Cannot Install Windows Updates

I have Win XP Pro and the problem is I cannot install Windows Updates. I sign on as Administrator ... the updates download, but I get the error the "install was unsuccessful". I tried renaming the Edb.log file, registering the DLL files, repairing the Trusted Root Certificates Authorities and deleting the WUTemp filles. Also disabled Av and firewalls. Still cammot install.
Any suggestions???
Thanks

 

Check your BITS:

Start -> Run -> services.msc

Scroll down to Background Intelligent Transfer Service, right-click

Select Properties

Startup Type = Automatic

Service Status = Started

 

Thanks, but that was the BITS settings.

 

Have you tried downloading and running the individual updates from the desktop. Also try installing the Windows Installer 3.1 Redistributable (v2), and give the new Windows Update v6 a try.

 

That is so weird, cause I was coming to MajorGeeks to get help on that specific question. I also have that problem with the install looking fine until the last second when it states installation has failed. I will try what was stated, BUT WILL THIS LEAVE ME VULNERABLE IN ANY WAY??? Will doing what Shadow_Puter_Dude suggested affect me unfavorably in anyway? I am using XP pro sp1 at the moment.

 

I checked and I already had what was recommended but I still get a can't install message. I do have the sp2 blocker installed but I have installed other stuff successfully until a while ago when this problem has just popped up. Any one know what the heck I could do.

 

Why do you have the sp2 blocker installed? I've been using sp2 just fine for quite some time (even the release candidates were running okay)

 

Also try deleting the dowloader directory in C:/documents&setting/all users/application data/microsoft/network/.

 

Me i have the same problem what fix it was this go to internet explorer options and clean and delete everething...

Delete Cookies,delete files and offlines content and clear history.

And restart computer and before going to windows update disable your A.V
i knows this is a little touchy but try-it....

Let me knows how it goes......

 

Clark,
I did all that and more, still cannot install updates.

 

@ hatuall

By not having SP2 installed your system is VULNERABLE. The BITS is an essential service for Windows Update to work correctly. BITS has to be started and set to automatic in order for Windows Update to work correctly. This Microsoft Help & Support Article: You cannot install some updates or programs may be helpful.

 

@ Joe L

If everything to this point has failed. Reinstall SP2.

 

Did you get an error number when it fail it look like this 0x800A138F ???

 

No error numbers, just " unseccessfull install " and a list of updates not installed. (21 in all)
Also, I did reinstall SP 2.

 

Have you attempted to run sfc /scannow.

 

I know there are some vulnerabilities in sp1 but I am worried cause others have had some problems updating to sp2. Secondly, I already updated from windows 98 originally (XP was an update not a clean install) and I am not sure how this would come to. Would updating from what was originally an win98 FE to xp to xp1 to xp2 cause more system instability? I was eventually going to just wipe and start fresh but if it doesn't cause instability then goodl, and is there anything else that should prevent me from updating due to my system's condition.

 

If you update the system to SP2, you have to make sure the sytem has no spyware, viruses etc., on the system. Disable the AV and Firewall, then load SP2. As always there could be problems doing the update.

If you are going to do a clean install then you don't need to have 98 installed on the drive. Just have the 98 CD available when XP asks for it. After doing the clean install immediately update to SP2.

 

so my question remains since I got so much stuff and no immediate way to back up efficently right now, how can I dl updates (in fact can I dl updates ?) with the sp2 blocker fucnction enabled that microsoft provided for dl on their site. Is this blocker the reason I am not able to update - I can't even update to the new installer or updater, I'm not sure what it is. It just continues to state that updates failed so do I gotta update to sp2 or is it something else that's causing this very irritating problem.

 

Please....can we stick to the topic of the original post... Win XP Pro. We are getting cloudy with too many solutions for too many systems.

 

@hateuall I agree with Joe L please start a new thread for your problem, and we can work on your problem in that thread.

@ Joe L An earlier question, Have you attempted to run sfc /scannow.

 

Yes, I ran scannow, but I was prompted to insert the XP disk which I did not have. Win XP pro was factory installed. I am trying to get a disk from our IT people, but they protect them better than their own cash. They don't consider my problem high risk, and since my systems still operate fine otherwise, they put me on the infamous "to do" list. We'll see if it's high risk or not when it crashes because I did not have updates.
You know those folks, when they come it will be in force and they will do a complete fdisk and reinstall, and I'll suffer the consequences of setting up again.
I was all over the web and there is no clear solution.

 

I know all to well about dealing with the IT folks. I used to have disagreements with the IT department all the time, their solution is to format and reinstall and that is not necessary in most cases.

Your right there is no clear cut solution to your problem, but you are going to need the XP cd for SFC /SCANNOW and for doing a REPAIR INSTALL. A full clean install is the last thing you want to do.

 

I use to be apart of those "IT folks" except I was a rouge IT guy, I'd rather fix the problem and not format re-install.

also, sfc /scannow is the 2nd to the last thing you want to do.

I'd try update.microsoft.com first. If you still have problems then there are other solutions. Just try update.microsoft.com

 

I used to be you of them also, then I moved to the security side of the house. Update isn't working and so far none of the 'fixes' have worked. Any help would be appreciated.

Recap

 

Just an update...I am in the process of dealing with tech support @microsoft and so far I received three emails...each of them referring me to another higher level of support and still no answer., as expected,LOL

 

Good Luck, I would be interested in what the MS solution is when they get around to giving you a solution.

 

If MS support is not able to help, try the steps below. I know you have tried some of them (don't know which .dll's you tried) but give it a go. I would start at step 1 regardless of what you have already tried.

USUALLY WILL FIX WINDOWS UPDATE ISSUES SP1 AND SP2

1. Click Start.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Double-click Internet Options.
4. Click Delete Cookies and click OK.
5. Click Delete Files and put a checkmark in delete all offline content and click OK.
6. Click Settings, click View Objects
7. Delete all the objects in this folder. If some objects cannot be deleted, please restart the computer and try again.
8. Click the Security tab, Click Internet and click Default Level.
9. Click the Custom Level button.
10. Click Enable" for all under the title ActiveX controls and plug-ins.
11. Click Enable for all under the title Scripting.
12. Click OK.
13. Click the Privacy tab, and click Default button.
14. Click the Advanced tab, click the Restore Defaults button and then uncheck the Enable third-party browser extensions option.
15. Click OK.
16. Click Start > Run > type cmd and then click ok
17. In the command prompt type the following:

regsvr32 wuapi.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32 wucltui.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll
regsvr32 wuweb.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 softpub.dll
regsvr32 mssip32.dll

Steve

 

Thanks Steve
I tried that fix before and started at step 1 again, still no fix.
Joe

 

Check your host file to make sure there is no pointer to WUS (Windows update Servives). If there is, delete it.

1. Hold down the Windows key and press the F key. (or open up your
search through Start > Find > Files and Folders, or Start >
Search).

2. For File name, type in: HOSTS

3. Search your C drive.

Steve

 

Steve, your list should also include regsvr32 vbscript.dll

16. Click Start > Run > type cmd and then click ok
17. In the command prompt type the following:

regsvr32 wuapi.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32 wucltui.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll
regsvr32 wuweb.dll
regsvr32 jscript.dll
regsvr32 softpub.dll
regsvr32 mssip32.dll


May I also recommend:
http://aumha.org/secure.htm

reprieve

 

SOLVED!! (at least, for me)

Was working on a heavily-infested PC with more than one persistent, chronic spyware. Was down to my last unwanted scumware (paypopup), but was still having a Windows Updates issue.

Windows Updates history showed no updates since 22 May 2006. No downloads, either, even though set in My Computer / Properties for “automatic updates” …. There were several criticals waiting, but continued to get “already downloaded" and practically instant "failed to install” message on all patches from the Windows Updates website. Wouldn't even begin trying to install.

Look2Me-Destroyer fixed it for me. Besides finding and removing 8 registry keys, it also restored my Windows Certificates.

The PC I was working on is clean now, and running better than ever.

For full contents of the following Chaslang post re: Look2Me-Destroyer, please see:
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=74338