Is there any way of caching the windows update files. I manage about 60 computers (Win98 / XP) on a LAN and would like to keep these up to date using WindowsUpdate(there are approximately 50MB of downloads per machine). You used to be able to copy the Windows Update Setup Files folder from one box to another, and it would work fine, however windows now empties the wutemp folder, once an update is installed, so this doesn't work anymore. Is there anyway I can not have to download 3GB when there is probably only 100MB of unique files?? Thanks in advance ...

If you have a windows 2000 server, you can download the software update service which will allow you to download updates directly to your server, approve them, and distribute them to your clients. Other than that, you can download the windows update catalog. Go to the windows update site, and click on the link to the right that says personalize.

Hi I copied this from a previous post. I dont remember who it is but it worked. Unfortunately I cannot remember who to credit. Go to microshaft, er, uh, I mean, "www.microsoft.com" On the left of the page, click "Windows Update" which is """"http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp"""" On the left of the page, click "Windows Update Catalogue" ( If it is not there click on personalize windows update and add it) When the page reloads, go the the RIGHT frame, and click "Find Updates for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems" At the pull down window, click your system, which I assume is Whambox98. A little down and to the right, click "Search" Now, after the page loads, in the stupid, unhandy, moronic little bitty box, click the category of downloads you want, such as "critical updates."--------Wait a year for the page to load. Now, after the page has loaded (year is up) just scroll down through the BOTTOM stupid, unhandy box, and click "ADD" on all the files you think you want. Go back and reselect the different categories, until you have all you think you need. AFTER YOU have selected ALL the files you think you need ( in my case about 170 MEGabites!!!!! then go UP the page and click "Go to Download Basket." One thing I left out. I COULD NOT figure out how to generate a "new folder" after this point. So get into your "explorer" and make a "new folder" wherever and of whatever name you want.

Thanks guys I will look into both. Unfortunately Michael (or fortunately depending on your point of view) I am running linux (e-smith) on the server at this site, although I will keep that post in mind for other sites. (I know if I had more time I could probably figure out how to set the transparent proxy up on e-smith and then let it do all the work) James, looking at your reply now Thanks both

OK, taken a closer look now. I have been able to download everything. It looks like it installs as a series of binaries nested inside the folders (one binary for each update). Is there anyway to make it so you can run these updates through the windows update tool? Running 35 binaries on 60 computers isnt something I really want to pursue. Can I not copy these executables into a particular folder then run windows update as per normal except it wont download it? Thanks in advance.