Besides SP-2, I have downloaded a lot of Windows XP updates -- some from
Automatic Updates, others as needed to fix a specific problem.

1. If I ever have to reinstall Windows from the CD, how will I include all
these updates? Should I back up existing updates, if so how?

2. What is a good strategy for saving & backing up new updates so that they
will be available in case I have to reinstall XP?

Thanks.

hmm wrote:

You can save those you downloaded as stand-alone installers, yes. You may
even be able to integrate/splipstream them into your installation media.

Download them each month - the standalone updates - and store them in a safe
place (not the same drive as you have Windows installed on, perhaps write
them to a CD-RW..)

One site has a decently updated list:
http://www.msfn.org/board/HOTFIXES_Win2000_SP4_WinXP_SP2_Win200_t86450.html
Scroll down tothe part labeled:
"MS WINDOWS XP PRO SP2 - (##)"

Thanks, Shenan, for your detailed answer.

Just a follow-up: Since the updates are so numerous and bulky, can I skip
backing up the automatic ones, and, after re-installing, just rely on the
Microsoft web site to furnish them automatically (maybe overnight)? This
way, I would only need back up the ones I picked up while troubleshooting.

"Shenan Stanley" wrote: