UNSOLVED
Cannot download windows updates
I always start by warning readers that I'm NO guru (so don't always use the best/most precise terms ;-)
It’s been awhile since I’ve last downloaded any windows updates. Still I have downloaded several times, since downloading/installing SP2. A few days ago, I decided to replace Norton with Trend Micro PC. The first problems I ran into was, I could not remove Norton through the normal, add remove/ programs route. I don’t remember the exact wording of the message, only that it said something about not being able to remove the program If I recall correctly, my next action came after I stumbled across a Norton program/removal tool (which I downloaded and ran). It seemed to remove the program (although I did find one or two things/files when I did a search for “Norton”). After “deleting them, I installed Trend Micro. Everything works fine “UNTIL” I tried to download the Windows updates.
I’ve tried several different ways to download these updates, but will start by explaining the method which I think may give the most details/clues. I went to the Microsoft website and worked my way “updates.” It said something about checking my computer to see which updates I need. After a few seconds, it tells me I need 14 updates. When I click the download button, a new window entitled “Installing Updates”, pops up. That window shows two boxes: installation status and preparing for download (although nothing ever shows up in these boxes). And, that’s the point where everything freezes up. It doesn’t matter how long I give it, it just sits there. I let it alone for a couple hours one time (and I have cable). I can’t close, shut it down, cancel, turn off/restart the computer or do anything other than cut off power, or hit alt/control/del.
Once I hit alt/ctrl/del it will come up showing downloading is in progress and CPU usage is 0 percent. It will allow me to “end now”. Then, everything is fine, unless/until the next time I try to download the windows upgrades. I have tried shutting off firewalls, shutting down virus programs, restoring to some earlier date. Nothing seems to work. My hunch is it has something to do with the Norton removal (guess it removed something it shouldn’t have). I do remember the programming warning not to use it unless you were unable to remove it through normal channels.
Any ideas?
shesagordie
12 Elder
•
46017 Posts
171
0
Posted June 13th, 2005 04:00
- laerley,
The only things that should be in the "quarantine" folder are suspect items that Trend associated with possible viruses. You could always back these up in another folder if you're worried about deleting them, and then restore them after you reinstall Trend.
But first you might want to run a virus scan, and possibly even one from an online source, Panda or Trend, to see if there might be an infection on your system. It's possibly you're looking too deeply for a possibly simple problem.
Art (flgolfnut) Thanks Bev and Art for responding.
Art, I started to completely remove the Trend micro program just to make sure it wasn’t causing the problem. However, during the removal process I was warned if I removed the program, files it had placed in the quarantine folder would be lost/removed. I looked at the files and don't have a clue as to what they may be. However, I started thinking that maybe these were files that I needed, so I backed off removing the program. However, deactivating the program doesn’t help.
The next thing I did was go to http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/troubleshoot/ (which Bev provided). One of the problems sounded exactly like what I am experiencing. Part of the recommended solution was to “re-register” the following files: regsvr32 msscript.ocx, regsvr32 dispex.dll, regsvr32 vbscript.dll, regsvr32 scrrun.dll At first, I typed in the files without any spaces and got some message saying it couldn’t find any such file (I thought..aha ;-) Next, I typed them in with a space after “32.” That time it worked, or ran, or did something (remember I’m NO guru ;-) There was another part about making sure some folder had C:\WINDOWS\System32\WScript.exe "%1" % in some application field (which it did). In any case, I still have the same problem. I.E., the windows update page will check my computer, and tell me I need 14 updates. But, when I hit the button, an “installing updates” window opens (where it will sit forever).
I now have three questions ;-): 1. should there be a space after “32”? 2. What do you think about restoring the files that Trend Micro placed in quarantine? My thinking is these files can’t be too dangerous since my computer was running fine before deleting Norton and adding Micro trend (perhaps they are needed)? 3. Any other ideas/suggestions (from anyone)?
flgolfnut
71 Posts
171
0
Posted June 13th, 2005 03:00
Have you tried uninstalling the Trend Micro before downloading the updates? You might be blaming the wrong program for the problem.
Art (flgolfnut)