When was the last time you went out to Windows Update?

I started setting up a Windows 2003 R2 Enterprise server this evening to add in as a DC to my home domain. I do this stuff all the time and have gotten pretty automatic with the process. I realized tonight just how easy it is to set up a server from scratch and get it patched with little to no effort.

The base Windows setup consists of maybe a dozen key presses in DOS mode, then the flip to GUI setup, enter Name and Organization, installation key, network info, machine name, workgroup/domain, copy files (40 minutes on my 2.4 ghz Intel Box).

Once in Windows I joined the domain, created a rule in ISA to let the machine to Windows Update, loaded the updated Windows Update web app, and then scanned for updates. A total of 35 updates – 32 required, 3 optional — were available. I chose them all and started the process. 30 minutes or so later and I am being asked to reboot.

Done. Fully patched Windows 2003 R2 Enterprise Server up, running and fully patched in about 1.5 hours. I have not made it a DC yet but I now have a pristine system I can image for deployment and backup.

The astonishing thing to me is how smooth the Windows Update process is. Windows 2003 R2 is unique in that it has Windows 2003 SP1 slipstreamed in. So you only need to look for the post-SP1 updates. Windows XP is the same way with most retail and OEM systems shipping with XP SP2 slipstreamed in.

So here is a little tidbit for those of you with older media out there – if you set up machines from scratch and use Windows Update for patching, save yourself some time during patch phase by installing the latest O/S Service Pack FIRST.  Older copies of Windows XP and Windows 2003 that were on the shelves before SP’s were released don’t have the SP’s slipped in. If you go to Windows Update with these systems, there will be a bunch of updates to pick from including different SP versions. Choose the latest version and it will cover many of the individual updates that are listed.

Any way you slice it though, Windows Update is cool and simple. THAT is what technology and innovation are supposed to do….make things simple. 

Cheers!