Why does Windows Update keep failing, and can I fix it?

shadowboy1795 · 20 Jun 2012

OK, I've got a little problem here...

A week or two ago, I had to install an overdose of updates. In fact, about 164 in one day. And, since Saturday, for the past four days, my computer kept telling me to install the one update. In those four days, I've been constantly shutting down the computer just to install that one update. It's like I never shut down, ever. Now it says "Most recent check for updates: Today at 9:49AM, updates were installed: 2:54PM (Failed)." And, it's been doing this for the past four days. I've shut down my computer about four times today, and I don't want to do it again.

Has this happened to anyone else? How can I fix it?
Attachment 217380

DellPrabhat · 20 Jun 2012

Hi Shadowboy1795,

I am Prabhat and i work for Dell Social Media and Community Team, as i understand the issue, you are not able to install windows updates.
Firstly, go to SERVICES, go to start > control panel > services or you can go to Start > Run > then type services.msc.
Once you have the Services windows open, under all there services listed, please check if the windows installer service is running or not.
If possible attach a screenshot of the services windows with the windows installer status.

Regards,
Prabhat Pillai
| Certified Dell Community Professional |

karlsnooks · 20 Jun 2012

ShadowBoy,

How about going to Control Panel | Windows Update |
On the left-hand side, click on Change Settings.

Set you settings as shown in this snip.
Attachment 217398

click on the OK button.

This will stop that continual asking until we can get you fixed up.

Now we are going to let Microsoft try to fix your problem.

Go to this link and use the FixIt there.
How do I reset Windows Update components?
Ignore any dire warnings you get about need to choose auto update.

Let me know after that is finished.

What we are going to do is apply on some updates and not all at once.

Did you tell me why Win 7 decided so many updates needed to be installed?

shadowboy1795 · 20 Jun 2012

I tried it, but it didn't work. It's still telling me to install updates, and I don't know how many times I had to shut down the computer today.
Well, is there anything else? Thank you anyway.
Attachment 217399

karlsnooks · 20 Jun 2012

ShadowBoy.
I wish I was a mind reader. The word IT tells me nothing.

What did you try?

Be very specific. I have a simple, one-track mind.

Follow the procedure I gave. Each and every step thereof.

Report back.

karlsnooks · 20 Jun 2012

Oh yes, what caused this massive number of updates? Did I miss your answer to that question?
Your explanation may help to give us insight.

shadowboy1795 · 21 Jun 2012

What I tried is to see if the Windows Installer service was running and to start it if it wasn't.
I had to install so many updates in one day because I had recently reinstalled Windows.
Also, I used the Microsoft FixIt program, and that says that the problem was fixed. I went to Windows Update and tried to install the update again, but the next thing that happened is that the update, once again, failed.

karlsnooks · 21 Jun 2012

Which update is "the" update?

To clarify, I would like for you to carry out the procedure given in the attached .TXT file.
Attachment 217477
Include the two txt files generated by that procedure in your next post.

shadowboy1795 · 22 Jun 2012

Well, the update was a security update for Microsoft .NET framework.

I'm not familiar with PowerShell, so can anyone tell me how it works?

karlsnooks · 22 Jun 2012

The file gives you the info you need. Please download and read the file. If the instructions, which are within the file, are not clear be sure to let me know.