Fresh W7 Install: Tried using WSUS Offline for Updates but....

Hi KokoLoko,

Welcome to SevenForums!

KokoLoko said:

.... Windows Update still lists the same 115 Important Updates after running WSUSOffline!

Can someone please shed some light here?

- Should I re-install W7 and manually pick updates for the system? If so, then I still need a list of "must avoid" KB. I could not find a definite list of must-avoid or must-install updates.

A lot of members here use DISM++ [a much faster and easier method] to get the OS upto date with regard to WU's [Windows Updates]. Using M$ Windows update to update your OS involves many hours of downloading, installing and re-booting.

DISM++ [Deployment Image Servicing and Management]

DISM++ is a FREE implementation tool that has the ability to perform Windows Updates [WU]. Some of the advantages [but not all] are:

[1] The GUI is very easy to understand and use.
[2] It is much faster than M$’s WU because it uses a different engine.
[3] It downloads the latest WU DB from the M$ servers, scans your OS, and then lists the updates available.
[4] It doesn’t install superseded updates like M$ does.
[5] It gives you the option of what you want to install.
[6] The pre-ticked updates are what is recommended and are similar to the WU critical and recommended updates. The un-ticked updates are similar to the WU optional updates.

[7] It warns you if an update:

• Includes telemetry.
• Has known issues with certain hardware.
• Needs exclusive access.
• Is suspect.
• Your OS doesn't need it.
• Has any other known issues.

[8] It doesn’t require re-booting between updates.
[9] It can be used to either update an install.wim image OFFLINE, or to update the LIVE OS.

If you want to go down this route then let us know and we will post the procedure.

I hope this helps!

Hi KokoLoko,

KokoLoko said:

I gather from your response that I had chosen the long (or even wrong) path for this new install. It is still very early in the game that I could easily re-do the Windows 7 install and try this tool you mention.

Is this what you recommend?

If so, how do I get a hold of this DISM++ and what are the steps?

I am basically looking for minimum required Windows Updates - hecka, my previous install run beautifully for more than 5 years with no issues.

I am not saying that using WSUSOffline is the wrong way to do it, although in your case it appears not to have worked!

You do not need to do a re-installation of the OS in order to use DISM++ to get the OS upto date. As mentioned in my previous post: [9] It can be used to either update an install.wim image OFFLINE, or to update the LIVE OS.

If you want the procedure then I will post it!

Hi KokoLoko,

KokoLoko said:

I do not know (nor trust) what happened with my attempt with WSUSOffline but I know it crunched a LOT of data, so I rather do another fresh install and try DISM++.

Please post the DISM++ procedure to install Windows Updates on a fresh operating Windows 7 Pro x64 install.

I doubt very much that WSUSOffline has done anything serious or harmful to your OS because it is a recognised and trusted utility.

If I was you I would use DISM++ to update your current system. This way you will get a feel for using [and how to use it] DISM++ if you do decide to clean install!

To run the DISM++ [Deployment Image Servicing & Management] utility on the LIVE OS, please follow my instructions below!

NOTE: The light blue text below are links to the relevant websites and programs, just click them!

RECOMMENDED: It is best to run the DISM++ Windows updates a couple of times to make sure you get ALL the updates that are needed. DON’T install ANY of the ORANGE updates though. It can also install the required .NET Framework updates. Then just run WU to see what other updates are available, if any.

DISM++ - Run Windows Updates On The LIVE OS

DISM++ Direct download [zip] => DISM++.

Here is the quick procedure guide:

[1] Download the latest version of DISM++ [see the DISM++ Direct download [zip] link above].
[2] Extract the files using something like 7-Zip here => 7-Zip.
[3] Turn Sleep mode OFF in Power Options [you can turn it back on after you have finished].
[4] Double-click Dism++x86 or Dism++x64 and then click Run.
[5] Click Updates in the left-hand pane and then click Scan [bottom right].
[6] Once the scan has completed, click Install Updates [blue button to the right of Scan].
[7] If any warning pop-ups appear [see item [7] in the Basic Overview above], click Cancel and it will skip that one. There could be several of these appear so click Cancel to all of them.
[8] It is advisable to run the DISM++ WU a couple of times. To do this, just re-boot and Scan again [from number [4] above].
[9] Run M$ WU [Windows Update] to see if there are any other updates available.

That's it!

I hope this helps!

Hi KokoLoko,

KokoLoko said:

Paul, very good advice, I am happy I waited for your response before proceeding with the formatting. Great advice actually. I have a fresh Windows installation to practice this tool!

You are most welcome! With a fresh install to work on it is even better!

KokoLoko said:

After I run "Scan", a list of items are orange as you pointed out and a range of updates under "Security Updates" & "Critical Updates" were already selected.

I just want to understand this: who pre-selected these updates and what was this list based on? Is this recommended list accepted in the community as the must-have updates? I am trying to understand how this works.

The pre-ticked updates are what is recommended and are similar to the WU critical and recommended updates. The un-ticked updates are similar to the WU optional updates.

KokoLoko said:

For instance: in the 7Forums I came across a few posts listing KB3020369 as a must-have update. Under DISM++ it is not pre-selected. Same for KB3179573.

Those updates are only needed on a clean install prior to installing the un-official Win 7 SP2. So there is no need to worry about them!

KokoLoko said:

I am updating the pre-selected list as recommended by DISM++ to see if anything else pops. Hopefully not.