Offline update of SP2 for Windows Server 2003

The script packet Offline Update downloads all security updates for Windows 2000, XP, or Server 2003 from Microsoft's servers in one go and creates perfectly up-to-date patch CDs and DVDs as ISO images. These data carriers can then be used to update as many Windows PCs as necessary without having to download the updates each time from the Internet.

Version 3.04 includes Service Pack 2 for Windows Server 2003; in addition, a few details have been improved. The update script automatically installs the correct version of the Windows Update Agent, which then determines which patches are missing on the target PC.

The script collection is licensed under the GPL open-source license and naturally does not contain any code that violates the rights of third parties. The script downloads Microsoft's update catalogue wsusscn2.cab, where it gleans the latest download URLs.

Recently, Microsoft threatened to take legal action against some providers of so-called update packs that were being offered as downloads for Microsoft products without the vendor's consent. Most of these offers have subsequently been taken offline.

For more information, see:

• DIY Service Pack, Installing Windows updates without an internet connection, article on heise Security
• Discussion forum for Offline Update on heise Security

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