System Update download location

Question

I work for a company that is transitioning to using the T440 laptops and need to update several systems in an efficient manner. I would like to know where System Update downloads the updates so I do not have to download the updates multiple times. Can someone assist?

Answer 1

You seem to want a export function within System Update to export ~10 updates to offllne area, with ~50 XML showing in the SU repository. Could you explain your need for such export vs letting SU do its function?==I can provide a solution, which might not be really cool, but works.(1) run SU, note ~10 updates needed out of ~50.(2)Launch IE go to Lenovo support(3)enter your machine type, filter by OS. You might see ~50 updates, you need ~ 10.(4) Mix and match SU report vs support page.(5) download all ~10 updates. save as u want. This satisfies  your request?  Thank you for your kind suggestions. Actually, I figured this one out for myself, too.
Why I don't like ThinkVantage System Update? I am on an old, slower machine (which is still perfect for my daily needs to install a clean Windows 7 on it, bought second hand, 2nd, and last Lenovo), it requires NET4, and a lots of resources. It feels like to me that Lenovo just makes things more complicated than they should be.
I prefer the simple installation packages.
I have also found a, seemingly, easier way: the ThinkVantage Update Retriever;
It just downloads me the files I need (without needing NET4), with file names like aqswdefrtdeswaq.exe
Though I don't get why I cannot extract same files from a 'deferred update' chosen in System Update, why do I need a separate Update Retriever for this;
The main problem, however, is this:
- the website and Update Retriever displays files like aqswdefrgtyfrde.exe
- then why can't System Update display them in the same format? This just makes matching the files so much more complicated, for no apparent reason.
To add insult to injury, System Update tells me I need a driver (I am sorry, I am not yet in the NET4 phase of Windows Update as of writing, so I can't tell you which) which I can't find as a separate entry on the home page a single driver.
To sum it up, Lenovo wised up a great process for update:
- First I need to wait until NET4 installs on my fresh Windows 7, for System Update to be able to tell me which updates I need at all
- Then I don't need that bloatware, I can get the single files needed from a much more friendly application called Update Retriever
- The mix and matching between the two is a PITA, because System Update displays files by Windows7/8/XP, 32/64 bit, Date, version number, but under no circumstances under exact filenames, such as aqswdefrt.exe, which would make locating the exact drivers much easier
Why, Lenovo, why? You could make this whole process much more painless, really; if you at least try a little.