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Clearing the Windows Update Cache

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I’ve been seeing issues with Windows updates where computers are getting errors checking in with WSUS. Out of 250 computers I have half a dozen that have update errors. The fix for these is to clear the Windows update cache.

Clearing the cache is straight forward.

  1. Open a command prompt as administrator
  2. run “net stop wuauserv”
  3. go to the windows folder and delete the SoftwareDistribution folder.
  4. run net start wuauserv

There is a Microsoft fixit you can use as well. Check out this link http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=971058 for more information.

Microsoft TechDays Ottawa – Day 2

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The second day of TechDays Ottawa saw better weather. Day 1 had a terrible snow storm, but despite that, turn out was quite good. I don’t have numbers on how many people came out either day.

My session on Day 2 focused on Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP2 (WSUS). The session went quite well from my side. All my demo’s worked which is always a good thing. The best part of the session was the end when people started coming up and asking questions. I like hearing how other people are using the technology I am speaking about. In my small environment (100 computers) where I am a jack of all trades, I like hearing how larger organizations are leveraging the technology. One organization was telling me how they use a disconnected a WSUS server to manage a network which has no internet connection.

I met a couple of people and spoke about MDT with them. One person has about 5000 computers they build images for in MDT and another builds images for 14000 computers which most are sent to offices in foreign countries. It was a case of the teacher becoming the student and I was able to pick their brain for a bit getting a few ideas on how to leverage MDT when I have someone else actually doing the deployments. (I build them, they deploy).

TechDays was a great event. I strongly encourage people to go out and attend when it comes around. My wish for next year is hands on labs.

Windows Vista SP2 – How To Update Existing WIM Files

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I am looking at updating my Vista images to SP2 today. I have existing WIM files I use for my deployments using MDT.

I was wondering, can I service these images offline. Meaning, can I add Vista SP2 to my WIM file without having to boot them, add the service pack and then re-sysprep and capture the image file.

 The answer is no according to TechNet. Their instructions is to bring the WIM file online. Then install Windows Vista SP2. Finally, sysprep the image again and recapture. Once the image is recaptured, re-import the image into MDT.

The full instructions for installing SP2 for Vista can be found on TechNet at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd335037.aspx#Scen4

I was really hoping for an offline method for updating, but this will give me a chance to freshen the image as well with newer versions of some of the other applications.