Download upgrade files without installing them

Helpline Q&A Directory

The Windows Update web page provides automatic downloads, but it then instantly installs the upgrades you choose. There are times when I find this inconvenient, and wondered if there a way to download the Windows 98 Update files, but install them later.

Microsoft designed its Windows 98 Update page - which you can access by selecting Start, Windows Update - for novice users. Unfortunately, this makes it more difficult for the rest of us.

Luckily, Microsoft has provided other web pages where you can download the updates. These pages aren't as user-friendly as the default Windows Update page - for instance, they can't filter out the updates you already have - but they let you download the files without having to install them immediately.

For a wizard-like search tool that will help you find the particular updates you need, go to http://corporate.windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Among the site's features is the ability to create search profiles for updates based on operating system, component, type and manufacturer.

The site also allows you to search by date, title, operating system, manufacturer and type, as well as by language. You can also search by a specific term and set the maximum number of results to be displayed.

If you are simply after a list of downloadable upgrades, you should point your browser to www.microsoft.com/windows98/downloads/corporate.asp. There, you'll find upgrades categorised as 'critical', 'recommended', 'multimedia' and 'previews'. What you won't find is the option to install the update later.