How to manually run Windows Update for Windows 2003?

Question

I'd like to manually run windows update without accessing the windows update web site. Could you give me a hand?

Thanks!

pauska · Answer 1 · 2010-10-01 15:05:26Z

up vote 4 down vote accepted

Start->Run

wuauclt.exe /detectnow

answered Oct 1 '10 at 15:05

pauska
8,87711528

	thanks for the answer but unfortunately that didn't work. I run that command and nothing happens (no error, no message, just nothing) – Timmy O' Tool Oct 1 '10 at 15:11
	There's a script we have run that I think uses this command...it doesn't give any visual feedback unless the updates show up in the system tray. The Windows Update function was designed by idgits, I think...very little feedback. – Bart Silverstrim Oct 1 '10 at 15:13
	There's a logfile kept to it's activities but I can't remember where off the top of my head. You'd have to look at the process monitor to se if wuauclt is running, then google for the windows update logfile that will give you feedback. – Bart Silverstrim Oct 1 '10 at 15:14
	@Timmy: Are you sure that you have the latest (required) updates installed? They require a new Windows Installer to get updates, you get this via the Windows Update website at first launch. – pauska Oct 1 '10 at 15:16
	I know nothing :), it's not my machine. Since it's a client server I won't play with it. I think I could handle it in another way. Thanks man. – Timmy O' Tool Oct 1 '10 at 15:32

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Chris S · Answer 2 · 2010-10-01 15:32:46Z

up vote 4 down vote

answered Oct 1 '10 at 15:32

Chris S♦
37.9k23675

	Absolutely brilliant resource, @Chris S! – Miles Erickson Oct 1 '10 at 16:40
	great link, I hadn't seen anyone at Microsoft put out sample com MSupdate code – Jim B Oct 1 '10 at 21:26

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2 Answers