It may be an orphan registry item that needs to be uninstalled. Another reason can be a corrupted key in the registry or alterated, or attempted to, by malware. In shorter terms, I suggest performing a thourough "clean uninstall" of it, and then any re-install or newer version. There are many extra registry items added with any software install. Like for instance a 30-day count down clock in some 30 day free trial of a product (which is probably against the Law to tamper with). But it is your computer and you can put in or take out anything you want to (meaning all things legal).

Read Up here:
Windows Registry Information
http://www.bluecollarpc.net/registry.html

And then see this::::> .....> (to complete a full uninstall. Are there current license/registration issues ? You may want to skip this altogether as there may be the possibility would have to be repurchased or reinstalled from like a Software CD.....


RegSeeker [working-freeware] (One of world's best registry cleaners)
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/regseeker.html
RegSeeker is a handy tool for managing several popular registry items and searching the registry by keyword. It offers quick access to Startup Entries, Uninstall Information, Color Schemes, History items (URLs, Recent Documents etc) and IE Favorites. The program also includes a registry cleaning feature that finds invalid and unused registry entries, allowing you to delete them. RegSeeker can automatically create a backup before deleting any registry entries. The program comes with an attractive, easy to use interface. Nevertheless it is not intended for complete beginners and you should feel comfortable working with the Windows registry before using it.
SCREENSHOT: (Or just click PC Softwares tab, left margin):
http://d1801000.u31.ourinternet.us/images/regseeker.gif



Google Pack
http://pack.google.com/intl/en/pack_...ml?hl=en&gl=us
Google Pack is:; Software specifically selected by Google; Always free - no trial versions or ... International versions of Google Pack available in: ... INCLUDES Spyware Doctor, Norton Security Scan, more


Spyware Removal Center
http://www.bluecollarpc.net/pcsafety.html

[webmaster of ]</.



"richierich" <richierich@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message news:021E62C3-4DAE-4F4C-A5E0-8CACA554DA87@microsoft.com...
> When I choose smart update I get an 'Update failed' error message.
>
> I contacted PC Tools and they suggested I uninstall then re-install the
> software which I duly did, only to get the same problem again.
>
> Can anyone help please?
> --
> richardr