You can do it that way if you want. There's no issues from using Qxxxxxx.exe instead. Also if you list your hotfixes in numerical order, its likely all the new KB named ones will be last on the list. Actually, to be more precise, the KB ones will be listed last in alphabetical order in their original file names, yet will be first if you rename them to the 8.3 format. Should I install them in numerical order, no matter what letter rank they are, or should it be Q ones first then the KBs afterwards? First off, this is an invaluable resource. I am a Tech Support specialist for over 300 computers. We are moving towards 2000 and finally XP, so I can always use tips and pointers to save time. In the same vein, I went to the Windows Update Catalog, downloaded all critical updates locally to my computer and am starting to construct the "SVCPACK.INF". It constructed a file directory tree that has patches for Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6 E:\WU\Software\en\com_microsoft.internetexplorer6x\x86WinXP and E:\WU\Software\en\com_microsoft.windowsxp\x86WinXP I am preparing to copy them to the \I386\SVCPACK directory and rename them but have a few questions My 2 questions are as follows: 1. I have located several files that do not qualify in the format Qxxxxxx.exe or can be easily renamed as such. For instance, DirectX9-KB819696-x86-ENU.exe WindowsMedia8-KB817787-x86-ENU.exe WindowsMedia9-KB819639-x86-ENU.exe NDP10_SP_Q321884_En.exe Can these be renamed to the format Qxxxxxx.exe or KBxxxxxx.exe? 2 How do I install the following files? msjavwu.exe vbs56nen.exe I noticed in the downloadable SVCPACK.INF you had JS56NEN.EXE /Q:A /R:N How did you determine the appropriate switches for that hotfix? I feel like I'm 80% there, but just need a few pointers to be fully prepared to create a CD that is Windows XP sp1 + slipstream pre-sp2 hotfixes. thanks for all your help. mzwarg