I am currently testing system center essentials 2010. I uploaded the service pack by selecting New Update and uploading the network install of Service Pack 3 for XP 32bit. I approved one machine for the update. SCE has yet to install anything. Under update deployment status there are two errors...one for windows installer 3.1 and another for Update for Windows XP (KB898461). For both is says "The Update or package is applicable and downloaded on the client computer, but not yet installed" My guess is that both of those updates are needed prior to the service pack. If so, why doesnt SCE just install it? And more importantly, what is the correct method for deploying service packs on the fly with SCE?

Hello Frank, By default, managed computers contact the SCE server to check for updates approximately every 22 hours. Then, the softeware will be installed on the scheduled time. Or you can run the command "wuauclt /detectnow" and "wuauclt /reportnow" on the managed computers to force them to detect and install any available updates. For the steps of deploying updates and Service Packs, we have disscussed it here: How to deploy Service Pack 3 of Windows XP through SCE 2010 http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/systemcenter/thread/38850562-ad3c-4fc4-8f75-8c91498564d7 Thanks, Yog Li -- Please remember to click “Mark as Answer” on the post that helps you, and to click “Unmark as Answer” if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.