All I have ever done is run the install for the service pack. You'll want to make sure that you have all of your networking stuff set up already since the service packs have updated files for that and has to be run to set the bindings. As with any other service pack, if you change the network settings, you might have to reinstall the service pack again.
The service packs are inclusive. SP 6a includes all the changes from previous service packs as well.
>Thanks for reply, > >Can we do a new clean install = serverCD1 = new NT 4 in a >fresh formatted partition >and just add SP6a? >No Option Pack, no other ServicePacks? > >Or do we add some of the previous SPs as well? > >In the MS docs we did not find a clear statement about >this.... >Chris
Here's a tip. When you download the service pack, don't use the online installer (e.g. Windows Update). Download the full service pack, and save it somewhere accessible (e.g. CD-R or external media, another hard drive or partition... etc) so that you'll always have it to quickly reinstall.
If you install any components from the original Windows NT, you'll want to immediately install the service pack. It really is worth the time, downloading the full deal for NT4 service packs.
Also, if you've got the whole file there's less chance of getting a corrupted install.
As for installing it, just close down all programs and run the .exe. It would be wise to let it back up your current configuration so you can uninstall the service pack if something doesn't work properly afterwards.
what i usually do is download the service pack as grogan suggested, and save it in a folder on the hard drive of the machine, e.g. c:\install. that way you have it handy in case you have to reapply it if need be.
the way i then install it is by going to start / run, type c:\install\sp6i386.exe -u, and click ok. the -u makes it an unattened installation, meaning you can just walk away for half an hour and let it do its thing. it will not prompt you for anything and it will reboot itself automagically, no human input required.
Happy computing!
Alex "crazygerman" Byron Webmaster, Editor-in-Chief PC911
