Soo many Windows Updates indicated

Hello, I recently had to do a complete system restore to the original manufactured settings as a last resort due to a driver issue I had. After restore was completed and I reconnected to the internet and all was ok, I was bombarded with "notices" for Windows Update and BigFix updates from gateway. No joke, I had 62 window update notices and 23 Big Fix updates within a 2 day period. My questions are: Is it ok to download all the updates and are they all absoluty necessary? I know that question is subject to opinion but that is what Im looking for, different opinions. Are the security updates the most critical? Are updates for windows xp important? I tried to go through as many as possible and research the KB articles referenced and most had to deal with vulnerabilities in remote code execution for this, that or the other. There were just so many and it took me like 2hrs to review and try to make sence of like 20, and I ended up more confused. I did dl several that I reviewed and after restarting, WU notified me of many more updates. I don't want to add unecessary crap to my PC so if anyone has helpful comments regarding windows updates I would appreciate some feedback. I have windows updates set up to notify me and let me choose the updates. I bought my PC in 2005 with Win. XP Home Sp2. Any help would be great. Thanks!

 

Yep, there have probably been 60+ updates since SP2 was released.

Lots of people think that because they have SP2 they are up to date.

There is an update on todays MG front page that may help you.
Check out www.majorgeeks.com for Friday, 16th February, or go to

RyanVM's Windows XP Post-SP2 Update Pack 2.1.7
http://www.majorgeeks.com/RyanVMs_Windows_XP_Post-SP2_Update_Pack_d5085.html
Designed to bring a Windows XP CD with SP2 integrated fully up to date.
Author: Ryan VanderMeulen
Date: 2007-02-16
Size: 44.3 Mb
License: Freeware
Requires: Win All
Downloaded: 23817 Times

I haven't tried it, so cannot comment one way or the other.
Don't be fooled by the downloaded total as this applies to all versions of this program, to date, not necessarily THIS version. Bazza

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Works well with some help from their forums. I now only have a few to sort instead of of some 86 or so. Don't have to reboot every time either. Thanks for the tip bigbazza!!!:dood

 

Just finished with microsoft updating after a reformat

I have sp2, but have still just installed 620MB of updates
(including .net & office sp3)

windows xp sp3 where are you ?

 

You're welcome, augiedoggie.
I've got a second hand Dell desktop that I bought at auction that is miles behind in updates, so may give it a try also.

@shanemail@
Maybe it would be worthwhile for you to give the link in post #3 a try as well.
Set a restore point before you start. Maybe do a backup of vital stuff.

Bazza

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Hmm, possibly

Its just that your info indicates 44.3mb
seems a little bit shy to me

I only had to download about 100mb
as I had already saved most of the instal files from
C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download

then I just manually (individually) installed them
although there is an easier way, by starting the download and cancelling it, then it should just instal them from your backups. (in theory)

 

Thanks everyone, I downloaded all the updates after reading your posts, makes feel a little more comfortable this is "normal". It came out to 86 updates. I only have recovery CD's that I made after I got my PC b/c my OS came pre-installed so I don't think the link from bigbazza will work. I will have to do more research on that. I am going to make a back up after I get it tuned to my liking so i will have at least these 86 updates if I have to do this again. Thanks again, your input is much appreciated.

 

Best of luck to you 2.
I'm gonna have to get game and try it out.

I can do a full backup of my DELL desktop before I start, as there is not much stuff on it. It is not a priority for me, just now, as I don't use the desktop much. Bazza