver Updates from the Windows Update Catalog

If you need updated device drivers, the Windows Update Catalog is the place to get them. To download manufacturer hardware drivers from the Windows Update web site, go to the Windows Update Catalog at http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/catalog/ or use the personalized link you created previously. Click "Find hardware driver updates" or "Find driver updates for hardware devices." Then, click the appropriate hardware category for the driver update you want to download. Click the manufacturer name , the operating system, the language, and any other items that you want to search for, and then click Search. Locate the driver you want, and then click Add.

Repeat the previous steps to find and add additional driver updates to your download basket and click "Go to download basket." In the Type or "browse to the download location of your choice" box, type the full path for the folder in which you want to save the patch, or click Browse to locate the folder. Click Download Now, and then click Accept to accept the license agreement.

You can now install the downloaded drivers or distribute them to machines that need them on your network.

Rod Trent