TechMails: Windows Vista updates are available, but won't download and install

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June 5, 2009

Windows Vista updates are available, but won't download and install

Dear CNET members,

Happy Friday! This week we received a lot of helpful answers to Jason's question on why his Vista updates won't download and install on his system. And while these types of problems generally are quite difficult to troubleshoot--because of so many possible culprits--from viruses to conflicting firewall utilities, however many folks did offer up their own personal experience of what they did to help solve their issue when this similar issue came up for them. I won't go into to details about our members answer for Jason as I will leave the reading to you. However I did round up a quick laundry list of suggestions and ideas on troubleshooting submitted by our members for you to possibly clue you in on some, so here you go:

    · "Only download and install a few at a time - maybe only one at a time" -- BrianLamb

    · "Conficker had changed all the system settings so we were unable to get to the update site." --darrenforster99

    · "Turn off any after-market software firewalls, such as Symantec or McAfee. Use Windows Defender while downloading" --sretep66

    · "It could be that Windows Update has become 'confused' by a partially installed patch (it happens)." --Zouch

    · "Set up a new administrator account, download from there" --bob wearn

Lastly, several members recommended calling Microsoft support directly, and depending on your degree of 'technical troubleshooting thrill seeking ability, support maybe the best option for you and the best thing of all, it's free. But for the brave and technically savvy who want a challenge, I've listed a few of the many members' answers in the Q&A section, so give them all a read for clues and possible solution to hopefully get your updates downloading and installing soon. Thank you all for offering your time to help another member out! Take care and have a great weekend!

(Note: There will be no Community Newsletter delivery next Friday, so I will talk to you all the follow week. Thanks!)

Cheers!
- Lee

Got suggestions? Send me an e-mail: messageboards@cnet.com

Lee Koo
CNET Community manager

Last week's question

Windows Vista updates are available, but won't download and install

I was hoping someone could help me fix Windows Update. It's been months now since Windows Update on my Vista hasn't been functioning. It detects that there are updates available, but when I give the command to download, it attempts to and then say it failed. It's the same case when I tried to install the new Windows Live Messenger.

I've tried all the troubleshooting that Windows had to offer, and now I'm stranded. I'd really appreciate your assistance.

-- Submitted by: Jason R.

Featured member solutions
for last week's question:

"Windows update or automatic update? "
-- Submitted by: Zouch

"Check your services "
-- Submitted by: darrenforster99

"Free support from Microsoft... "
-- Submitted by: John.Wilkinson

"Vista update failure "
-- Submitted by: tanker12uk

"I would try a Vista Repair "
-- Submitted by: PudgyOne

Read all member contributions

Thanks to all who contributed!

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Check out next week's question:

Do computer registry cleaners really work?

I have Registry Cleaner version 4.0.1.547 that is a registered retail version which I paid $30 for. I use it fairly often and sometimes it gives me errors and I click fix and it does its cleaning. I have also downloaded the free version of RegCure and after running my paid Registry cleaner I run the RegCure Version 1.5.2 and it tells me I have 355 errors on my computer. What is up with this? The RegCure won't clean these errors unless I buy the Pro version. Is this their way of getting people to buy their product? If not, one of these programs is giving me false information. One says I have no errors, the other says I have 355 errors and I had better buy their product or my computer will crash. So who am I suppose to believe?

My questions to you members are: what do registry cleaners do exactly? Do they create more problems or solve them? Or are companies who make these utilities just out here to make a buck? Bottom line, do registry cleaners really work? And how are you to know if they are doing what they are suppose to do? Thank you!

-- Submitted by: Clem & Kay W.

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