One day like most of us, we have to reformat the hard drive and all the updates from windows are gone as well. So once the hard drive is reformat, we have to ask Microsoft to give us all the updates again (200 of them). So my question is where are all these update store at when they do come in? I would like to put these updates (onto a CD or external hard drive) so when I have to reformat my hard again, I don't have to ask Microsoft. Thanks.
You can save a fair amount of time, and updating, by downloading Service Pack 1. This will have the bulk of the critical updates, though there will still be more. As far as download a complete update pack, I’m not sure that’s possible as Microsoft is constantly updating Windows.
The other thing, and far easier and better is to create a system image of your OS so that if you do decide to wipe your drive, you can just reinstall the image and go back to where you was before wiping the drive. See this tutorial - Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup
Restoring the image - System Image Recovery
On my old XP system I used a program called Autostreamer to integrate updates into the system install data but I don't know of an equivalent for Windows 7 - actually haven't felt the need to search for one. There probably is one but as per the previous post I prefer to use system images and do not find a need to reinstall the OS because I maintain it daily and keep the dross to a minimum. I haven't noticed any particular slowdowns much like my old XP system, maintenance is the key.
This is the tutorial on slipstreaming - a bit more daunting than the XP method but that might just be my memory, but you might just want the updates?
Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 into a Installation DVD or ISO File
:)
Last edited by pincushion; 09 Nov 2011 at 10:53. Reason: addition
You can always create a system image or download one of the Microsoft update discs...but if you have over 200+ updates, that means your OS disc isn't updated, either. If you get the Windows 7 SP1 integrated disc, that will save you time. If not, keep the SP1 file handy and use that right after your clean install is done.
On top of all that, unless you have a pathetically slow internet connection, the updates don't take that long to download and install. I normally use that time to grab a bite to eat.
Another thing to consider is why you would be reinstalling Windows 7 that often. This isn't XP or previous versions that degrade quickly over time. Windows 7 can run very well if properly maintained.
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