How to run windows updates on all client machines from server?

[HerbAndEdnaWeinstein]

Hi, I'm thinking that there must be a better way to ensure that all computers have the most recent Windows Updates installed other than going to each client machine, logging on as a user with Administrative rights, and setting an automatic download time, or manually checking for and installing updates.

This works somewhat well, unless a Local Administrator doesn't log on, or if there's an all-night process being run on a machine that can't be interrupted with a reboot.

Is there a way to manually initiate Windows Update downloads on client machines, from the server? Clients are either Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

Thanks in advance for any help!
Herbie

 

[jester4281]

Microsoft offers a Windows Update service similar to the one you have mentioned but it runs off your local server. You need an internet connection, then you schedual or approve the updates you want, download them locally and then configure the policy to point to the Local Udate service you have created.

Download it here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/sus/default.mspx