Installing Windows XP SP3 using a GPO 1

[JoeJTaylor]

I've recently started looking into GPO's and understand the basics of installing software throughout the organisation by distributing it through a GPO. The only problem is I've read that only .msi files can be installed this way because of the unique way they are constructed. Is there any way to install the standalone Windows XP SP3 network distributable package through GPO. My servers are all Windows 2003 R2 SP2 and Users machines are all Windows XP SP1 - SP2.

Thanks very much in advance.

 

[LWComputingMVP]

I've not looked into this in some time... but I don't think Windows Service packs can be distributed via Group Policy. Any reason you're not using WSUS? (I could be misremembering, about that... I would just use WSUS).

-Lee

Those who ask why, learn

http://www.lwcomputing.com

 

[58sniper]

I would recommend WSUS as well. With WSUS, you also have reporting - something not in GPOs.

Pat Richard
Microsoft Exchange MVP
Contributing author Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: The Complete Reference

 

[porkchopexpress]

I also use WSUS but you can deploy SP's with group policy though.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb457070(TechNet.10).aspx

 

[JoeJTaylor]

Cheers guys. I'm just in the process of instalkling and configuring WSUS across the branch. It was more of a wonder than anything else. Would have liked to get everyone updated ASAP. Thanks for the pointers though, much appreciated.

 

[porkchopexpress]

Remember to check for this issue if you have any HP boxes with AMD processors. There is a hotfix available.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/953356

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/16/hp_xp_sp3_amd/