Windows Updates Fail Repeatedly

I have Win XP w/SP-2 on 2 computers, not networked together. When I run
Windows Updates on either PC, sometimes I get the error "IE 7 has encountered
a problem and needs to close" and when i fill out an error report, it sneds
me back to try Windows updates. Other times, it will search for available
updates and only comes up with Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool,
which won't download. When I go to Download History and click on the Red X
nexto to a failed download, no additional screen comes up to tell me how to
fix it. I uninstalled IE 7 and reloaded it from the MS Downlaod Center,
along with the IE 7 Update. Same problem exists. From the number of similar
posts, could it be that MS has caused these situations and if so, does anyone
know the fix?

ToledoMan wrote:
> I have Win XP w/SP-2 on 2 computers, not networked together. When
> I run Windows Updates on either PC, sometimes I get the error "IE 7
> has encountered a problem and needs to close" and when i fill out
> an error report, it sneds me back to try Windows updates. Other
> times, it will search for available updates and only comes up with
> Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool, which won't download.
> When I go to Download History and click on the Red X nexto to a
> failed download, no additional screen comes up to tell me how to
> fix it. I uninstalled IE 7 and reloaded it from the MS Downlaod
> Center, along with the IE 7 Update. Same problem exists. From the
> number of similar posts, could it be that MS has caused these
> situations and if so, does anyone know the fix?

MS caused these situations (on your and a few other select people's
computers.) Interesting.

In any case...

First thing to try:
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.


Second thing to try:
http://www.codeplex.com/aureset


Third thing to try:
Get Dial-a-Fix:
http://wiki.djlizard.net/Dial-a-fix

Use its options to fix:
- Windows Installer
- Windows Update
- All the Registration Center options.

Turn off the "Empty System32\Catroot 2"
Do NOT do "Flush SoftwareDistribution".

Then click "GO" and wait until it is done... Reboot will be needed.

- Download/Install Windows Update v3.
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237
(You *may* need to install it using the command line switch "/wuforce"
right after the reboot - immediately after logging in.)

- Reboot.
- Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and scan for/install updates.


Usually - method one from the first suggestion fixes the issue.
Sometimes they have to proceed to method two from the first suggestion.

Less seldom - but it does happen - only the tool from the second suggestion
will work - although the first suggestion is contained within the second in
many ways (as well as some of the third.)

And the third suggestion is there because before there was a suggestion (1)
and a suggestion (2) - the third was the best bet and worked in most cases.

Let us know!

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

1. What Shenan said.

2. Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
to an appropriate forum.

Checking for/Help with Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
(http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
conjunction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
by an expert in such matters, not here.**

If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.
--
~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/

ToledoMan wrote:
> I have Win XP w/SP-2 on 2 computers, not networked together. When I run
> Windows Updates on either PC, sometimes I get the error "IE 7 has
> encountered a problem and needs to close" and when i fill out an error
> report, it sneds me back to try Windows updates. Other times, it will
> search for available updates and only comes up with Windows Genuine
> Advantage Validation Tool, which won't download. When I go to Download
> History and click on the Red X nexto to a failed download, no additional
> screen comes up to tell me how to fix it. I uninstalled IE 7 and reloaded
> it from the MS Downlaod Center, along with the IE 7 Update. Same problem
> exists. From the number of similar posts, could it be that MS has caused
> these situations and if so, does anyone know the fix?

Shenan, I tried all 3 of your suggestions but still can't install updates.
Strange thing is that the only update that comes up is Windows Genuine
Advantage Validation Tool in either Express or Custom mode, even though the
history shows a ton of security updates that failed to install. Could it be
that the security updates really did install and that MS just wants me to
sign up to the validation software?

"Shenan Stanley" wrote:

> ToledoMan wrote:
> > I have Win XP w/SP-2 on 2 computers, not networked together. When
> > I run Windows Updates on either PC, sometimes I get the error "IE 7
> > has encountered a problem and needs to close" and when i fill out
> > an error report, it sneds me back to try Windows updates. Other
> > times, it will search for available updates and only comes up with
> > Windows Genuine Advantage Validation Tool, which won't download.
> > When I go to Download History and click on the Red X nexto to a
> > failed download, no additional screen comes up to tell me how to
> > fix it. I uninstalled IE 7 and reloaded it from the MS Downlaod
> > Center, along with the IE 7 Update. Same problem exists. From the
> > number of similar posts, could it be that MS has caused these
> > situations and if so, does anyone know the fix?
>
> MS caused these situations (on your and a few other select people's
> computers.) Interesting.
>
> In any case...
>
> First thing to try:
> 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.
>
>
> Second thing to try:
> http://www.codeplex.com/aureset
>
>
> Third thing to try:
> Get Dial-a-Fix:
> http://wiki.djlizard.net/Dial-a-fix
>
> Use its options to fix:
> - Windows Installer
> - Windows Update
> - All the Registration Center options.
>
> Turn off the "Empty System32\Catroot 2"
> Do NOT do "Flush SoftwareDistribution".
>
> Then click "GO" and wait until it is done... Reboot will be needed.
>
> - Download/Install Windows Update v3.
> http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=91237
> (You *may* need to install it using the command line switch "/wuforce"
> right after the reboot - immediately after logging in.)
>
> - Reboot.
> - Visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ and scan for/install updates.
>
>
> Usually - method one from the first suggestion fixes the issue.
> Sometimes they have to proceed to method two from the first suggestion.
>
> Less seldom - but it does happen - only the tool from the second suggestion
> will work - although the first suggestion is contained within the second in
> many ways (as well as some of the third.)
>
> And the third suggestion is there because before there was a suggestion (1)
> and a suggestion (2) - the third was the best bet and worked in most cases.
>
> Let us know!
>
> --
> Shenan Stanley
> MS-MVP
> --
> How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
>
>

Problem Solved! It was not Microsoft's problem, it was with the settings
Alltel had with my cell phone high-speed connection. I had opened an
incident report with MS and they promptly responded with numerous
suggestions, none of which were applicable, as it turned out. But, from
their response, I got the idea to try accessing update via a dial-up
connection and it worked. Then I contacted Alltel and they tweaked settings
on my account and now Updates works with my Alltel connection. Thanks to all
of you who helped!

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> 1. What Shenan said.
>
> 2. Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
>
> Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis log
> to an appropriate forum.
>
> Checking for/Help with Hijackware
> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
> http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
> http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
>
> When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
> (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use (in
> conjunction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix anything on
> its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
> hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
> http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
> http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for review
> by an expert in such matters, not here.**
>
> If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this
> isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair shop.
> --
> ~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/
>
> ToledoMan wrote:
> > I have Win XP w/SP-2 on 2 computers, not networked together. When I run
> > Windows Updates on either PC, sometimes I get the error "IE 7 has
> > encountered a problem and needs to close" and when i fill out an error
> > report, it sneds me back to try Windows updates. Other times, it will
> > search for available updates and only comes up with Windows Genuine
> > Advantage Validation Tool, which won't download. When I go to Download
> > History and click on the Red X nexto to a failed download, no additional
> > screen comes up to tell me how to fix it. I uninstalled IE 7 and reloaded
> > it from the MS Downlaod Center, along with the IE 7 Update. Same problem
> > exists. From the number of similar posts, could it be that MS has caused
> > these situations and if so, does anyone know the fix?
>
>

You're accessing the internet via your cellphone?

ToledoMan wrote:
> Problem Solved! It was not Microsoft's problem, it was with the settings
> Alltel had with my cell phone high-speed connection. I had opened an
> incident report with MS and they promptly responded with numerous
> suggestions, none of which were applicable, as it turned out. But, from
> their response, I got the idea to try accessing update via a dial-up
> connection and it worked. Then I contacted Alltel and they tweaked
> settings
> on my account and now Updates works with my Alltel connection. Thanks to
> all of you who helped!
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
>> 1. What Shenan said.
>>
>> 2. Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
>>
>> Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
>> log to an appropriate forum.
>>
>> Checking for/Help with Hijackware
>> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
>> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
>> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
>> http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
>> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
>> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
>> http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
>> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
>>
>> When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
>> (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use
>> (in conjunction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix
>> anything on its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
>> hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
>> http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
>> http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
>> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for
>> review by an expert in such matters, not here.**
>>
>> If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
>> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
>> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair
>> shop.
>> --
>> ~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/
>>
>> ToledoMan wrote:
>>> I have Win XP w/SP-2 on 2 computers, not networked together. When I run
>>> Windows Updates on either PC, sometimes I get the error "IE 7 has
>>> encountered a problem and needs to close" and when i fill out an error
>>> report, it sneds me back to try Windows updates. Other times, it will
>>> search for available updates and only comes up with Windows Genuine
>>> Advantage Validation Tool, which won't download. When I go to Download
>>> History and click on the Red X nexto to a failed download, no additional
>>> screen comes up to tell me how to fix it. I uninstalled IE 7 and
>>> reloaded
>>> it from the MS Downlaod Center, along with the IE 7 Update. Same
>>> problem
>>> exists. From the number of similar posts, could it be that MS has
>>> caused
>>> these situations and if so, does anyone know the fix?

Yes, I am. We live out in the country. No cable or DSL. It was either
satellite or cell phone hookup. For $25/mo, Alltel gives me 230K speed and
unlimited hours and it doesn't affect my plan minutes.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> You're accessing the internet via your cellphone?
>
> ToledoMan wrote:
> > Problem Solved! It was not Microsoft's problem, it was with the settings
> > Alltel had with my cell phone high-speed connection. I had opened an
> > incident report with MS and they promptly responded with numerous
> > suggestions, none of which were applicable, as it turned out. But, from
> > their response, I got the idea to try accessing update via a dial-up
> > connection and it worked. Then I contacted Alltel and they tweaked
> > settings
> > on my account and now Updates works with my Alltel connection. Thanks to
> > all of you who helped!
> >
> > "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
> >
> >> 1. What Shenan said.
> >>
> >> 2. Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
> >>
> >> Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your hijackthis
> >> log to an appropriate forum.
> >>
> >> Checking for/Help with Hijackware
> >> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
> >> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
> >> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
> >> http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
> >> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> >> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
> >> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
> >> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
> >> http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
> >> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
> >>
> >> When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
> >> (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to use
> >> (in conjunction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix
> >> anything on its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove any
> >> hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
> >> http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
> >> http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
> >> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for
> >> review by an expert in such matters, not here.**
> >>
> >> If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
> >> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
> >> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair
> >> shop.
> >> --
> >> ~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/
> >>
> >> ToledoMan wrote:
> >>> I have Win XP w/SP-2 on 2 computers, not networked together. When I run
> >>> Windows Updates on either PC, sometimes I get the error "IE 7 has
> >>> encountered a problem and needs to close" and when i fill out an error
> >>> report, it sneds me back to try Windows updates. Other times, it will
> >>> search for available updates and only comes up with Windows Genuine
> >>> Advantage Validation Tool, which won't download. When I go to Download
> >>> History and click on the Red X nexto to a failed download, no additional
> >>> screen comes up to tell me how to fix it. I uninstalled IE 7 and
> >>> reloaded
> >>> it from the MS Downlaod Center, along with the IE 7 Update. Same
> >>> problem
> >>> exists. From the number of similar posts, could it be that MS has
> >>> caused
> >>> these situations and if so, does anyone know the fix?
>
>

I see. Thanks.

ToledoMan wrote:
> Yes, I am. We live out in the country. No cable or DSL. It was either
> satellite or cell phone hookup. For $25/mo, Alltel gives me 230K speed
> and
> unlimited hours and it doesn't affect my plan minutes.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>
>> You're accessing the internet via your cellphone?
>>
>> ToledoMan wrote:
>>> Problem Solved! It was not Microsoft's problem, it was with the
>>> settings
>>> Alltel had with my cell phone high-speed connection. I had opened an
>>> incident report with MS and they promptly responded with numerous
>>> suggestions, none of which were applicable, as it turned out. But, from
>>> their response, I got the idea to try accessing update via a dial-up
>>> connection and it worked. Then I contacted Alltel and they tweaked
>>> settings
>>> on my account and now Updates works with my Alltel connection. Thanks
>>> to
>>> all of you who helped!
>>>
>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>>
>>>> 1. What Shenan said.
>>>>
>>>> 2. Unexplained computer behavior may be caused by deceptive software
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827315
>>>>
>>>> Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware, including posting your
>>>> hijackthis
>>>> log to an appropriate forum.
>>>>
>>>> Checking for/Help with Hijackware
>>>> http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
>>>> http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
>>>> http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=5878
>>>> http://wiki.castlecops.com/Malware_R...:_Introduction
>>>> http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
>>>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/data/prevention.htm
>>>> http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/tshoot.html
>>>> http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
>>>> http://defendingyourmachine2.blogspot.com/
>>>> http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware
>>>>
>>>> When all else fails, HijackThis v2.0.2
>>>> (http://aumha.org/downloads/hijackthis.exe) is the preferred tool to
>>>> use
>>>> (in conjunction with some other utilities). HijackThis will NOT fix
>>>> anything on its own, but it will help you to both identify and remove
>>>> any
>>>> hijackware/spyware with assistance from an expert. **Post your log to
>>>> http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachi...php?board=10.0,
>>>> http://forums.spybot.info/forumdisplay.php?f=22,
>>>> http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30, or another appropriate forum for
>>>> review by an expert in such matters, not here.**
>>>>
>>>> If the procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting
>>>> this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, reputable and
>>>> independent (i.e., not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) computer repair
>>>> shop.
>>>> --
>>>> ~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/
>>>>
>>>> ToledoMan wrote:
>>>>> I have Win XP w/SP-2 on 2 computers, not networked together. When I
>>>>> run
>>>>> Windows Updates on either PC, sometimes I get the error "IE 7 has
>>>>> encountered a problem and needs to close" and when i fill out an error
>>>>> report, it sneds me back to try Windows updates. Other times, it will
>>>>> search for available updates and only comes up with Windows Genuine
>>>>> Advantage Validation Tool, which won't download. When I go to
>>>>> Download
>>>>> History and click on the Red X nexto to a failed download, no
>>>>> additional
>>>>> screen comes up to tell me how to fix it. I uninstalled IE 7 and
>>>>> reloaded
>>>>> it from the MS Downlaod Center, along with the IE 7 Update. Same
>>>>> problem
>>>>> exists. From the number of similar posts, could it be that MS has
>>>>> caused
>>>>> these situations and if so, does anyone know the fix?

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" <PABearMVP@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:%23AzXpP3OJHA.4480@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>I see. Thanks.
>
> ToledoMan wrote:
>> Yes, I am. We live out in the country. No cable or DSL. It was
>> either
>> satellite or cell phone hookup. For $25/mo, Alltel gives me 230K speed
>> and
>> unlimited hours and it doesn't affect my plan minutes.
>>
>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>
>>> You're accessing the internet via your cellphone?

Seems to be the way the upwardly mobile new age yuppies are going here in
Aus :-)
Some of the Telco's are offering "broadband access" in their monthly
plans.
(They can even still make phone calls to other phones) :-)