Still can't install MS .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 etc

[Rik]

Fairly normal "go away and read the website" response, Noreen. You'll probably need to phone them to get any sense.

[Glenn]

So nothing you didn't know already, great

[Noreen]

Hi Noreen that service pack installed fine on my vista laptop, it is also availabe as a separate download from the Microsoft site. Some times the download directory becomes corrupt, boot into safe mode and delete files and folders on C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download Its OK to delete the items in the Download folder, but NOT the download
folder itself. Then boot back into windows and run windows update, you will loose the history of your updates but this generally solves the issue of updates not being installed in both Vista and in XP

So now I'm considering Gary's idea. Why do I need to boot into Safe Mode and how do I do it?

[Rik]

Safe mode only loads a subset of drivers, beyond that I'm not sure. In XP, you hit f8 during the boot process and that will bring up a boot menu.

[Glenn]

It's the same for Vista too

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/chsafe.htm

[Rik]

Thanks, Glenn.

[Noreen]

Glenn, is there any point in creating a Restore Point before I try deleting the folders and files?

[Rik]

It can't do any harm, Noreen. I'd do a TI backup, tbh.

[Glenn]

Has the PC created one already this morning when you powered it on? Otherwise create one or do as Rik said

[Noreen]

No, I have automatic daily Restore Points turned off and I have a validated TI full backup from the start of this month so I'll just make a Restore Point. Thanks, I'll try it now but I've got the feeling that it still won't install.

[Rik]

Keep us posted.

[Noreen]

Well, the Safe Mode idea didn't work. I got into it OK and found the folders and files in the Download folder but couldn't find any way to delete them. I tried the usual right click method but I was just stuck with the hour glass symbol. I tried C,A,D and got into Task Manager where it said that program was not responding. When I had rebooted into normal Windows my "gadgets" bar and the lower tool bar were messed up so did a System Restore. Perhaps I was doing something wrong in trying to delete that way but didn't know any other way. Is there any reason why I can't delete these folders and files normally?

[Rik]

Right click on one of them and check the proerties, Noreen. They may be protected.

[Noreen]

Couldn't see anything about being protected, Rik, so I've just deleted one of the folders.

[Rik]

That can't leave you any worse off than before you tried to install the patch. I hope.

[Noreen]

I've deleted all the folders and files in the Download folder although they are still in the Recycle Bin. Now going to try the Update.

[Rik]

 

[Noreen]

Failed again with same error message. Dowloads OK but fails just before the end of the installation. Fed up with this.

[Rik]

It might be better to download the file and then try to run it locally, Noreen. At least that way it doesn't use 250MB every time.

[Noreen]

I'm going to see what happens if I don't use the latest update, for a while anyway.

[Rik]

Don't blame you.

[Sebby]

I know this doesn't help you, Noreen, but just for info... Last night, I had to format a Vista laptop. I installed Vista with SP1 integrated, ran Windows Update, and this update installed with no problems.

[Noreen]

I've done quite a lot of online checking about this problem and there seems to be a minority of people who can't install this update and quite a lot who haven't been able to install previous updates for this item. Also it's been stated that probably nothing very terrible will happen if it isn't installed.

[Rik]

Relax and let it be, I'd say.

[Noreen]

Agreed, Rik. I hidden the update on the MS site so that it doesn't keep on nagging me.