Windows Update problems

I recently realized that for the past several weeks, the reason my computer was always restarting overnight was because attempts at windows updates were failing, mostly MS Office updates. I've been perusing the forums, and have tried several things to fix this, including running Slim Cleaner and Reimage. I suspect, though, that something else is wrong that is preventing updates from running.

I'm attaching screenshots of my computer specs and a partial list of the failed updates.

Any guidance on troubleshooting steps would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

 

This is just a way to rule out a problem, but have yo went to the malware forum,, just in case ?

 

As Nick T suggests, go to the Malware Removal Forum and go through Read and Run Me First. Then, post a new thread at the Malware Removal Forums.

 

The folks at the Malware Removal forum have confirmed that I do not have malware. So, I still need some guidance to get my windows updates working.

ANy advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Try the steps listed in this Microsoft Support article. I've used most of the options here with a high degree of success (in the absence of malware).

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971058

I have used the auto-fix option only once, and it worked very well for Win 7 64bit . . . but I've used the manual instructions several times with Windows 7, both 32bit and 64bit.

 

I started reading the failures from the bottom up. The first security update 2850057 is from Dec. 2013.

I suggest you try to manually install the Office updates in this manner: a) look at the dates the updates were issued b) do only security updates and only those from 2013. Next move to 2014 by month and only install Jan. security update, then Feb. updates and so on until all the security updates are installed.

If you get an error code and error message, please post what is showing.

 

Plodr:

I was about to try the manual steps that Spad suggested, from Microsoft support (Auto fix didn't work), but thought it better to try what you have suggested.

In the two attachments, you 'll see the update I selected, and its published date, and the resulting error, 80070664. This is the most common error I receive from the various failed updates.

Do you think I should go ahead and work through that extensive manual fix that has been recommended?

Thanks to all for helping me try to fix this.

cmullin

 

This person has problems installing Office 2013 updates
http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/309277-code-80070664-error.html
do what is listed in the first post on the second page.

Apparently it did not work for the poster so he/she ended up reinstalling Office 2007.

Then possibly go through and try the steps listed here
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-updates-fail-to-install

If nothing else works.

Then the next thing if update still refuses to work for Office components, unistall Office 2013 and reboot and install it again.

 

It would not hurt to run chkdsk /f or the Disk Doctor utility in Advanced System Care Free.

It's rare, but hard drive errors can sometimes cause Windows Update issues.

 

Check the 2nd screenshot in the first post. All the updates that fail to install reference Office. Other updates install successfully so he doesn't have a "Windows" update problem; he has a problem updating Office.

 

I didn't see where anyone recommended the repair option for Office.

I don't know if it would work or if this feature exists in Office 2013, but, with Office 2007 in XP, I run it by clicking on the program listing in Add/Remove and then select Change. Repair Office is one of the choices...

 

Nothing I have tried so far has fixed my windows update problem. I was going to try the extensive manual fix suggested but realize, as was pointed out, that most of the failures (maybe all) are for Windows Office 2013. Trying the repair option did not work either so I'm going to go ahead and uninstall and reinstall Office 2013.

I'll run a chkdsk first, just to be sure nothing is wrong with the hard drive, but I really think this problem is being caused either by a missing or corrupt file, or some inaccessible folder. Everything else on my system seems to be working fine.

I'll do the Office reinstall in the next day or two and report back.

Thanks everyone!

cmullin