Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2017 2:55:38 GMT
So, I'm finally cleaning up my studio, as well as my computer inventory. I've decided to re-introduce my website, and split the processing for that, plus my streaming, onto another computer (with the radio automation running on the other). I just happened to have a copy of Windows 2003 Server lying around (one of the benefits of having worked for Microsoft), and I installed it on the target computer. Now, I understand that Microsoft has ceased supporting that software, but I did want to apply all existing updates prior to going live. However, Windows Update was generating an error, a fairly common one (judging by the number of posts on the web about trying to get rid of it). But nothing I did seemed to get it to work.
Finally, I tried another approach. There are several programs available, all free, that will gather all existing updates from the Microsoft Update web site, and allow you to update your computer offline - this is mainly for administrators, who maintain multiple computers. It's also great for those who own multiple computers and don't want to go through the hassle and waiting time to download updates on each one for a fresh install (which can take hours for each).
I ended up using WSUS Offline, and it worked like a charm, downloading all Windows 2003 Server updates and putting them on a USB stick (I had to use an earlier version as they had removed XP & 2003 support when Microsoft did the same). Later versions support Vista and the latest supports Windows 7, 8 & 10. Ironically, I never ended up needing to apply the updates through this program, as something WSUS did caused Windows Update on the computer to start working (it downloads a bunch of stuff at the very beginning from Microsoft to enable it to get the updates, and that fixed whatever was causing the initial problem).
So now I have a working Windows Update AND all the updates on that USB stick so if I end up reinstalling the O/S for whatever reason, it should be relatively easy. Since I also run computers with Vista and Windows 7, I'm thinking that I will create USB sticks containing all available updates for those operating systems as well, just in case.
If you're using older computers and legacy software, as many Part 15 broadcasters do, WSUS Offline can be an invaluable tool (which is why I'm sharing this story).
Finally, I tried another approach. There are several programs available, all free, that will gather all existing updates from the Microsoft Update web site, and allow you to update your computer offline - this is mainly for administrators, who maintain multiple computers. It's also great for those who own multiple computers and don't want to go through the hassle and waiting time to download updates on each one for a fresh install (which can take hours for each).
I ended up using WSUS Offline, and it worked like a charm, downloading all Windows 2003 Server updates and putting them on a USB stick (I had to use an earlier version as they had removed XP & 2003 support when Microsoft did the same). Later versions support Vista and the latest supports Windows 7, 8 & 10. Ironically, I never ended up needing to apply the updates through this program, as something WSUS did caused Windows Update on the computer to start working (it downloads a bunch of stuff at the very beginning from Microsoft to enable it to get the updates, and that fixed whatever was causing the initial problem).
So now I have a working Windows Update AND all the updates on that USB stick so if I end up reinstalling the O/S for whatever reason, it should be relatively easy. Since I also run computers with Vista and Windows 7, I'm thinking that I will create USB sticks containing all available updates for those operating systems as well, just in case.
If you're using older computers and legacy software, as many Part 15 broadcasters do, WSUS Offline can be an invaluable tool (which is why I'm sharing this story).
