Windows Updates Nightmare

Gary · May 22, 2012, 11:17:50

Maybe time for a clean install Simon? Lots of work but rewarding, and you could grab windows 7 if you are not already using it. XP really has had its day I think. Windows 8 looks to be...well horrible, so 7 would be my choice to install now.

pctech · May 22, 2012, 11:44:13

Better to get a new system with it on if you are going to go the Win 7 route.

I am in the process of saving the pennies to get one built.

Simon · May 22, 2012, 11:46:01

I'd be aggrieved to have to go through the whole format / reinstall process for the sake of an iffy update, Gary. Besides, I really haven't got the time at the moment. I'm not sure how well W7 would run on my 3-4 year old machine anyway, and I was hoping to save the copy I have for an eventual new build.

pctech · May 22, 2012, 11:47:32

Bit busy at work today Simon but will carry on looking when I get in.

Simon · May 22, 2012, 11:53:49

I expect it will be one if those things that will be magically fixed with a future update.

pctech · May 22, 2012, 12:04:07

Probably, a Microsoft gaffe, Rik may have a point though, if I can't find anything I'll raise an issue with MS.

Gary · May 22, 2012, 12:10:34

Quote from: Simon on May 22, 2012, 11:46:01
I'd be aggrieved to have to go through the whole format / reinstall process for the sake of an iffy update, Gary. Besides, I really haven't got the time at the moment. I'm not sure how well W7 would run on my 3-4 year old machine anyway, and I was hoping to save the copy I have for an eventual new build.

You can check the specs you have and see easily enough to see if it works with 7 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements

Didn't you build a PC a few years back or has time really gone by to fast that its that old now?

What were the specs on that? Have you not got a backup image to install you could go back to? Far to many question marks

Simon · May 22, 2012, 12:42:52

Yes.
Can't remember
No.

Glenn · May 22, 2012, 14:18:17

Any use? http://www.dotnet247.com/247reference/msgs/68/344691.aspx

Ray · May 22, 2012, 16:02:35

this might be useful too: -
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/astebner/archive/2008/08/28/8904493.aspx

Simon · May 22, 2012, 16:37:32

The thing is, unless I'm mistaken, we don't actually know if it's a problem with .NET, or with Windows Updates, so I'm reluctant to go down the road of repairing / reinstalling all the various .NET applications, as the problem may still remain at the end of it.

Glenn · May 22, 2012, 16:41:44

What error is it giving in the event log when it fails to install?

Simon · May 22, 2012, 16:48:06

None that I can see.

Gary · May 22, 2012, 16:49:56

Did you try the MS fix of deleting the contents of the WUTEMP Folder, Simon?

Simon · May 22, 2012, 16:52:51

Yes, no such folder, Gary. I know...

Gary · May 22, 2012, 16:55:03

Quote from: Simon on May 22, 2012, 16:52:51
Yes, no such folder, Gary. I know...

Its a hidden one, you have to unhide it first...you should have it thats where all the update info etc is kept and where corruptions occur that can muck the update process update sometimes.

Computers, fine till they go wrong

Simon · May 22, 2012, 17:32:33

Nope, all folders are unhidden. It just isn't there. I've even just done a full search, showing hidden folders, and nothing...

pctech · May 22, 2012, 19:14:12

Simon

Try this:

In Internet Explorer:

Go to Tools > Internet Options
Under Browsing History click Settings
Click View Objects
Right-click on the WUpdateControl (or similar name) and click Delete.
Click Yes and OK where appropriate.
Close IE and reopen.
Go back to Windows update
Agree to install the ActiveX control
Click Custom and in my case at least, no updates.

Simon · May 22, 2012, 19:22:45

Not on the PC at the moment Mitch, but I will try it later. Most of the fixes I've tried seemed to work, but then the updates reappear 24 hours or so later.

Simon · May 22, 2012, 19:25:16

You haven't had Bitdefender installed have you Mitch? Coincidently, this seemed to start around the time I had it installed temporarily. I wonder if it might have blocked something that hasn't been unblocked?

pctech · May 22, 2012, 19:28:29

No, put Prevx back on as soon as I rebuilt the PC at the end of March which was a complete reformat job.

Simon · May 22, 2012, 19:30:59

I installed .Net 4.0 last night because one of the links said that might fix it, but it didn't, however, I have had two updates for that now, which were both successful.

pctech · May 22, 2012, 20:22:15

right, my 'fix' has survived a reboot (not offered the .net updates when going back to the page) but I am being prompted to install them by that pesky yellow shield next to the clock.

Clicked to install them but they both failed.

Will try the earlier fix of deleting the software distribution folder now I've reinstalled the activex control, it might synchronise both now.

Simon · May 22, 2012, 21:34:40

The yellow shield next to the clock is the main irritation for me.

Simon · May 22, 2012, 21:39:44

Quote from: pctech on May 22, 2012, 19:14:12
Simon

Try this:

In Internet Explorer:

Go to Tools > Internet Options
Under Browsing History click Settings
Click View Objects
Right-click on the WUpdateControl (or similar name) and click Delete.
Click Yes and OK where appropriate.
Close IE and reopen.
Go back to Windows update
Agree to install the ActiveX control
Click Custom and in my case at least, no updates.

No WUpdateControl in the list, but one with just letters and numbers, with status of 'Damaged'. I've removed it, so will see what happens next...