Info needed about SP2 through Auto Updates/Windows Update

I used the Network Install file for SP2 (and I've ordered the CD with the extra tools on it). I have no experience with the Windows Update/Automatic Updates method of getting SP2, but ...

It seems to me that almost everybody who's having bad trouble with SP2 is getting it through the WU/AU method.

Anyway, I need some info from someone who has USED the WU/AU method:
(I'm trying to help people who need to go the WU/AU route, and I would like to know what I'm talking about, even though I haven't actually USED that method.)

Question: When you use this method, a pop-up informs you that your files are downloaded and ready to install. CAN YOU THEN DISCONNECT COMPLETELY from the Internet (by closing your dial-up connection and unplugging the phone line OR unplugging your cable-modem wire) BEFORE you run the installation?

Please answer this only if you're sure of your answer. Thanks for the help.

 

Thanks, Nick, but the question is this:

Can you disconnect from the Internet (by unplugging the phone wire or cable modem wire) completely ...
AFTER you receive the notice that the downloaded files are ready to install, and
Before the installation begins?

I don't want to trun off the power. I just want people disconnected from the Internet completely while the SP2 installation runs. Is this possible? You see, IF they can disconnect entirely, THEN they can also kill any firewall they have and any anti-virus they have ...
BEFORE they let the installation start.

 

If it says they are ready to install, you bet. Unhook em.

 

Does this mean that either of you guys actually KNOWS somebody who has installed SP2 by the WU/AU method, or are you guys just guessing that it OUGHT to let you disconnect the wire and kill your FW and your AV before you say OK to the "Ready to Install" pop-up????

(You see, I think that a LOT of the problems dial-uppers are having are from the fact that they hit the OK button while they're online and have their AV and their FW running, and the installation does nothing to STOP the FW or the AV before they get a BIG chance to screw up the installation.)

 

Didn't mean to sound snarky there.

I do appreciate the advice.

I hope that this is correct now, as it's on the Web on my site:

If you have dial-up access, and you use the WU/AU method of getting SP2, you'll have to wait for the pop-up that tells you that the upgrade is "Ready to Install." That means that the files your machine needs are downloaded completely. Before you hit the OK button to start the installation, close your dial-up connection, then stop your anti-virus program and disable your third-party firewall, if you have one. You have no need for Internet access during the installation, and playing it safe by killing the connection is just good sense. Once you have disconnected, it's safe to kill your anti-virus and your firewall, so that neither of those powerful programs can interfere in any way with the SP2 installation.

(http://editorsdesktop.com/SP2inst.html)

 

The nature of Automatic Updates has not changed drastically. Why wouldnt it allow you, when other updates behave in this manner? Ready to install means it is local on your computer. Other updates installed fine, offline. Why else have an option in AU that allows a user to download and be prompted, so they can install it later?

I agree. Problem is, we see just as many issues from people who do disable it.

Uninstall the stuff until after the install, IMO.

 

Agreed. I'm especially pushing Norton users to get it OUT of there before they hit the wall, then put it back later (if they really, really want to).

 

Good news, Nick. Thanks for that.