Windows Update vs Entire Download

I have been told that when you install updates via Windows Update (whether
automatic or manual), instead of simply replacing files as necessary, the
files are "deconstructed", patched, and put back together. If, however, you
download the entire update from the catalog (like you'd do if you're going to
be updating a bunch of machines on a network), the entire files are replaced.
What is the real scoop on this? I can't see Microsoft going to the
trouble of patching individual files on the fly when replacing them is so
much easier.

TheGoldy wrote:

> I have been told that when you install updates via Windows Update (whether
> automatic or manual), instead of simply replacing files as necessary, the
> files are "deconstructed", patched, and put back together. If, however, you
> download the entire update from the catalog (like you'd do if you're going to
> be updating a bunch of machines on a network), the entire files are replaced.
> What is the real scoop on this? I can't see Microsoft going to the
> trouble of patching individual files on the fly when replacing them is so
> much easier.
Hi

What you have been told is incorrect. Windows Update installations
replaces entire files just as the catalog updates do.


--
torgeir, Microsoft MVP Scripting and WMI, Porsgrunn Norway
Administration scripting examples and an ONLINE version of
the 1328 page Scripting Guide:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scr...r/default.mspx

You are both right. The files are downloaded as deltas, the full new file is
created in a separate directory and then a full-file update is done during
installation.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...DisplayLang=en


"Torgeir Bakken (MVP)" <Torgeir.Bakken-> wrote in message
news:uueO$...
> TheGoldy wrote:
>
>> I have been told that when you install updates via Windows Update
>> (whether automatic or manual), instead of simply replacing files as
>> necessary, the files are "deconstructed", patched, and put back together.
>> If, however, you download the entire update from the catalog (like you'd
>> do if you're going to be updating a bunch of machines on a network), the
>> entire files are replaced. What is the real scoop on this? I can't see
>> Microsoft going to the trouble of patching individual files on the fly
>> when replacing them is so much easier.
> Hi
>
> What you have been told is incorrect. Windows Update installations
> replaces entire files just as the catalog updates do.
>
>
> --
> torgeir, Microsoft MVP Scripting and WMI, Porsgrunn Norway
> Administration scripting examples and an ONLINE version of
> the 1328 page Scripting Guide:
> http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scr...r/default.mspx