2013 Archives

[reichenbaum]

I have been using my netbook very successfully for over five years, but I now have a problem with updating on the Windows Update site. I have the computer set to receive automatic updates, but nothing happens. If I go to the site and manually try to download them, the page just freezes, There is no progress bar and I have to use Task Manager to close it. When I look at the history of the updates, it shows a number of failed updates. I have tried different browsers but it doen't make any diffrence, so am now back with IE8. In fact, with Firefox, it wouldn't even go the update site. Really weird. Can anyone help please?

[Vince53]

Reich, there is more than one possible cause, so there's more than one possible solution. The first thing I would try is to update my antivirus program and then run a deep scan. Even if it doesn't work, it's still a good idea.

If it doesn't work, Malwarebytes is a good free program that does not clash with any AV program, and it might find out that you have a program that is blocking Windows Updates. Download it and do a deep scan, but I advise you to set a System Restore point first; this program digs deep.

If neither idea works, write back and we'll try something else.

[reichenbaum]

I did a System Restore yesterday but it didn't help. I wil try your other suggestions and report back.

[reichenbaum]

Sorry, thought you said do a System Restore first!

[Vince53]

I mean that you should set a System Restore Point before you run a deep scan with Malwarebytes. The first time I ran it, it found over 1100 problems. Deleting them did no harm, but you should have a System Restore Point ready just in case.

[reichenbaum]

Ok. I have set a restore point and run a deep scan with Malwarebytes and also with my Anti Virus programme.. No problems found. I alo ran scannow, so what should be my next step?

[Vince53]

Okay, set another Restore Point and try to download the updates from Microsoft. If it doesn't work, download the free Win Patrol program and let it show you what programs are running in the background, as well as all your start-up programs. Disable (but do not Delete) suspicious programs or ones you don't want. Do not Disable anything from Microsoft or Acer. After a few weeks, if everything is all right, you can go back and Delete the programs you don't want. Then try to install the updates again.

[Vince53]

Reich,check my previous post first.

 I did some more research on your problem, and another simple solution is to turn off your AV while installing the updates and then turn it back on again immediately when you're done. The Microsoft Support Site offers a series of possible causes and cures, so I'm giving you a link to their site: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2509997

[reichenbaum]

Thanks. I'll try that. The Microsoft support link you gave does not cover XP. But I have tried that already and it didn't help. I will try what you said in your other post.

[reichenbaum]

I have tried all the suggested solutions but still have the problem. Tried Windows Upate again, says it is checking but there is no progress bar, but Task Manager says the programme is running.