Format PC, but ...

[Dolby]

... do I really need to go about downloading all these stupid updates and SP1 again?

 

[koeksGHT]

WUG? A easy to use windows update server

 

[Dolby]

WUG?

That wireless network around Johannesburg?

I'm not on it :/

 

[T-Man]

If you say SP1 then I presume you're on Windows 7.

On XP, Turned of the Automatic updates under services, and then made a backup copy of \windows\software distribution.

On the "new" machine, turn off updates, copy/replace the folder and start windows updates again.

This didn't always work the way I expected, but at least it was a start.

I'm not sure if this will work on Windows 7 though.
I am now using WSUS offline as I often have to "freshen" PC's

 

[Gtx Gaming]

slipstream your disc with updates, works for me

 

[Positively Negative]

or this time, do the format and run all the updates and install all necessary apps. After that long sucky process, create and Acronis or Norton Ghost image of your hard drive. Next time you want a format done, it's just a few clicks and all is restored to a clean state I can't believe for so many years I was formatting and re-installing over and over again

 

[LazyLion]

AutoPatcher....

http://www.autopatcher.com/forums/

Download it once, then carry it with you on your removable disc or hard drive.
Use whenever needed.

 

[Grouter]

Yep - autopatcher has never let me down. Thanks for the reminder GvdH - Had forgotten to update it this weekend. I use it all the time. Install windows. Run autopatcher. install office. Install AV. Hand PC over to client. What a pleasure.

 

[koeksGHT]

WUG?

That wireless network around Johannesburg?

I'm not on it :/

Yea, automatically downloads newest updates and all