Applying Patches to Client Machines

[Raz316]

Heyoo!

We have a windows 2000 server with active directory and windows XP clients on our network.

What I would like to do is be able to download the monthly microsoft patches onto the server and have it run them on the client machines automatically.

I have read one guide that talks about creating an MSI file from the patch exe, but this isn't possible because the process involves running the patch locally and checking the changes made. The patch in question is made for XP, so running on the 2000 box obviously fails, I.E. no changes made.

Anyone have a method for what I would like to achieve?

ta!

[directhex]

oooooooooooh pick me pick me! i know this one!

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserv...s/default.mspx

software update services. it runs on the box of yoru choice, synchs with the main Windows Update servers on the interval you set, you can approve or deny any particular patches, then all machines can be set to synchronise at a specified hour to the SUS server. i run SUS in my house, for one thiong it downloads all the handy dandy .exe versions of patches for me, making fresh installs a HEL of a lot quicker.

read through the SUS deployment guide tho, http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserv...eployment.mspx

[Raz316]

you, sir, are a genius! This looks like exactly the thing I need, thank ye

*runs off to attempt the guide*

[Moby-Dick]

its a nice and easy install - the only be-hatch is the initial synch where it downloads the ENTIRE windows update catalogue form the year dot :/

[Raz316]

ahh well, it will be worth it.
Been meaning to justify the 2mb satellite connection we have for a while now