How does installing SP2 from a CD differ from using Windows Update

I asked this question on the XP Deployment forum, but later realized that
this is probably the more appropriate one. Please excuse the double posting.

Specifically, I have ordered and received the SP2 CD. When I go onto the MS
web site, it says that I must have about 1 GB of free space. Whew! However,
the download from Windows Update is only about 70 MB, implying far less disk
space would be required. But this would take about 4 hours to download over
my slooooow 56Kb modem connection.

So, my questions are:
- Does updating to SP2 from CD replace more stuff than using Windows Update?
- Will I really need 1 GB (yes, I have it, but don't want to waste it)?
- And, I guess the real kicker, do those who have experience recommend using
the CD or using Windows Update. Reasons why would be appreciated, too.

I have already applied critical updates, and Windows Update definitely shows
the next update will be SP2.

Thanks,

Joe

When you download SP2 from automatic updates, only what you need is installed thus
cutting down the size of the download. Service Pack 2 is cumulative and includes all
prior Critical Updates therefore if you have already downloaded some updates relevant
to SP2, they wouldn't be included in the automatic update download.

List of fixes included in Windows XP Service Pack 2:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=811113




"Joe Zygala" <> wrote in message
news:BFC5A955-BFF9-4B99-B1EC-...
>I asked this question on the XP Deployment forum, but later realized that
> this is probably the more appropriate one. Please excuse the double posting.
>
> Specifically, I have ordered and received the SP2 CD. When I go onto the MS
> web site, it says that I must have about 1 GB of free space. Whew! However,
> the download from Windows Update is only about 70 MB, implying far less disk
> space would be required. But this would take about 4 hours to download over
> my slooooow 56Kb modem connection.
>
> So, my questions are:
> - Does updating to SP2 from CD replace more stuff than using Windows Update?
> - Will I really need 1 GB (yes, I have it, but don't want to waste it)?
> - And, I guess the real kicker, do those who have experience recommend using
> the CD or using Windows Update. Reasons why would be appreciated, too.
>
> I have already applied critical updates, and Windows Update definitely shows
> the next update will be SP2.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Joe
>

I used the cd.
a) less chance of a download error
b) I did myself a slipstream CD (an updated version of my original xp cd)
why ? well if one day my system crashes I don't have to download sp2 again
and when I repair with the cd it will up to date.
the sofware I used.
http://www.softpedia.com/public/cat/12/2/12-2-183.shtml

C) disk space: the download maybe 70MB ( windows update) but when you
install sp2 it will create a backups ( recommended) of your old installation
an that take disk space. The cd contains a very large file but will update
was is necessary for your system.




"Joe Zygala" wrote:

> I asked this question on the XP Deployment forum, but later realized that
> this is probably the more appropriate one. Please excuse the double posting.
>
> Specifically, I have ordered and received the SP2 CD. When I go onto the MS
> web site, it says that I must have about 1 GB of free space. Whew! However,
> the download from Windows Update is only about 70 MB, implying far less disk
> space would be required. But this would take about 4 hours to download over
> my slooooow 56Kb modem connection.
>
> So, my questions are:
> - Does updating to SP2 from CD replace more stuff than using Windows Update?
> - Will I really need 1 GB (yes, I have it, but don't want to waste it)?
> - And, I guess the real kicker, do those who have experience recommend using
> the CD or using Windows Update. Reasons why would be appreciated, too.
>
> I have already applied critical updates, and Windows Update definitely shows
> the next update will be SP2.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Joe
>

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2

http://support.microsoft.com/default...5BLN%5D;837783