Why Are There So Many Updates?

One day the computer said that 'Updates were ready for the computer." I
pretty much ignored them, but after a few months I got annoyed so I installed
this update called ExpressInstall. Afterwards it said it couldn't download
the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Security Patch 2... or something like that.
When I was going to turn off my computer it said that it had updates so I
decided to let the computer update. But then the next couple of weeks the
Turn Off Computer interface said that I should let the computer update before
automatically shutting down! I've updated many times, but it keeps on
happening. What is going on???

I use Windows XP Professional Version 2002 SP 2.

Tip: Temporarily disable real-time protection by your anti-virus and/or
anti-spyware applications (e.g., CounterSpy, Spysweeper, Spybot Tea Timer,
AVG Anti-Spyware) and/or any third-party firewall (e.g., ZA) before
attempting to install the update(s). If you disable the third-party
firewall, make certain that you enable the Windows Firewall!

=====================

How to troubleshoot Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server
Update Services installation issues:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/906602

1. See the "Need more help? Tell us what problem you are having" section of
http://support.microsoft.com/ph/6527

2. You cannot install some updates or programs
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/822798

3a. Check your WindowsUpdate.log (%windir%\WindowsUpdate.log) for errors
associated with the download/install.

How to read the WindowsUpdate.log file
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/902093

3b. Compare errors to those listed here:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/blog...showentry=1122
and/or go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com > click on Help and Support
link in left pane > Solve problems on your own.

4. Windows Update Checklist:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/updtcl.htm

===========================

Start a free Windows Update support incident request:
https://support.microsoft.com/oas/de...spx?gprid=6527

Support for Windows Update:
http://support.microsoft.com/gp/wusupport
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002
AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net
DTS-L http://dts-l.net/


Chocolitz58 wrote:
> One day the computer said that 'Updates were ready for the computer." I
> pretty much ignored them, but after a few months I got annoyed so I
> installed this update called ExpressInstall. Afterwards it said it
> couldn't
> download the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Security Patch 2... or something
> like that. When I was going to turn off my computer it said that it had
> updates so I decided to let the computer update. But then the next couple
> of weeks the Turn Off Computer interface said that I should let the
> computer update before automatically shutting down! I've updated many
> times, but it keeps on happening. What is going on???
>
> I use Windows XP Professional Version 2002 SP 2.

Chocolitz58 wrote:
> One day the computer said that 'Updates were ready for the
> computer." I pretty much ignored them, but after a few months I got
> annoyed so I installed this update called ExpressInstall.
> Afterwards it said it couldn't download the Microsoft SQL Server
> 2008 Security Patch 2... or something like that. When I was going
> to turn off my computer it said that it had updates so I decided to
> let the computer update. But then the next couple of weeks the Turn
> Off Computer interface said that I should let the computer update
> before automatically shutting down! I've updated many times, but it
> keeps on happening. What is going on???
>
> I use Windows XP Professional Version 2002 SP 2.

Visit:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Install anything it says is required to use that Microsoft provided web
page. Reboot if needed (usually not.) If given any problems at this
point - come back and report verbatim (word-for-word) what the messages tell
you. Otherwise...

- Perform a *custom* scan. (Not an Express.)
- When it figures out what you need and offers to show you the list(s) -
view them...
- Install the Critical Security updates for now - you could also do the
Optional Software updates if you like.
** Do not do the Optional Hardware Updates. Microsoft is unlikely to have
been the manufacturer of much (if any) of your hardware - why get the
drivers from them?
- Reboot as needed and check the web page again and again until you have no
critical/security updates left to install...

Now - if any of that gives you trouble - here is my suggestion:

As many will tell you - ignore the title and symptoms listed in the article
referred to. Do method 1 and 2 and see if it fixes your issue whether or
not you repaired anything.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943144
Try method 1 and try to update*.
If fails - try method 2 and try to update*.

*try to update:
- Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
- If it asks you to install anything before you see a selection of "Custom"
or "Express" - do so.
- Once you see the "Custom" or "Express" selection, choose "Custom".
- Scan for updates.
- When it lists what it finds - install the critical ones.
- You are generally safe doing the Optional Software Updates. I suggest
avoiding the Optional Hardware Updates completely.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html