Vista Microsoft Updates.

I have not used my Dell Inspiron 1525, Win Vista, Laptop for 2mths and now I find that I am unable to download Win Updates. Has Microsoft Stopped Supporting or is there somewhere else I can download updates. Thanking You. Boneyeye

 

No they haven't stopped supporting Vista and there are updates. Extended support will end in Spring 2017.
You need to try a couple of things:
1. Try the Windows Update Troubleshooter - scroll down for VISTA
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/2714434
If the above doesn't correct the problem try
2. sfc/scannow - scroll down to VISTA
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/929833
BUT do scroll down to this part after it has run:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/kb/929833#bookmark-cbs log

If neither of the above try Tweaking program BUT do follow the YouTube tutorial:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/tweaking_com_windows_repair.html

 

You could also use wsus offline update available here at MajorGeeks. Vista is under Legacy Components in the Update Generator.

 

I agree that using that tool is an option but I still think it is a better option, and should be the first option, to resolve the inbuilt OS Windows Update function. I have an old Vista desktop and it updates just fine. So the poster has a good chance of resolving that first.

NB: This is the tool if - as a last resort - it needs to be used:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/wsus_offline_update.html

 

Those of us that run Win 7 had issues with updates for that and wsus was the only thing that "kickstarted" the update process. After wsus was completed, other updates became available for Win 7. It should work for Vista as well.

 

The OP is using VISTA.
Resetting Windows Update so that it functions is the best first option, using either the troubleshooter, sfc scannow or Tweaking, in that order.
It's best practice to attempt to solve the underlying problem first.
That's my experience with Vista over the last 10 years.

 

@boneyeye I hadn't used my Vista virtual machine since April and initially today it wasn't responding to Windows Update either. However I just left it running for a few hours and when I came back to it it had updated itself. As mdonah says, Win 7 update has been a problem for many users these last few months and I suspect it's the same with Vista updates. If it still doesn't update then I would also suggest you try wsus first rather than attempting to change system settings.

 

Running either the WU Troubleshooter, or sfc/scannow doesn't involve a user attempting or even trying to attempt to make any system changes at all. Only using the Tweaking program involves any 'human' interaction.

 

Your advice is on the basis that the user's system is the most likely cause of this problem and therefore should be checked first. However there are so many users having update problems at present that to me it looks more like a server issue. Neither approach should cause any additional issues so surely it's not a big deal either way.

 

Yes it is the logical route, if they have left WU overnight for say 10 hours and it still doesn't update and their internet connection is solid.
It normally tells you if there is a server issue.

 

I too have experienced huge WU problems over many months with W7 on several computers, I don't think WSUS is necessary in most cases, I think this page has what's needed.

 

thank you all so much for answering my post but I think I am in real trouble as I have 8 events quarentined in my AVG AntiVirus. I feel that there is nothing to be done until i have cleaned and repaired the computer. Afterwards if I am referred back I hope it will be in order to do so. Again thanking everyone. Boneyeye

 

Having stuff quarantined by AVG is not necessarily serious. You should try some of the suggestions, starting with leaving Windows Update running overnight.

 

Thank You Earthling; I did try the Microsoft Links but no change.Then as I was downloading tweaking.com Windows Repair I got this warning about a virus W97M/Downloader . I was diverted off to Quarentine same. I also have Program Management Console loading onto tray beside clock. Despite repeatedly deleating it, it reapers after boot. I also got a warning about IDP Alexa. I did get my windows update but only via WSUS as discussed above. I am sure you can now see why I thought of Malware. I await your advice. Thanking you all again.

 

I think you should head over to the Malware Removal forum.
Start over here.
http://forums.majorgeeks.com/index....ide-incl-spyware-virus-trojan-hijacker.35407/

 

That is what i considered best-see post 13. When compt is acting so eratically and I am the only user it is nearly always something unusual. being an OAP I am not looking forward to it, but the good folks there have solved problems for me before. thanks again to everyone. Boneyeye