Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Help! Windows Vista just won't install updates

May 13, 2011 6:14AM PDT
Question:

Help! Windows Vista just won't install updates


I recently purchased a used laptop with Windows Vista. Over the last
several months, I've gotten updates from Windows. The problem is installing
the updates. When I try to install, the updates fail. I have tried
several things, including following stuff on Microsoft's Web site. They
talk a lot about it being a malware problem or other security problem,
but trying all kinds of malware removers, including Malware-bytes and
even Windows Defender has not fixed the problem. Typically I have
about 19-20 updates that will not install. I tried selecting them
individually but it does not work. And every once in a while an update
will install but I don't know why. I am very frustrated and concerned
about security! I run several free security software programs: Avast,
Threatfire, Ad-Aware, Super Anti-Spyware, IObit Security 360, and
Glary Utilities with Online Armor Firewall. Am I running too many
security programs? Could that be the problem? Can someone please help
me? Thank you for your consideration. A solution that will work will
be greatly appreciated!! A former XP User, too poor to buy Windows 7.

--Submitted by: Neal C.

Vista Repair --Submitted by: Boogaloo
http://forums.cnet.com/7723-12546_102-526691-1.html

Too Much of a Good Thing --Submitted by: Flatworm
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-12546_102-5131385.html

Trouble Downloading Updates --Submitted by: rush075
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-12546_102-5131213.html

If you get a used system, you may need a fresh start!--Submitted by: dglenn-computer-graphics
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-12546_102-5131264.html

My Problem Also - Required A New Vista Disk --Submitted by: Basuto9
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-12546_102-5131193.html

Dear Neal C.... --Submitted by: JCitizen
http://forums.cnet.com/7726-12546_102-5132569.html

Thanks to all who contributed!


If you have any additional suggestion or tips that can help Neal out, click on the reply link and submit away. Please be as detailed as possible when providing a solution. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Excellent links!...
May 15, 2011 8:45AM PDT

However this didn't work for me, I had to enlist the help of Microsoft twice within a week! It didn't help the Windows Update didn't detect that I needed the next .NET version!! So much for Windows Update!

Secunia PSI notified me of the need for this and sure enough my computer FINALLY started working normally - (till the next update?)

Many of the latest problems are because recent fixes need to be installed before the latest service packs - or there are hidden .NET problems. I'm seeing this on all the tech forums. My recent experience with all of my OEM clients using Vista/Win7 are the same thing.

- Collapse -
My opinion is GO BACK TO XP!
May 14, 2011 2:54AM PDT

Vista has many problems and If I were you I would re-install XP. Many times updates fail because you already have the latest driver. I doubt your security software has anything to do with it but often running too many anti virus programs will cause conflicts. Also keep in mind that you get what you pay for. I learned to buy new the hard way. Used equipment is usually out of date as is a lot of the new stuff on the market. I finally broke down and bought my new PC piece by piece and built it myself. WARNING>, anyone doing this must make sure everything is compatible! I use the pro version of Avast on my laptop running XP. I use Zone alarm anti virus on my desktop running windows 7 pro. Both of these programs do a great job and were less than $20 bucks each. How much you put into your computer will depend on what you use it for. My equipment is essential to my running 3 businesses so I am willing to spend as much on it's perfection as I am on food and my mortgage payment. Other folks use the computer for recreation and would rather buy a six pack than pay 9.99 for decent anti virus software. That makes it hard to answer questions in this forum. I only answered yours today because I am in rare form. Good luck in the future but my recommendation remains, Quit going cheap and free and invest a little money in your PC.

- Collapse -
Help! Windows Vista just won't install updates
May 14, 2011 5:02AM PDT

Boot Vista into "Safe" mode. I bet your updates will install. If this works, then you have some software conflict that is preventing the updates from installing. I can tell you right now you have at least two antivirus programs running at the same time, Avast and Threatfire. Get rid of one of them, your choice. IObit 360 is junk, get rid of it. If after all this you still have a problem, might be time to reinstalling Vista.

- Collapse -
AMEN on iObit!!!..
May 15, 2011 8:51AM PDT

Just ask the developers of MBAM whatta bunch of crooks they are!!!(iObit) Speaking of which, MBAM one of the only malware utilities worth buying for XP clients! The real time protection doesn't work on Vista/Win7 standard accounts but the outbound IP blocking is probably still worth it!

- Collapse -
Try reinstall Vista if you have the disc
May 14, 2011 6:07AM PDT

Sometimes reinstalling the os will do the trick. Its worked for me using XP.

- Collapse -
Re-install Windows!!!
May 14, 2011 6:38AM PDT

Any time you purchase a used computer you should ALWAYS without fail re-install the operating system and re-format the drive! You have no idea what has been installed before or what may be running in the background. If it is from someone you trust then all you have to worry about is unintentionally installed malware or virus' but if it was purchased from a stranger you may have software that would intentionally steal your passwords or other information.

In addition to this Vista is nowhere near as good as Windows 7 would be so you would be doing yourself a favor no matter how you look at it!

- Collapse -
Recently past for OEMs...
May 15, 2011 8:59AM PDT

I got to tell you that you may be right - except one problem. The crapware comes back. You'd be better off using the application control to uninstall them or better yet get Revo Uninstaller for Vista 32bit/ Win7 x32/64.

Also for those of you with an advanced DVD or blu-ray, the built in MPAA and IAA notification spies will mess with you no end. Thanks to Hollywood for totally hosing Vista/Windows 7!!!

- Collapse -
You said, you purchased a used laptop.
May 16, 2011 12:55AM PDT

You need to register the product key with Microsoft in your name, if you don't have the product key, you have a problem. You can purchase a product key from microsoft buy paying for a windows Vista program. If you have to go that route, I would purchase the CD from Microsoft, for Windows 7, most people don't like Vista. Microsoft won't let people who have not registered their copy of windows to install updates, it is a protection against you using another persons copy of a windows program.

- Collapse -
Dear Neal C....
May 16, 2011 5:51AM PDT

I agree with the folks that suggest reinstalling the operating system, For some reason, Vista needs this at least once, to properly load. I've done mine 4 times, by direction of both HP and Microsoft, The 4rth time was a charm, despite the usual pun. Only problems is I don't know the model of laptop, so I can't tell you exactly how to do this. However trying the updates with a clean boot is the first order of things to do. Some folks have already giving you advice on this but I'll add one extra step - when configuring MSCONFIG be sure to go to the services tab and check the box that says [hide all Microsoft services], then you can go to the start up tab and click [disable all] before rebooting.

A clean boot will negate any security software you have running - AdWatch will be disabled but if the tray icon bothers you - you can end it by right clicking it in the systray and selecting Disable AdWatch Live!

***NOTE
: AdAware now comes with active antivirus, you cannot run two anti-virus at the same time, you will have to disable the virus part of AdWatch every time you update it, but for me it is worth it! ***

I'm not sure about Online Armor, but this clean boot has worked for some of my clients using Vista 32 bit with OnLine Armor.

***NOTE:
Online Armor is not recommended for Vista x64 so if you have that you need to go to another product. ***

I have had many problems getting things to work while Windows Defender is activated, but you would think a Windows product would not block a Windows Update; but I always disable the real time protection of Windows Defender and plain just not use it - you already have superior products running.

If this does not work and you are not running a pirated copy of Win/Vista, you can get free help from the folks at Microsoft on anything pertaining to updates, even if you have an Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) computer. I seriously recommend this if someone has not already suggested it in a post, besides me. Most seem to be .NET and/or SP1 problems so far.

Most modern laptops now are able to be factory restored using a combination of F keys or other keys mentioned in the post screens as your laptop boots. Look at your manual. If you have a built in factory partition, this is how you will do it. If not, and you don't have the disk, Microsoft may send you a disk as was related by another poster here. Most OEMs will sell you another recovery disk for a nominal fee for your particular model of laptop. I suggest going straight to the Windows Update and getting all your updates immediately after this re-installation; the Vista firewall is sufficient to protect you until you are done with that. If you don't have a router/firewall I suggest immediately getting a replacement software firewall first then the anti-virus next, and so on. Comodo is another great firewall that works with Vista x64 and I highly recommend it for that operating system. I only recommend the firewall, not any other product, Stand alone solutions are still the best way to go for an in-depth defense.

You may need a lot of RAM to run what you are using on a laptop, Vista handles many of the good security solutions very well on 64bit desktops with at least 4Gbs or RAM and a dual core quad processor, but laptops typically need some horsepower to run much of anything more than the operating system and a few applications.

- Collapse -
Look at 'time' and 'date'
May 18, 2011 1:13AM PDT

Neal,
Check out your time and date set on your computer. If they are not right then your updates won't work. Since it is a used laptop, there are many reasons they could be off and you might not even notice it. I have been caught by this more than once because you don't think about it.

Bob McLellan
Fairbury, NE

- Collapse -
Virus
May 20, 2011 10:10AM PDT

Thats your anti-virus and malware filter working ,it's telling you to pick a real OS

- Collapse -
UAC
May 20, 2011 10:28AM PDT

Hello:
I have had this same problem on my Vista machine. My final resolution was to turn off the User Account Control. After doing this my Windows Updates Installed. Remember to turn back on.
Hope this was helpful.
Chas

- Collapse -
Windows Vista Fails to Install Updates
May 20, 2011 10:36AM PDT

I had the same problem. Open your Windows Security Center; Find the User Account Control. Shut that sucker off and leave it off. It will pop up thereafter, telling you that you have security problems, but that is a false positive, just cut it off too.
Hope this will help.

- Collapse -
Windows Update
May 20, 2011 10:58AM PDT

I had the same problem with Vista. No one could give me any help to correct this problem but I worked it out for myself. I found that Windows Firewall was the culprit I temporarily disabled Windows Firewall, downloaded and installed Windows Updates then re-enabled Windows Firewall.

- Collapse -
Updates won't install.
May 20, 2011 11:00AM PDT

Neal,

- Collapse -
You should have contacted Microsoft...
May 20, 2011 1:48PM PDT

I am getting reports online and from my clients that Microsoft is replacing damaged hard drives cause by these latest bad updates! In each case it didn't matter that the PC was an Original Equipment Manufactured(OEM) PC! All of my incidents were Dells or HP. Mostly because that is what most folks buy here locally.

- Collapse -
RAM to high
May 20, 2011 11:13AM PDT

I recently had a similar problem getting a new Vista laptop to update. It had 4GB of RAM. I don't recall if it was a 32 bit or 64 bit OS. I removed one stick (2GB) of RAM and the updates ran just fine. I then reinstalled the 2GB stick of RAM and all was OK.
Good luck,
Bob

- Collapse -
can't install Windows updates
May 20, 2011 11:23AM PDT

I had what sounds like a similar problem with XP, and it began on two different computers at the same time. At one point I had accumulated 80+ updates that I could not install. I eventually stumbled onto the solution- I was using the Explorer popup blocker, and when I disabled that function I was able to install all of updates, and now I am able to routinely install weekly updates with no problem.

- Collapse -
Windows Vista will not install Updates
May 20, 2011 12:26PM PDT

Won't install them or won't download them?
If you can see the Updates needed (reccomended and optional), and they never finish downloading, try the following:
Shut Laptop Down.
Remove AC Adapter.
Remove Laptop Battery.
Wait a couple of minutes.
Reinstall Battery.
Reinstall AC Adapter.
Strart up Laptop.
Try Loading and Installing Updates.

Good Luck, it works for me when my laptop stops downloading/installing Updates. Got this solution from MSN Support, cost me $50.00 and about six hours on the phone to India.
Can not explain why, wasn't provided the technical details, something about the laptop battery retaining memory during restarts and shutdowns. Problem seems to occur when a Update is not completely installed, such as when am Update requires restarting to complete installation, and another Updated is installed before a previous Update is completely installed.
It' simple and won't cost you much to try, just a little time.

- Collapse -
Cool!
May 20, 2011 1:56PM PDT

Glad that worked for you. Various Mumbai techs have suggested this for me for different problems and more often than not, it works.

- Collapse -
Update support is free from Microsoft...
May 20, 2011 2:02PM PDT

You can pay for it, but why? I get just as good of service having them do it for free. It matters not if the PC has a retail or OEM copy of Windows on board. Happy

- Collapse -
Keep it simple...
May 20, 2011 12:32PM PDT

I've read the replys to your situation. I hope one of them worked for you and maybe I'm on the late freight.

But I didn't see any suggestions about one simple way to get your updates cleanly.

I'm a simple guy and to me reinstalling your OS is a step backwards if you haven't tried to manually install the updates yourself.

All of your update files have a unique identification which can be downloaded, saved and installed rather than having to wait on Windows update to do it for you.

Your updates could be trying to install out of certain order. Who knows, but it could be as simple as that.

If you can, try the manual method which is also a tremendous indication of which of your updates are failing.

Most of all, relax and try to keep it simple.

Cp

- Collapse -
Help! Windows Vista just won't install updates
May 20, 2011 1:24PM PDT

Neal,

I have the issue of Vista not installing updates from time to time. I have tried several things, but the very best is to key in the download reference number into browser (use Internet Explorer for this) and download it manually from the Microsoft website (bypassing automatic downloads). This has worked for me every single time I have had the issue.

Coop

- Collapse -
Ubuntu
May 20, 2011 5:49PM PDT

Hey,
If all else fails, just loose windows altogether, and install Ubuntu. I did it, and in my opinion, is so much more better then Windows.

- Collapse -
AUTOPATCHER
May 20, 2011 7:13PM PDT

1.Download Autopatcher ( v. 5.7.0 ) & unzip into a new folder ( eg. name it AP ) on a logical drive with 5 Gigabyte space min. FROM: http://www.autopatcher.com/downloads/
( This keeps a repository of patches on your HD, in .apm format ).
2. Run apup.exe - the file which downloads all the available patches for your OS ( VISTA ).
3. After this has completed, close the fetch app.
4. Navigate to the autopatcher.exe file, & run it.
5. The app. will check for integrity, & present you with a list of downloaded patches.
6. New ones not yet installed will be in black ( the installed ones in blue )
7. Select the not-yet-installed ones - leaving out those you don't specifically want installed.
8. Install them & click FINISH

9. Reboot after 30 secs
10. The system is now patched

QED

- Collapse -
Check if obtain DNS server address automatically is checked?
May 20, 2011 11:35PM PDT

Hi,
Check if "obtain DNS server address automatically" is checked.
If it is checked on "use the following server address" and you did not set that up.
Then you are affected by a virus.Check automatically should bring it back to normal.
Regards
Ching

- Collapse -
Which updates do not install
May 20, 2011 11:53PM PDT

I noticed that you there were only 19 to 20 updates that did not install. Are they all related to the same program such as Windows Mail or program group such as Microsoft Office 2003. If they are, check that the program is fully installed and setup. As an example, if Office 2003 is installed but Outlook 2003 portion has not been setup (you use another email program) updates for the junk mail filter will down load but will fail to install.

- Collapse -
Vista won't install updates
May 21, 2011 12:43AM PDT

I had a similar problem, where I continually received error code 646 and solved it by following the directions from the Microsoft site. See if your problem is the same. It took me months of searching before I found the right solution.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2258121

- Collapse -
reinstall the whole system
May 21, 2011 1:00AM PDT

From my experience, it's always the best option to reinstall the entire windows and restore it to the original state.

Christopher

Chicago limo driver

- Collapse -
Windows Vista Updates
May 21, 2011 4:58AM PDT

Hi evryone,
Because it?s a second hand laptop, the best suggestion I can do is to make a clean installing and if you can install a Windows 7 O.S, it is much better; of course, it depend on your laptop model. This kind of problems always is very hard to fix because there are a lot of factors that can cause it. Don?t waste your time any more go ahead and reinstall Windows.