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Windows Updates

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by r. a. caluste 1 view

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Are Windows Updates and Patches cumulative? I have installed Windows 2000 SP4, and there are still other critical updates that I think I need to install. For example, there are critical updates that seem to be "older" than what is already installed. Will it skip the update or do I still have to install all? (if date of newfile.dll is greater than oldfile.dll then install, else skip)

7 replies

by shripalkkad

Hi,

Normally, if Windows finds during the critical update checkup that the system is having higher versions than the recommended, it will not show the update patches. However, no older version will overwrite a newer version which is already exists even though if you try to do so...

Regards,
Shriram.v

by georgevlob

You may also see updates for old issues prior to SP4 that have been updated by MS, but like the previouse post says, older files will not replace newer ones.

by thechas

If you look through the list of files updated, and security updates included in SP4, that should answer your question as to whether or not Windows Update is attempting to install an update that is older than SP4.

http://tinyurl.com/28hsw

Next, keep in mind that there often are security patches issued after the code for a service pack is locked for release.
There can be several months between the time the service pack is locked, and released.

Then, not all updates are included in a service pack.
Some updates are system and configuration dependent.

I have also seen software installations replace a DLL with an older version.
So it is possible to need to install an update that was included in SP4.

I have seen Windows Update make an error more than once.
If in doubt, read the information on the update, and de-select updates that you are unsure of.

To check your security status, download and run Microsoft's Baseline Security Analyzer.

Chas

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